If you love live music, then you’ve got to head into Poole town centre this Saturday. Brand new festival SoundScape is bringing more than 100 live performers to venues and outdoor spaces across Poole, while SandPolo and SandFest return to Sandbanks for another action-packed weekend.

We've also got the latest on a possible Town Council by-election, plans for more than 100 new homes at the former BCP College site, a colourful new exhibition opening at Poole Museum and, as always, a packed What's On guide to help you make the most of the week ahead.

Enjoy!

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Poole town centre is about to come alive with music as the brand new SoundScape Festival makes its debut this weekend.

Taking place on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July, the free community festival will transform Poole into one giant live music venue, with more than 100 performers appearing at locations across the town. From acoustic singers and choirs to rock bands, DJs and blues acts, there's something for every musical taste, while Sunday shifts the focus to supporting local musicians and those working in the music industry.

Whether you're planning to spend an hour exploring or make a full day of it, here's everything you need to know.

Music starts from 11am, with performances spread across Poole's streets, pubs, cafés and public spaces.

Outdoor stages will be set up in Falkland Square, Amity Square, outside The Harry Paye, outside Poole Museum, and opposite Premier Bites, with performers appearing throughout the day.

Many of Poole's favourite venues are also taking part, including The Brewhouse, Custom House, Poole Arms, The Foundry Arms, Hotel du Vin, Lord Nelson, Bruno Lounge, The Angel, Slug & Lettuce, Pizzeria Valona, Waves, and Lighthouse.

Some highlights include:

Lighthouse will also host A Sea Symphony performed by Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and Bath Minerva Choir during the evening, while S-Bomb Vintage Workshop hosts the SoundScape Headline Showcase, featuring several bands including The Hollerin' Jimmy Hillbillies, Momotempo, Kolumbia and Mae Wilson.

Throughout the day you'll be able to collect a free festival map from participating businesses, making it easy to wander between venues and discover new artists.

While Saturday is all about live performances, Sunday turns its attention to the people behind the music.

Head to GATHER, inside the Dolphin Shopping Centre, between 11am and 4pm, where musicians, bands, promoters and anyone interested in the industry can meet professionals for free advice and informal one-to-one chats.

One of the featured guests is Alan Dove, Head of Commercial Services at Bournemouth University Students' Union and a board member of Bournemouth Town Centre BID. Alan has years of experience working with festivals, student venues and grassroots live music, and will be offering advice throughout the day.

There's no need to book. Simply drop in, ask questions, make connections and pick up ideas. The first 100 visitors will also receive a free goodie bag, and there'll be the chance to win a Jet JS-300 guitar, kindly donated by Absolute Music.

One of the nicest things about SoundScape is that it encourages people to explore Poole. Wander between venues, stop for lunch or a coffee, browse the independent shops, then settle into one of the pubs or restaurants as the evening performances begin.

It's a fantastic opportunity to discover new local talent, support independent businesses and enjoy the town centre in a completely different way.

With so much happening across two days, SoundScape promises to be one of the biggest and most exciting new additions to Poole's summer events calendar. If it's a success, here's hoping it becomes a regular fixture for years to come.

Just weeks after Poole's new Town Council officially began work, a by-election could now be on the way in Hamworthy East following the resignation of councillor Daniel Bleeze.

Cllr Bleeze was elected in May with 779 votes, securing the new Hamworthy East seat by a majority of 392. He has since resigned after leaving Reform UK to sit as an Independent, citing concerns about openness and differing views within the local party.

A formal notice has now been published confirming that if ten registered electors from Hamworthy East request a by-election in writing by 22 July, a new election will be held. If enough requests are received, the vote is expected to take place in September.

If fewer than ten electors request a poll, the vacancy will instead be filled through co-option, allowing the council to appoint a replacement without an election.

We're also still waiting for the official minutes from Poole Town Council's meeting on 25 June. As soon as they're published, we'll bring you a full round-up of what was discussed and any decisions that were made.

A major expansion of JPMorgan Chase's Bournemouth campus has been given the green light by BCP Council's Eastern Planning Committee.

The approved plans include a new five-storey office building at the company's Chaseside campus, creating space for around 1,600 additional staff. JPMorgan already employs around 4,000 people at the site.

Council leaders say the investment is another strong vote of confidence in the area's economy and could help create more high-quality jobs while encouraging graduates to stay in the region.

Some nearby residents raised concerns about increased traffic and parking pressures during the planning process, but councillors voted to approve the application.

The expansion represents one of the largest recent business investments anywhere across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

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A planning application has been submitted to redevelop the former Bournemouth and Poole College site on Constitution Hill.

