Oceanarium Conservation Talk

Oceanarium Bournemouth is running a free conservation talk at Meyrick Park on Sunday 12 July, as part of the Bourne Free Pride Festival. It's a look at the Oceanarium's global programmes and environmental work, and because it's free, it's an easy one to drop into if you're already around the park that day.

The talk falls on the Sunday of Bourne Free, which is Bournemouth's biggest LGBTQ+ Pride festival. This year, the whole thing has moved from the town centre to Meyrick Park to make room for more stalls, bars and entertainment. It runs from Friday 10 July to Sunday 12 July, with the Sunday being the Family Day — a relaxed, inclusive day of community spirit and family-friendly performances. The Oceanarium talk fits right into that, sitting alongside a Sunday line-up that includes Inclusive Church, Big Little George, Redwood, BMIT, Sheila Tackya, Sing People Sing and Jess Clews performing as Chappell Roan. Over on the Community Stage, there's Teddy Talks.

Bourne Free started back in 2004 as a response to a far-right group planning to preach against homosexuality in town. What began as a protective gathering in the Lower Gardens grew into an annual charity event, officially named the Bourne Free Pride Festival in 2006. It's run by a committee of trustees and volunteers from the LGBTQ+ community across Bournemouth and Dorset, and it's always worked to the motto 'Educate, don't discriminate.'

The 2026 edition is a three-day affair: a new Friday night format for adults, Dorset's longest Pride Parade on Saturday, and the Family Day on Sunday. The Oceanarium talk is part of that Sunday programme, so if you're spending the day in the park with the rest of the line-up, it's a good addition to the mix. The talk is free, and the whole festival runs from Friday 10 July through to Sunday 12 July at Meyrick Park, BH2 6LJ.