BH Live

About BH Live

BH Live is a leading operator of leisure and event venues - a registered charity and social enterprise.

Formed in 2010 and governed by an independent board of trustees, our main priority is to actively improve community health and wellbeing. This is achieved by delivering a diverse programme of cultural entertainment and events and providing opportunities for people to participate in physical activity and sport – a unique blend of public services for a registered charity.

Our vision is to create sustainable and inspiring opportunities, deliver great experiences for our communities, and improve health and well-being.

Our organisational and charitable purpose are to generate:

• More participation - through the provision of leisure facilities to encourage active communities, improved health, and well-being
• Higher audiences - through the provision of a diverse range of cultural and artistic events that appeal to a wide audience
• Greater economic and social benefit - through hosting major conferences, exhibitions, and events for the benefit of the local, regional, and international economies and people

We work with local authorities, other charitable trusts, healthcare providers, private businesses, professional bodies, educational establishments and thought leaders to deliver fantastic services at the leisure centres and venues we operate across Portsmouth, Croydon, and BCP (Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch).

Over the past 15 years, we’ve invested more than £20 million to enhance leisure centre and venue facilities. Gyms, swimming pools, spa facilities, football pitches and exercise studios have been refurbished and new attractions launched to activate young people. Cafés, restaurants and bars have opened to better serve the needs of the community and visitors. Every penny of surplus made is reinvested into running and improving the venues, centres and services for public benefit.

We encourage individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to improve their mental and physical health through a diverse range of health and wellbeing initiatives, activity programmes, and enhanced sport and leisure facilities. We are actively increasing community participation in physical activity, generating millions of pounds in social value by reducing pressures on local and national health services.

We additionally offer a diverse cultural and business event programme, welcoming hundreds of thousands of people to live shows, including musicals, pantomime, pop, rock, and classical performances, trade shows, graduations, festivals, conferences, exhibitions, and much more. Working with event organisers, we deliver major events for big clients, including political parties, national union congresses, and medical associations.

A recognised and celebrated leisure and event venue operator, BH Live has been commended for meeting challenging industry standards from leading bodies such as UK Active, Quest and Green Mark for their commitment to delivering quality services. In addition, BH Live won the 2025 ‘Leisure Business of the Year’ award at The News’ Business Excellence Awards.

As well as welcoming more than five million visits a year into venues and leisure centres, BH Live’s reach supports local and national industries too. A major employer in the leisure and events industry, more than 1,500 people currently work for BH Live. Roles include sports and health professionals; teachers and coaches; theatre operators and entertainment specialists; chefs, baristas and hospitality servers; customer service and ticketing assistants; event organisers; technicians, and much more. Because cultural events, entertainment, conferences, and exhibitions bring people into the region, this activity also supports thousands of jobs in other sectors such as accommodation, retail and transport.

Furthermore, the charity supports other charitable initiatives and community groups too. Thanks to the support of its colleagues, customers, and visitors, BH Live has helped fundraising efforts for several local and national charities including Variety the Children's Charity; Julia’s House Children’s Hospices; Naomi House & Jacksplace; Macmillan Cancer Support; Children In Need; Comic Relief, and many more.