The proposal would see up to 115 new homes built across five apartment blocks, including 103 social rent properties and 12 specialist homes, along with new landscaping, cycle parking and a pedestrian link to Ringwood Road.

The former college buildings were demolished last year and the site has remained empty ever since.

According to the application, the development would mainly consist of one and two-bedroom flats, with just eight three-bedroom homes included. The council says it looked at including family houses but concluded they were not financially viable.

The application comes as BCP Council faces significantly increased government housing targets following the withdrawal of its Local Plan and its development of a new one.

While additional affordable housing is clearly needed, it does seem surprising that a site immediately next to a junior school is being developed almost entirely as one and two-bedroom flats rather than family homes with gardens. The neighbouring school is expected to have spare places over the next few years, making this feel like a missed opportunity to create homes designed for families who could benefit most from being within walking distance of a school.

The planning application will now be considered by BCP Council in the coming months.

If you're heading to the beach with children this summer, don't forget to pick up a free LV= KidZone wristband.

The popular safety scheme has returned for its eighteenth year and runs throughout July and August across beaches in Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch.

Parents can write their contact details on the wristbands, helping seafront staff and RNLI lifeguards quickly reunite children with their families if they become separated in busy beach crowds.

Nearly one million wristbands have been handed out since the scheme launched in 2007, with more than 37,000 distributed last summer alone.

Free wristbands are available from seafront offices and RNLI lifeguard towers at Sandbanks, Shore Road and Branksome Chine, as well as beaches across Bournemouth and Christchurch.

A spectacular new exhibition is arriving at Poole Museum this week, promising an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.

Life in Full Colour: The Art of Jason Wilsher-Mills opens on 10 July and runs until 3 January 2027, filling the museum with giant sculptures, colourful installations, digital artwork and larger-than-life characters inspired by imagination and storytelling.

Jason Wilsher-Mills, who was awarded an MBE for Services to Art and Disability, creates joyful and thought-provoking artwork inspired by his own life experiences, including new pieces created especially for Poole.

The exhibition has been designed to be highly accessible, with large print guides, audio interpretation and wellbeing spaces helping ensure everyone can enjoy the experience.

Best of all, entry to the museum and exhibition is completely free.

A Dorset-founded artists' collective will be bringing a colourful new exhibition to Athelhampton House later this summer.

The Wider Circle exhibition opens on 2 August and runs until 29 September, featuring glass art, calligraphy, mixed media, digital artwork and poetry inspired by The English Cantos, a series of books by Dorset poet James Sale.

Each artist has interpreted the poems in their own way, creating a varied collection that explores imagination, emotion and storytelling through different artistic styles.

The exhibition will be open daily from 11am until 5pm at Athelhampton Art Gallery near Dorchester, with many of the artworks available to purchase.

SandPolo, Sandbanks Beach, Friday 10 July and Saturday 11 July
World-class beach polo returns to Sandbanks alongside live music, food, bars and entertainment. Friday features Boogie Nights with The Brand New Heavies, Craig Charles, Angie Brown and Brandon Block, while Saturday is the glamorous Ladies Day celebration. Book tickets: https://sandpolo.com

Wimbledon Screening, The Dolphin Shopping Centre, Monday 29 June to Sunday 12 July, during shopping centre opening hours
Watch all the Wimbledon action live on the big screen in the mall. It's free to attend, so grab a seat and enjoy the tournament with fellow tennis fans.

Canford Heath Art Society Exhibition, The Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park, Thursday 9 July to Monday 20 July, 10am to 4pm daily
Browse a wonderful collection of artwork by talented local artists working in a variety of styles and mediums. Admission is free.

Life in Full Colour: The Art of Jason Wilsher-Mills, Poole Museum, From Friday 10 July until Sunday 3 January 2027
Step into an immersive world of colourful sculptures, digital artworks and interactive installations inspired by Poole's maritime heritage. Free entry.

Bike Night on Poole Quay, Poole Quay, From 5.30pm
Enjoy an evening of motorcycles on the Quay, alongside Poole's restaurants, pubs and stunning harbour views.

Poole Plugged & Unplugged, Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, 8pm
An open mic night hosted by Rich & Rich. Performers receive a free drink and could even land a future gig at the Portsmouth Hoy.

Wellbeing, Colours & Sparkles Evening, The Junction, Broadstone, 7.30pm
Discover colour analysis, wellbeing inspiration and beautiful jewellery at this free evening event. Booking is essential by emailing [email protected].

Craftaholics Makers Market, GATHER at The Dolphin, 10am to 5pm
Browse handcrafted gifts, jewellery, artwork, cushions, crochet, cards and much more from talented local makers.

Little Red Roaster Summer Sundown Pop-Up, Little Red Roaster, 5.30pm to 9pm
Shop small and support local artisan businesses at this relaxed evening market. Free entry.

