Steve Backshall’s Deadly Live! is a family wildlife show performed at the Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) on 30 October 2026. The Steve Backshall Deadly Live event brings Backshall’s passion for animals and nature from his television work directly to the stage, offering an engaging and educational experience suitable for children and adults. This page covers what the event entails, how to plan your visit, where to watch from, and what to combine with your trip to Bournemouth.
What Steve Backshall Deadly Live involves
Deadly Live! is a live wildlife presentation hosted by Steve Backshall, known for his BBC natural history programmes such as Deadly 60. The show features a mix of storytelling, live demonstrations, and close-up encounters with real animals or carefully crafted props to illustrate fascinating facts about some of the world’s most extraordinary creatures. Backshall’s expertise and enthusiasm create an immersive experience that educates and entertains.
The show is designed to be family-friendly, with content pitched at children aged around 6 to 12 but enjoyable for all ages. It combines humour, drama, and interactive elements to keep the audience engaged throughout. The running time typically lasts about 90 minutes, including a short interval. The venue confirms the exact schedule closer to the date.
Deadly Live! covers a variety of species, including reptiles, amphibians, insects, and mammals, highlighting their adaptations, behaviours, and the challenges they face in the wild. The show also emphasises conservation messages, encouraging young viewers to appreciate and protect the natural world.
The presenter and his wildlife credentials
Steve Backshall is a naturalist, adventurer, and television presenter with over two decades of experience in wildlife broadcasting. He has travelled extensively to film and research animals in their natural habitats, including jungles, deserts, and oceans. His work includes the award-winning Deadly 60 series, which has been broadcast internationally.
Backshall’s live shows are known for their authenticity and energy, drawing on his field expertise and storytelling skills. He often shares personal anecdotes from his expeditions, making the experience more relatable and inspiring for the audience.
Venue and staging details for Steve Backshall Deadly Live
The Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is a large conference and entertainment venue located on Exeter Road, just off the seafront. The main auditorium seats over 4,000 people, providing excellent sightlines and sound quality for live performances. The stage is equipped for dynamic presentations, including video projections and live animal displays.
Seating is reserved, and the venue offers accessible options for wheelchair users and those with mobility needs. The BIC’s website provides detailed information on seating plans and facilities. The venue also operates a cloakroom and has on-site catering options.
Planning your visit to the Bournemouth International Centre for Steve Backshall Deadly Live
The BIC is situated in Bournemouth town centre, just a five-minute walk from Bournemouth Pier and the main beaches. Its central location makes it easy to combine the Steve Backshall Deadly Live show with a day exploring the seafront or the town’s shops and restaurants.
Getting to the BIC
Bournemouth International Centre is well connected by public transport. Bournemouth railway station lies about 1 mile (20 minutes’ walk) from the venue, with regular bus services running between the station and the town centre. Several bus routes stop near the BIC, including the popular 1 and 2 routes serving the seafront and town.
For those driving, the nearest car parks are the Lansdowne and Exeter Road car parks, both within a five-minute walk. Charges apply and vary depending on the duration of stay. The BIC website lists parking options and advises on the best routes to avoid traffic congestion during events.
Ticket information and prices for Steve Backshall Deadly Live
Tickets for Steve Backshall Deadly Live are available through the Bournemouth International Centre’s official booking platform. Prices generally range from £15 to £30 per person, with concessions for children, seniors, and groups. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during the October half-term when family events are popular.
The venue’s listing provides the most current information on showtimes, ticket availability, and any special offers. It also details the venue’s COVID-19 policies and accessibility arrangements.
Facilities and amenities at the BIC
The BIC offers a range of facilities to enhance your visit. These include a café and bar serving hot and cold refreshments, accessible toilets, and baby changing areas. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, with lifts and adapted seating.
Staff are available to assist with any special requirements, and the venue encourages visitors to check in advance for specific needs. The BIC also has a merchandise stand during events, where official Steve Backshall Deadly Live souvenirs and Steve Backshall books may be available.
Where to watch Steve Backshall Deadly Live and the best seats in the BIC
The Bournemouth International Centre’s main auditorium is designed for large-scale events, with tiered seating that provides clear views from all areas. For Steve Backshall Deadly Live, seats in the stalls and front rows of the circle offer the best proximity to the stage and live animal demonstrations.
