The Bournemouth One News Centre

All the news you need for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole with travel information and national headlines.

• Christmas Tree Festival returns to Highcliffe

  Highcliffe Castle's Christmas Tree Festival returns once again next month, filling the historic building with decorated trees from local groups. Families will be able to explore a festive story trail and view the new art exhibition by the Hengist Group of Artists. The castle is also collecting donations for local food banks and offering a small shop discount in return. Organisers say volunteers and staff have worked hard to bring the event back, and councillors highlight its value in supporting the community. The festival runs from early December until just before Christmas.

• Bournemouth Airport reports record summer

  Bournemouth Airport has recorded its busiest summer on record after more than one million passengers travelled through the terminal between April and October. The rise has been driven by the launch of Jet Two services, which added sixteen routes and a major new base for the region. The airport has completed several upgrades including a new arrivals hall, expanded car parking and improved baggage facilities. Its managing director says this marks a turning point with more growth expected next year. Planning approval in principle has also been secured for further terminal expansion.

• Student news site wins award for AI feature

  A Bournemouth student news website has won a national journalism training award for its special feature on artificial intelligence. The Breaker, run by multimedia journalism students at Bournemouth University, was named Best Newsday Website at the Broadcast Journalism Training Council awards in London. Students say the project helped them build confidence and work as a close team while reporting on how AI is reshaping daily life. The team has now won the award several times in recent years, highlighting continued success for the university’s journalism courses.

• MP invites residents to shape 2026 plan

  Jessica Toale is meeting residents across Bournemouth West to check whether her five priorities still reflect what matters most. She is holding events in every ward from late November to December, starting today in Kinson. She says the sessions are a chance for people to explain what is working and what needs to change. Residents can register online to receive venue details.

• Review requested after ice rink uncertainty

  A review has been requested after biodiversity rules created uncertainty for Bournemouth’s Christmas ice rink in the Lower Gardens. A cherry tree removed earlier in the year triggered strict national requirements, leaving planning officers advising refusal despite the event already being open. Councillors said the process had been confusing and want it examined to avoid similar issues next year. A final decision is expected by the eighteenth of December.