O2 Academy Bournemouth, Bournemouth

The O2 Academy Bournemouth is a live entertainment destination within a Grade-II listed structure. Originally inaugurated as the Grand Pavilion Theatre in 1895, it underwent several name changes over the years, evolving from the Boscombe Grand Theatre to the Boscombe Hippodrome and eventually, The Royal Ballrooms.

During the 1960s and early 70s, it transitioned into a music venue, drawing renowned acts like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and David Bowie. Subsequently, it transformed into Tiffany's discotheque in December 1972, later rebranded as the Academy Nightclub in 1982, renowned for pioneering features like water-cooled lasers and the UK's first Karaoke bar.

The venue's evolution continued with the rise of rave culture in the 1990s, leading to its renaming as the Opera House nightclub in 1997, where iconic dance nights like Slinky gained prominence. Renowned for hosting global electronic music sensations, it remained a staple of Bournemouth's nightlife until its closure for refurbishment in 2006.

Reopened as the O2 Academy Bournemouth in 2007, the venue continues to uphold its legacy as a premier entertainment spot, offering a diverse range of live music events and other gatherings.