Despite Mayan prophecies of doom and gloom, 2012 is set to be bumper year for entertainment on the South Coast. Here are some of the highlights to book ahead for.

Christmas may be over but the festive fun doesn’t have to stop just yet. The Rawk Ice Rink is open until Sunday 19 February in the BIC Purbeck Hall – perfect for half term or a romantic Valentines Day treat.

Don’t linger too much on the winter of Christmas past though, there is some much to look forward to on the South Coast this year. Following its success last year, the Bournemouth Folk Festival returns to the BIC on 23 and 24 March headlined by Grupo Lokito, Martyn Joesph and Martha Tilson. The Bournemouth Tattoo Convention will also be back for its fourth year on 26 and 27 May, but has moved to the O2 Academy. Don’t worry though, they are brining the fire-breathing rock’n’roll dance troupe the Fuel Girls with them.

Gig goers have lots to enjoy with both Cher Lloyd (11 April) and Rizzle Kicks (02 May) at the O2 Academy, while The Subways have just announced they are playing the Old Fire Station (01 May). Meanwhile the BIC will host some musical megastars including The Wanted (02 March), Example on (30 April), Elvis Costello on (20 May), Noel Gallagher’s Flying Birds (04 September), and Peter Andre (10 December).

The usual music suspects also return this year, including Camp Bestival at Lulworth Castle from 26 to 29 July, its big sister Bestival on the Isle of Wight (06 – 09 September), Larmer Tree Festival (11-15 July) and End of the Road Festival (31 August – 02 September).

If you prefer to have your funny bone tickled, Billy Connolly comes to the BIC for three nights on 07 to 09 March, followed by Dara O’Briain (07 April), Mrs Brown Rides Again (07-09 June) and Frankie Boyle (23 November). You can also catch Stewart Francis (29 April) and Ross Noble (06 November) at the Pavilion, while the Lighthouse in Poole showcase Jon Richardson (01 March), Rich Hall (25 April), Mark Steel (01 May) and Simon Amstell (24 May). Don’t miss Chris Addison at the Tivoli on 15 June either.

For the luvvies, the big stage show at the BIC this summer is Starlight Express running from 31 July to 18 August. However, if you prefer some more serious drama check out Macbeth at the Lighthouse (03 February) or Great Expectations at the Tivoli (05 April). If you want to treat the kids, don’t miss the stage version of the Gruffalo at the Pavilion on 23 to 26 March.

Sports fan have a lot to enjoy with the Euro 2012 through June and the London Olympics from 27 July to 12 August. For some local Olympic action, the torch will pass through Bournemouth on Friday 13 July and the sailing events will be held in nearby Weymouth. Don’t forget the area’s annual sporting events will also be returning with Bournemouth Sevens Festival (01-03 June), the British Beach Polo Championships in Sandbanks (06 – 07 July).

Image: Dara O'Brian is one of the stars coming to the South Coast.