This August, expect a sprinkle of fairy-tale magic in Bournemouth as excitement builds for this year’s spectacular Cinderella Pantomime at Bournemouth Pavilion.

From Monday 4 - Sunday 31 August 2025, families (and fairy godmothers alike) are invited to take part in a magical picture trail across the town for a chance to win a family ticket for four people to this year’s fabulous, festive pantomime – Cinderella.

Three dazzling poster pairs will be hidden around Bournemouth town centre, each featuring iconic Cinderella imagery – The Fabulous Sisters, a pair of glass slippers, and a pumpkin and carriage.

Armed with clues, families are encouraged to explore local landmarks, snap photos of each matched pair, and enter the online prize draw – it’s really that simple! What better way to get out and about in the summer holidays and with the chance to win a festive treat for the family (*T&Cs apply).

To get started, just follow the clues…

Pair 1: The Sisters
Sister 1 – Near Wagamama, take a look around – there’s a tricky stepsister to be found.
Sister 2 – By the Pavilion’s big front door, one of the sisters is waiting for more.

Pair 2: Glass slippers
Slipper 1 – The BIC holds a sparkly prize – find the slipper where stairs rise!
Slipper 2 – Across from the hotel, on Bath Hill so steep, a glass slipper lies – take a little peep.

Pair 3: Pumpkin & carriage
Carriage – Her magical ride is parked near the shore, where buses stop and music crowds roar!
Pumpkin – Near the theatre, where cars all go, the pumpkin waits, now off you go!

Full panto picture trail details can be found at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/cinderella-match.

Don’t forget to cool down and relax with a delicious selection of snacks and refreshments at Bournemouth Pavilion’s South Terrace. Overlooking Bournemouth Gardens close to Bournemouth’s busy seafront, the South Terrace (overlooking pier approach and the lower gardens) has outdoor bench seating and is open seven days a week. There are ice creams, slush puppies, hot and cold drinks including a fully licensed bar serving soft drinks, spirits, cocktails, beers, and ciders. Hot food includes stone-baked pizzas, hand-battered fish and chips, burgers and hot dogs.

The Terrace Bistro at Bournemouth Pavilion has relaunched too with a brand-new summer menu incorporating local ingredients. There are fresh salads, platter sharers, sides, burgers, kids’ meals, and more. Relaxed indoor or outdoor seating overlooking the gardens, makes the Bistro a great spot to eat, drink and relax.

Both venues are open from 12pm every day until September. Opening hours are weather-dependent and may change.

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

On behalf of BH Live, Steve Turner, Director of Venues, shared;

“We’re thrilled to bring a touch of magic to Bournemouth this summer with our panto poster trail. It’s a fun, free activity for families to get ready and excited for panto and gives participants the chance to explore our beautiful town in a brand-new way. We can’t wait to welcome audiences back to the Bournemouth Pavilion this December for what promises to be a truly spectacular show!”

Cinderella takes the stage at Bournemouth Pavilion from Saturday 6 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026, bringing sparkle, laughter, and wonder for all ages. This year’s star-studded cast includes, Melanie Walters (Gavin & Stacey) as the Fairy Godmother, Olivia Birchenough (Channel 5’s Milkshake!) as Cinderella, and Noel Brodie, back for his 11^th year of pantomime as Buttons.

How to enter:
Follow the trail, find the three poster pairs, and upload your photos at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/Cinderella-match before 11:59pm on Sunday 31 August 2025 (*T&Cs apply). One lucky winner will be selected at random and notified via email.

The show will also include relaxed and captioned performances and dedicated school shows. For more information on tickets, concessions and showtimes, visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk. For group bookings, contact groupsales@bhlive.org.uk.

Photo credit: James McPherson