The venue’s seating plan allows you to select seats based on your preferences and budget. Families often prefer central seats in the stalls for easy access and a full view of the stage. The circle and balcony areas provide a broader perspective but are slightly further from the action.
Accessible seating is available on all levels, with companion seats adjacent. The venue staff can advise on the best options for visitors with mobility issues or sensory sensitivities.
Tips for families attending Steve Backshall Deadly Live
Arriving early allows time to settle in and explore the venue’s foyer, which sometimes features interactive displays related to the show. Younger children may benefit from bringing a small snack and water bottle, although refreshments are available on-site.
The BIC’s cloakroom is useful for storing coats and bags, especially in autumn when the weather can be cool and damp. Parents should note that the show’s content is suitable for children aged 6 and above, with some live animal encounters that might be startling for very young children.
What to combine with your visit to Steve Backshall Deadly Live in Bournemouth
Bournemouth offers a range of attractions and activities to complement your visit to the BIC. The town’s seven miles of sandy beaches lie within easy walking distance, including the popular Bournemouth Beach and the quieter Alum Chine Beach to the west.
The Lower Gardens, a short stroll from the BIC, provide a pleasant green space with floral displays, a children’s play area, and the Bournemouth Eye balloon ride for panoramic views. Nearby, the Oceanarium offers an indoor marine experience featuring sharks, rays, and other sea creatures.
For dining before or after the Steve Backshall Deadly Live show, Bournemouth town centre has a wide selection of options. From traditional pubs like The George Tapps on Old Christchurch Road to family-friendly restaurants such as Funki Griller on Westover Road, there is something to suit all tastes and budgets.
Other family-friendly activities nearby
- Bournemouth Pier: A 10-minute walk from the BIC, the pier has amusements, cafes, and water sports facilities.
- Littledown Centre: About 2 miles inland, this leisure centre offers swimming pools, a gym, and sports halls.
- Bournemouth Natural Science Society and Museum: Located on Christchurch Road, this small museum features natural history exhibits and live creature encounters, open most Tuesdays.
Accommodation options near the BIC for Steve Backshall Deadly Live visitors
Visitors attending Steve Backshall Deadly Live often choose to stay close to the venue. Bournemouth’s accommodation ranges from seafront hotels to serviced apartments. Flexiestays operates several aparthotels on the West Cliff, about a 15-minute walk from the BIC, providing self-catering options with sea views.
For a more traditional hotel experience, the town centre has numerous choices within walking distance, including budget and mid-range hotels. Booking early is advisable during school holidays and event periods.
Practical advice for attending Steve Backshall Deadly Live and making the most of your day
To avoid last-minute stress, plan your journey to the BIC in advance, especially if travelling by car during busy periods. Public transport is reliable and recommended for ease of access and parking.
Check the weather forecast before your visit, as Bournemouth’s coastal climate can be changeable in late October. Layered clothing is advisable, along with waterproofs if rain is expected.
Arriving at least 30 minutes before the Steve Backshall Deadly Live show starts allows time for parking, ticket collection, and finding your seat. The BIC staff provide clear signage and assistance to guide visitors.
If combining the show with other activities, consider starting your day with a beach walk or a visit to a local café such as Flirt in the Triangle, known for its breakfasts and relaxed atmosphere. After the show, a meal at Key West Restaurant on Bournemouth Pier offers sea views and a varied menu.
Safety and accessibility at Steve Backshall Deadly Live
The BIC adheres to all current health and safety regulations. Visitors with allergies or specific dietary needs should check with the venue’s catering team in advance. The venue is equipped to support visitors with disabilities, including hearing loops and accessible restrooms.
Parents attending Steve Backshall Deadly Live with young children should note the venue’s policy on unaccompanied minors and supervision requirements during the performance.
Further information and related activities in Bournemouth for Steve Backshall Deadly Live visitors
For the latest details on Steve Backshall Deadly Live at the Bournemouth International Centre, consult the venue’s official website. To explore other family-friendly attractions and events in the area, the Things to Do section of this guide offers comprehensive listings.
The Beaches page provides information on Bournemouth’s sandy coastline, ideal for combining with a day out at the show. For dining options, see the Food & Drink section.
To plan your overall trip, including accommodation and transport, the Visitor Information page offers practical advice on travel, weather, and local services.
For background on Steve Backshall and his work, the Wikipedia page provides a detailed biography and overview of his career.
Dates & times
- 30 October 2026