This year Bournemouth celebrates its 200^th Birthday. The celebrations kicked off on New Year’s Day with the ‘Bicentenary Launch’ in the Lower Gardens around the bandstand and will continue all through the year until December 2010.  Events are planned to suit every taste and to reflect the amazing diversity that makes up the exciting town of Bournemouth.

This is a unique opportunity for people of all ages and communities to get involved, to showcase their activities and to be part of a wonderful year, celebrating Bournemouth’s distinguished past, reflecting its vibrant present and its exciting future.

The calendar of events is growing daily, with Chinese Lanterns celebrations, a Mary Shelley weekend and the schools’ ‘Smugglers’ event.  In addition there are various sporting spectaculars, dance, music, and historical festivities, as well as literary, food and flower festivals.

The Queens Hotel and Spa has partnered with the Senior Citizens Information Service to host a Tea Party because let’s face it, who doesn’t like a traditional cup of English tea? If you fancy taking a step back in time and enjoying one of the British’s favourite pastimes, don’t miss out on the Victorian Tea Party for Senior Citizens.

Join us in our glamorous Purbeck Suite with the ‘Senior Citizens Information Service’ for an afternoon tea party from 2.30pm to 4.30pmon 13^th May. There will be traditional tea and cakes, music and songs by Mike Sideaway, great prizes and a raffle in support of the Mayor of Bournemouth’s charities who will be there to show his support. To book, or for further information please contact Julie Dugan on 01202 428 888 or go to www.scis-uk.com for further information. Tickets are £10 a head.

If you are planning your holidays in Bournemouth this year, check out the calendar and choose your dates to ensure your visits make the most of the events on offer to interest and inspire you. http://www.bournemouth2010.org.uk