Harlem Globetrotters bring The 100 Year Tour to the BIC

If you have a basketball fan in the house, it is worth keeping an eye on the Bournemouth International Centre's calendar, because the Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their world-famous mix of sport and comedy to the BIC as part of 'The 100 Year Tour'. The show is billed as a family-friendly evening that swaps the usual summer beach plans for something a bit more theatrical, and it is the kind of thing that tends to land well with all ages, from young children to grandparents.

For anyone who has never seen them in the flesh, the Globetrotters are not your usual basketball team. They have built their name on a blend of genuine skill and comedy, and the current squad holds more than 60 Guinness World Records, which gives you a sense of the level of showmanship on offer. The 100 Year Tour adds a bit of history to the mix: the team will be debuting new 100 Year jerseys that honour a century of global impact, and they will be facing off against their longtime rivals, the Washington Generals, in the usual back-and-forth that makes their games so watchable.

It is worth knowing what you are signing up for before you book. This is a show as much as a game, with the comedy and the tricks taking as much centre stage as the basketball itself, so it is less about a competitive result and more about the spectacle. The 100 Year jerseys are a nice touch for the occasion, and the rivalry with the Washington Generals is the thread that ties the whole thing together. If you are taking younger children, it is the sort of event that keeps them engaged without needing to explain the rules of the game, which is half the battle with a family night out.

One practical note to be aware of: there is a warning that strobing effects will be used during the light shows within the game, so if anyone in your group is sensitive to flashing lights, it is worth factoring that in before you commit. It is a small detail, but the kind that can make a difference to how the evening goes down.

The venue itself is a familiar one. The Bournemouth International Centre, or the BIC for short, sits on Exeter Road in Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5BH, and it has been a fixture of the town's entertainment scene for decades. It was built between 1982 and 1984 and officially opened its doors on 6 September 1984, and it is run by BH Live, a registered charity and social enterprise, which is a nice bit of background for a venue that takes in so many different shows over the course of a year.

Whether you are a basketball fan or just looking for something different to do with the family, a night of the Globetrotters is hard to argue with. It is a bit of something for everyone, and with the 100 Year Tour framing it, it feels like a bit more than just another stop on the circuit. Keep an eye on the BIC's listings for tickets and any further updates as the date gets closer, and it should make for a memorable evening out.