Bournemouth Carnival Week, originally known as Bournemouth Regatta Week, has been running since the late 1800s. Activities take place on the beach, in the Pier precinct and the Pleasure Gardens, with contests and competitions for all.

The annual Bournemouth International Triathlon is not for the faint-hearted. This seriously sporty event at Bournemouth's Peir Approach comprises a 1500m sea swim, 40K bike ride and a 10K run.

Bournemouth's Gay Pride Festival takes the town over for three days in July. There's special tribute acts, parade through Bournemouth's streets, family activities, live shows and an outdoor street party in the Triangle with entertainment and an outdoor bar.

Scores of red-capped swimmers take to the sea each summer to swim the 1.4 miles between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers. Arranged by the British Heart Foundation, participants must register beforehand, and there's an early swim for youngsters too.

During the BSO Fireworks Proms, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra delivers a series of performances in various venues. Visitors are invited to enjoy the concerts while picknicking under the stars, and the event concludes with a rousing fireworks display.

Begun in 2009, the Bournemouth Air Festival is already regarded as the largest event of its kind. Taking place over the bay between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers, it features spectacular air displays and plenty of free family entertainment.

The Bournemouth Balloon - a tethered helium balloon - rises 500 feet above the town. It offers panoramic views over the golden coastline of Poole Harbour, the Isle of Wight and the rolling greenery of the New Forest to the north.

The Bournemouth Firework Display at Littledown Centre includes the family display, suitable for younger children, a rainbow display, the loud-banging white knuckle display, and an indoor family zone with a free kids disco.

Bournemouth Square kicks off the festive season with the annual "Christmas Switch On" of lights in the town centre. Entertainment is provided by Heart FM and the occasion marks the official start of the town's Christmas shopping season.

The Bournemouth Christmas Market sees a continental Christmas strike the Dorset coast, with a Germanic mix of stands and food outlets. Bournemouth Square is transformed into a winter wonderland with a host of activities.

Featuring Latin and ballroom dancing, the UK Dance Open Championships take place at the Bournemouth International Centre. Fans and dance novices alike should expect professional- and amateur-standard competitions, including the Rising Star contest.

Drawing 10,000 spectators every year, the Rallye Sunseeker sees cars hurtle through the streets of Bournemouth along a seafront course. The best vantage point is at Pier Approach, but packages bundling food and tickets to the Motorfair are also available.

The annual Bournemouth Bay Run is Dorset's premier half marathon (13 miles/20.8km). The race attracts over 1000 competitors each year, starting and finishing on the seafront. This is the perfect chance to motivate yourself, family and friends to get fit.

Bournemouth Carnival Week, originally known as Bournemouth Regatta Week, has been running since the late 1800s. Activities take place on the beach, in the Pier precinct and the Pleasure Gardens, with contests and competitions for all.

The annual Bournemouth International Triathlon is not for the faint-hearted. This seriously sporty event at Bournemouth's Peir Approach comprises a 1500m sea swim, 40K bike ride and a 10K run.

Bournemouth's Gay Pride Festival takes the town over for three days in July. There's special tribute acts, parade through Bournemouth's streets, family activities, live shows and an outdoor street party in the Triangle with entertainment and an outdoor bar.

Scores of red-capped swimmers take to the sea each summer to swim the 1.4 miles between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers. Arranged by the British Heart Foundation, participants must register beforehand, and there's an early swim for youngsters too.

During the BSO Fireworks Proms, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra delivers a series of performances in various venues. Visitors are invited to enjoy the concerts while picknicking under the stars, and the event concludes with a rousing fireworks display.

Begun in 2009, the Bournemouth Air Festival is already regarded as the largest event of its kind. Taking place over the bay between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers, it features spectacular air displays and plenty of free family entertainment.

The Bournemouth Balloon - a tethered helium balloon - rises 500 feet above the town. It offers panoramic views over the golden coastline of Poole Harbour, the Isle of Wight and the rolling greenery of the New Forest to the north.

The Bournemouth Firework Display at Littledown Centre includes the family display, suitable for younger children, a rainbow display, the loud-banging white knuckle display, and an indoor family zone with a free kids disco.

Bournemouth Square kicks off the festive season with the annual "Christmas Switch On" of lights in the town centre. Entertainment is provided by Heart FM and the occasion marks the official start of the town's Christmas shopping season.

The Bournemouth Christmas Market sees a continental Christmas strike the Dorset coast, with a Germanic mix of stands and food outlets. Bournemouth Square is transformed into a winter wonderland with a host of activities.

Featuring Latin and ballroom dancing, the UK Dance Open Championships take place at the Bournemouth International Centre. Fans and dance novices alike should expect professional- and amateur-standard competitions, including the Rising Star contest.

Drawing 10,000 spectators every year, the Rallye Sunseeker sees cars hurtle through the streets of Bournemouth along a seafront course. The best vantage point is at Pier Approach, but packages bundling food and tickets to the Motorfair are also available.

The annual Bournemouth Bay Run is Dorset's premier half marathon (13 miles/20.8km). The race attracts over 1000 competitors each year, starting and finishing on the seafront. This is the perfect chance to motivate yourself, family and friends to get fit.

The Bournemouth Balloon - a tethered helium balloon - rises 500 feet above the town. It offers panoramic views over the golden coastline of Poole Harbour, the Isle of Wight and the rolling greenery of the New Forest to the north.