Bournemouth Pavilion's volunteer archive team is celebrating its first anniversary after a year spent uncovering, preserving and sharing the stories behind one of the South Coast's most iconic entertainment venues.

Formed in 2025, volunteers Hilary, Kelly and Chris have spent the past year uncovering, preserving and sharing the rich history of Bournemouth Pavilion ahead of the venue's centenary celebrations in 2029. Through historical research, community engagement and the growth of the archive’s collection, they have shone a spotlight on the people, performances and moments that have shaped the venue over the decades.

Alongside preserving artefacts and memories, the team has begun working with local organisations including Bournemouth Library and the Bournemouth Echo to uncover new information about the building's history. Their research has also supported a series of heritage stories exploring Bournemouth Pavilion's fascinating past, from the venue's construction and development, to the story of when Barnum's circus came to Bournemouth, and the theatre's long-standing pantomime tradition.

Among the archive's most notable additions are treasured programme collections donated by lifelong theatregoers, historic autograph books and memorabilia linked to some of the biggest names in British entertainment, including Bruce Forsyth, The Beverley Sisters and Paul Daniels. These are all thanks to local patrons, including Adrian Zakrzewski, Nigel Cox, and Nigel Rumbelow.

Earlier this year, the volunteers also shared their knowledge with visitors as tour guides during Dorset Architectural Heritage Week, offering unique insight into the history of the Grade II listed venue and helping bring Bournemouth Pavilion's past to life for new audiences.

The archive and its volunteers are led by Christian Knighton, who has worked at Bournemouth Pavilion for more than 50 years, joining the theatre as a stagehand in 1975.

Christian said;

"I’m incredibly proud of what the archive team has achieved in our first year. Every programme, photograph, ticket stub and piece of memorabilia we’ve received has helped tell the story of Bournemouth Pavilion and the generations of people who have visited, performed and worked here.

"We've also been fortunate to receive support from organisations including Bournemouth Library, whose staff have been incredibly helpful in assisting our research. There are still many stories waiting to be discovered, and we're excited to continue uncovering them."

As the archive enters its second year, the team is appealing to the public for help filling gaps in its collection, particularly from the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s and 2010s, ahead of the venue’s centenary in 2029.

The volunteers are keen to hear from anyone with Bournemouth Pavilion programmes, ticket stubs, photographs, posters, souvenirs or other memorabilia that could help preserve the venue's entertainment history for future generations.

Every donated artefact adds to the story of a building that has entertained generations and continues to inspire pride in Bournemouth today.

Anyone wishing to contribute memorabilia or artefacts to the Pavilion Archive is encouraged to get in touch with the team at pavilion.archive@bhlive.org.uk.

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

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

"The dedication and enthusiasm of our archive volunteers has been remarkable. As we look ahead to Bournemouth Pavilion's centenary in 2029, their work will play an increasingly important role in ensuring the stories, memories and achievements that have shaped this iconic venue are preserved and shared for years to come."

Councillor Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Culture at BCP Council, said:

"Bournemouth Pavilion is one of our most treasured cultural landmarks, and the work being carried out by the archive volunteers is helping to ensure its rich history is preserved for future generations. As the venue approaches its centenary, we're delighted to support efforts to celebrate the people, performances and stories that have made the Pavilion such an important part of Bournemouth's heritage."

For more information about Bournemouth Pavilion, visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.