Thousands regularly staying active thanks to BH Live

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BH Live, registered charity and operator of 12 leisure BH Live Active leisure centres, sports facilities and attractions across Dorset and Hampshire, is celebrating another year of encouraging communities of all ages and abilities to improve health and wellbeing through regular activity.

As a social enterprise, any surplus funds generated by events is then reinvested for public benefit.

Communities access activities either through membership or pay-as-you-go, with several free-to-attend open weekends and taster days held across leisure centres throughout the year. Subsidised schemes are available to support people on low income to help reduce any barriers to participation.

It is estimated that between April 2023 and March 2024, more than £21m in social value has been achieved, a measure of sport and leisure facilities’ impact on the community.

During 2023/24, BH Live focused on expanding its facilities and activity programme which included the now completed junior activity programme. Partnerships with local authorities, clubs and community groups expanded to make sport and leisure activities even more accessible for all.

More than 6,700 people of all ages and abilities across Portsmouth, Bournemouth and East Dorset took part in swimming lessons – around 500 hours of swimming lessons were delivered by Swimming Academy instructors each week.

In addition, more than £1.1m has been ploughed into leisure centres to improve local facilities. This included a major gym and studio renovations. In Portsmouth, a further £120K was invested at Portsmouth Tennis Centre, Mountbatten Leisure Centre and Portsmouth Gymnastics Centre.

BH Live also celebrated half a million attendances to cultural performances, shows and entertainment events between April 2023 and March 2024, at venues across Bournemouth and Croydon.

Musical events such as rock, pop and classical performances made up more than a third of the venues’ entire cultural programme. Bournemouth Pavilion and Fairfield Halls’ annual festive pantomimes continued to be a firm favourite, last year attracting more than 44,000 people of all ages.

This year BH Live also marked two major venue milestones – the 40th anniversary of Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) and the 95th anniversary of Bournemouth Pavilion. A free-to-attend community open day at Bournemouth Pavilion attracted more than 500 visitors, and more than 168,000 people attended the performances at the theatre over the year.

Jason Perry, executive mayor of Croydon, said: “With the festive season lighting up our borough, it’s great to reflect on the many performances and theatrical events enjoyed at Fairfield Halls this year. We look forward to hosting more cultural and musical events for all in 2025.”

Rob Cunningham, director of leisure and business development, said: “This year, we have made a positive impact on thousands of lives across Dorset and Hampshire. It’s fantastic to see that our continued investment into leisure facilities, activity programmes, junior attractions, and local partnerships are encouraging more people in our communities to stay active – one of our main charitable aims.”

Cllr Lee Hunt, cabinet member for community safety, leisure & sport at Portsmouth City Council, commented: “We have an excellent partnership with BH Live and they have achieved a huge amount this year. The schemes they provide are varied and innovative, with specialist programmes catering to a vast range of people. We’re looking forward to seeing what exciting developments our partnership will bring next year.”

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