Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Kristel Herrera will give Bournemouth a first taste of the magic awaiting pantomime audiences this Christmas when she performs live at the town’s festive celebrations.

Kristel, who makes her debut as Princess Jasmine in Bournemouth Pavilion’s spectacular 2026 pantomime Aladdin, will appear at 4.30pm on Saturday 14 November in Bournemouth Town Square, outside Patch, as part of Christmas in Bournemouth.

Her special appearance brings the excitement of Bournemouth Pavilion’s festive pantomime into the heart of town, ahead of a production packed with spectacular sets, stunning costumes, laugh-out-loud comedy and chart-topping songs.

Kristel Herrera said:

"I am so excited to be joining Bournemouth’s Christmas celebrations! It's going to be a wonderful afternoon in the Town Square, and I can't wait to perform for everyone and share in the holiday excitement ahead of a truly magical adventure in Aladdin this Christmas."

Running from Saturday 5 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, this year's Pavilion pantomime Aladdin promises a thrilling carpet ride adventure, larger-than-life characters and magical surprises, bringing one of Bournemouth’s most cherished family festive traditions back to Bournemouth Pavilion’s stage.

With Kristel stepping into the role of Princess Jasmine, audiences can look forward to soaring musical moments alongside the comedy, audience participation and festive spectacle that make a trip to the pantomime such a special part of Christmas.

Bournemouth Pavilion is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live.

On behalf of BH Live, Nicola Coney, Entertainments and Events Manager, said;

“Christmas in Bournemouth is a lovely opportunity for families and friends to come together and enjoy some festive fun. We’re delighted that Kristel Herrera, who plays Princess Jasmine in this year’s Aladdin pantomime, will be joining the celebrations and spreading some Christmas cheer.

“Her performance will give families a little taste of the music, magic and adventure to look forward to when Aladdin opens at Bournemouth Pavilion this Christmas.”

Christmas in Bournemouth is Seventa Events’ largest Christmas Market, transforming Bournemouth’s busy high street and gardens into a Winter Wonderland. Opening from Thursday 12 November 2026-Sunday 3 January 2027, there’s lots of festive activities for visitors and families to see and do*. Find out more at www.christmasinbournemouth.co.uk.

Simon Brooks, Managing Director of Seventa Events, said;

“We’re delighted to be welcoming Kristel to Christmas in Bournemouth as part of our opening weekend celebrations. It’s a fantastic way to kick off the festive season, and we're really pleased to be working with BH Live to bring even more Christmas magic to the heart of the town.

Christmas in Bournemouth is all about bringing people together, and with so much to see and do across the Christmas Market and Festive Trail this year, we can't wait to welcome families, friends and visitors to enjoy everything Bournemouth has to offer this Christmas.”

The production comes from UK Productions Ltd, one of the UK’s leading pantomime producers.

On behalf of UK Productions, Producer Martin Dodd said;

“Kristel’s appearance at Christmas in Bournemouth is a wonderful way to begin the adventure, and we can’t wait for audiences to see her shine as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin. We’re bringing spectacular sets, stunning costumes, fabulous music and laugh-out-loud comedy to Bournemouth Pavilion, with all the magic and larger-than-life spectacle this much-loved story deserves.

“For generations, families have made Bournemouth’s pantomime part of their Christmas. Children who once watched wide-eyed from their seats now bring children and grandchildren of their own, sharing the excitement of a tradition that means so much to so many. This Christmas, we’re inviting everyone to join them - whether it’s your first pantomime or the family outing you look forward to every year.

“We want audiences laughing together, singing together and swept up in the adventure from the moment the curtain rises. Above all, we want them to leave with memories they’ll treasure long after Christmas. That’s what drives us to make every production special, and we’re pouring that passion into Aladdin.”

Tickets are on sale now at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.

This year’s booking highlights include:

• Performances from Saturday 5 December 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027
• Accessible captioned performance on Monday 21 December 2026 – open to all
• A relaxed performance on Wednesday 30 December 2026, open to everyone and great for those who prefer a gentler panto experience – view our online
  Relaxed Panto Performance Guide.
• Ice creams for school groups of 50+ plus a limited number of funded tickets for pupils on low income, thanks to the generosity of previous panto audiences (T&Cs apply).
• Group rates available (6+, 20+, 50+) (T&Cs apply).
• School and young people’s concessions for under 16s on selected performances (T&Cs apply) – Saturday 5 December (7pm), Sunday 6 December (3pm), Tuesday 8 December (10:30am), Wednesday 9 December (10:30am), Sunday 13 December (3pm), Monday 14 December (10:30am), Tuesday 15 December (10:30am), and Wednesday 16 December 2025.
• School performances available

For group bookings or school visits (including subsidised tickets for eligible schools) contact: [email protected]

More information about Bournemouth Pavilion can be found online at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.

More information about UK Productions Ltd can be found online at ukproductions.co.uk.

Notes to Editors:

Bournemouth Pavilion is operated by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.

*About Christmas In Bournemouth
Christmas in Bournemouth returns from Thursday 12 November 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027, transforming Bournemouth Town Square and the Lower Gardens into a festive wonderland filled with Christmas magic.

Visitors can explore the traditional Christmas Market with more than 40 traders, enjoy festive food and drinks at the two storey Alpine Lodge and discover a whole host of family attractions throughout the Festive Trail.

From Storytime with Santa in his very own workshop and the enchanting Christmas Tree Maze to 18 holes of festive Glow Golf, Santa's Express, spectacular light displays and plenty of live entertainment, there's something for everyone to enjoy. The celebrations also include SKATE Bournemouth, home to the UK's longest outdoor ice rink.

With free entry to the Christmas Market and Festive Trail, Bournemouth is set for another magical festive season, bringing the town centre and Lower Gardens to life throughout November and December.