To celebrate its 40^th anniversary, Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) has teamed up with Bournemouth Brick Festival to launch a special ‘BIC in Bricks’ competition.

LEGO™ fans are invited to create their very own version of Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) using LEGO™ bricks. It could be a brick version of a live music concert, a skating session on the cool coast ice rink or even a mini BIC in bricks.

Competitors are invited to upload a picture or video of their creation onto the BIC’s Facebook competition pageby 9am on Friday 30 August 2024. All entries will be judged by the BIC team and the chosen winner will get four tickets to the Bournemouth Brick Festival, which takes place at Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) on Saturday 7 September 2024. Competition T&Cs apply – see BIC Facebook page for details.

Bournemouth Brick Festival is a LEGO™ fan event dedicated to all things brick and a great day for families, collectors, adult builders and every other kind of LEGO^TM fan with lots to see and do. Speed building competitions, large-scale displays, activities, traders and dedicated building areas are just some of the things visitors can expect to see at the event.

The BIC in Bricks competition is run and monitored by registered charity and social enterprise BH Live in partnership with Bournemouth Brick Festival.

BH Live operates Bournemouth International Centre in partnership with BCP Council.

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

“To celebrate our 40^th anniversary, this year we’ve been inviting customers to submit their favourite memories of Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) across the last four decades. We couldn’t miss out on this incredible chance to invite our visitors to recreate them in partnership with the Bournemouth Brick Festival. It’s an absolutely fantastic event and a great day out for all ages. We can’t wait to see your creations!”

A spokesperson on behalf of Bournemouth Brick Festival shared:

“After last year’s huge success, we’re delighted that the Brick Festival will return to Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) next month. Families, collectors, builders, and other LEGO fanatics can immerse themselves in a world of creativity and fun for what is set to be a day of brick-filled bliss. There are also brand-new activities taking place this year, including lightning-fast speed builds, a super mosaic-making round, a minifigure hunt, and much more. Best of luck to everyone who enters the BIC in Brick competition!”

Since opening its doors in September 1984, Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) has become an award-winning venue popular for hosting conferences, exhibitions, cultural events, entertainment and hospitality.

Welcoming more than 300,000 visitors a year, the iconic venue hosts a versatile range of music, musicals, and comedy events year-round in partnership with its in-house event teams and industry promoters.

With four main halls including a 6,200-capacity standing arena, international superstars who have played there include Gary Barlow, One Direction, Tom Jones, Dolly Parton, Barry Manilow and Bob Dylan. Other headliners over the past 40 years include performances from Diana Ross, Oasis, Girls Aloud, and Sir Elton John.

From Rum & Reggae Festivals, Oktoberfest, and Tattoo Exhibitions, there is no showcase, exhibition or theme the venue has not hosted.

Business events, conferences, and exhibitions are an integral feature of Bournemouth’s landscape too. Known for attracting high-profile clients from around the UK and Europe, the BIC is frequently attended by delegates from leading charities, professional associations, religious institutions, corporate clients, and public sector organisations.

The venue regularly accommodates major trade shows and high-profile conferences such as political parties, national union congresses and medical associations. Exhibitions are also held at the venue throughout the year and have included wedding shows, flower shows, gin festivals, gaming expos, and pop culture conventions such as Bournemouth Film & Comic Con.

Events at the venue generate millions of pounds of economic benefit for the region each year and support thousands of jobs. The impact of bringing these events to the region is felt far beyond the venue’s walls overspilling into the wider community, making a positive impact, and supporting business tourism by bringing custom to hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.