Paint & Sip Night, The Britannia, Ashley Cross, 6.30pm to 8.30pm
Enjoy a fun evening of painting with all materials provided. No experience needed. Book your place: www.jowellsartstudio.co.uk

Quiz Night, Honky Tonk Collective, Poole, 7pm
Teams of two to six compete for the winning prize pot. £2 per person. Message the venue to book your team.

Running Commentary, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
Award-winning poet P Burton-Morgan brings a funny and heartfelt solo show about running, relationships and rediscovering yourself.

Springdale First School Summer Fair, Springdale First School, Broadstone, 4pm to 6pm
Expect a BBQ, the Spring Inn, live music from Vesper, children's entertainment and plenty of family fun while raising money for the school.

Poole Quay Car Night, Poole Quay, From 6pm
This week's theme celebrates Italian and French cars. Wander the Quay and admire a fantastic display of classic and modern vehicles.

Nocturnal Discovery Walk, Upton Country Park, 9pm to 10.30pm
Join Dorset Bat Group and park volunteers for a guided evening wildlife walk looking for bats and other nocturnal creatures. Booking Essential

Iron Hide Live, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9pm to 11pm
Enjoy an evening of live music from Iron Hide.

The Alibi, King Charles Pub, Poole, 9pm
The popular local band returns with another night of live rock classics.

Family Pickleball Open Day, Canford School Sports Centre, 9am to 11am
Try pickleball together as a family. Children play free, adults are £5 and all equipment is provided. Booking is essential by contacting Dave on 07563 505659.

SoundScape Festival, Poole Town Centre, From 11am
Poole comes alive with more than 100 performers across the town centre, including Falkland Square, Poole Museum, Amity Square, the Quay, pubs, cafés and outdoor stages. Live music continues into the evening, finishing with the SoundScape Headline Showcase at S Bomb Vintage Workshop. Full details are in this week's feature article.

The Rev, Poole Arms, Poole Quay, 3pm
Catch The Rev performing outdoors as part of SoundScape.

Summer Cocktail Party, The Cliff, Poole, From 4pm
Enjoy cocktails, tapas and music from Hot Radio's DJ Niall overlooking the coast.

A Sea Symphony, Lighthouse Poole, 7.30pm
The Bournemouth Symphony Chorus joins Bath Minerva Choir and the Salomon Orchestra for a spectacular gala concert in support of the RNLI.

Snap Ambush Live, Honky Tonk Collective, Poole, 7pm
Enjoy an evening of live country music in a great atmosphere.

Coastal Comedy, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
Three top comedians, including headliner Andy Askins, bring another night of stand-up comedy to the Sherling Studio.

SoundScape Headline Showcase, S Bomb Vintage Workshop, Poole, Doors 5.15pm
The official SoundScape closing party for Saturday features SOS, The Hollerin' Jimmy Hillbillies, Momo:tempo, Mae Wilson and Kolumbia. Book tickets

Sarah G Live, Pizzeria Valona, Poole, 8pm
An evening of live music. Advance booking is recommended. Telephone 01202 681780.

Yazad! Live, Bruno Lounge, Poole Quay, 8pm
Live music as part of SoundScape

Three Ring Circus Live, The Angel, Poole, 8pm
All part of the live music SoundScape event

Nicole McNally Live, Poole Arms, Poole Quay, 9pm
Powerhouse vocals and cabaret favourites as part of SoundScape.

Model Railway Exhibition, Cobham Sports & Social Club, 10am to 4pm
See more than 11 exhibition-quality model railway layouts, with free parking, refreshments and step-free access.

SoundScape Industry Gathering, GATHER at The Dolphin, 11am to 4pm
Meet music industry professionals offering free advice on gigs, songwriting, promotion, recording, event management and much more. No booking required, with goodie bags for the first 100 visitors and the chance to win a Jet guitar.

Upton House Open Day, Upton Country Park, 12pm to 4.30pm
Explore the historic house, browse gifts and books, or join one of the guided tours for £2.50.

SandFest 2026, Sandbanks Beach, 12pm to 10pm
One of the South Coast's biggest beach festivals returns with top DJs, live music, food, bars and thousands of festivalgoers. Find out more and book tickets: https://sandfest.co.uk

Drift Tones Live, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 4pm to 6pm
Round off the weekend with live music at the popular Ashley Cross pub.

Stompin' Dave, Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, 4.30pm
Enjoy an afternoon of acoustic blues and roots music.

Monday Speed Quiz, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 7.30pm
Gather your team for a fast-paced quiz night with cash jackpot, prizes and plenty of friendly competition. £3 per person.

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