Big ambitions. Big opportunities. And some big celebrations too.

This week we’re looking at Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch’s joint bid to become Town of Culture, what it means, why it matters and how it could shape the area’s future. It’s a bold move that could put Poole firmly on the cultural map.

Do you want to be a Town Councillor. With new local governance changes on the horizon, could this be your chance to step forward and help shape decisions locally?

And there’s good news to celebrate, local talent has been recognised on a national stage with BAFTA success. It’s always brilliant to see people from our area achieving at the highest level.

Alongside all that, we’ve got a packed events guide for the week ahead, from live music and comedy to classical concerts and community nights.

Let’s get into it.

PooleNow is now proudly sponsored by Bournemouth One, the local radio station bringing you music, news and travel updates across Dorset. Listen whilst you read!

BCP Council has officially submitted a first-stage bid to become the inaugural UK Town of Culture 2028 and if successful, it could be transformational for Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch.

The new national competition will award £3 million to the winning area to deliver a year-long cultural programme in 2028, with two runners-up receiving £250,000 each. But beyond the funding, this is about something bigger: national recognition.

The joint bid brings together the three towns under one cultural identity — showcasing how we’re stronger together. From grassroots creativity to world-class performance, the BCP area already punches well above its weight.

We’re home to the innovation of Boscombe’s BEAF, the internationally respected Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, the inspirational Bournemouth Writing Festival, the rich maritime history of Poole Museum, the clifftop elegance of the Russell-Cotes, the grandeur of Highcliffe Castle and the energy of Arts by the Sea Festival. Add to that our community groups, independent creatives and year-round events and you start to see the scale of what we already have.

The bid aims to highlight how culture here isn’t just entertainment — it fuels wellbeing, strengthens pride of place and connects communities.

If shortlisted, BCP would receive £60,000 to develop a full bid.

This is a brilliant opportunity to showcase the strengths of Poole and the wider BCP area on a national stage attracting visitors, investment and long-term cultural legacy.

The creation of new town councils in Bournemouth, Broadstone and Poole has certainly sparked debate, but it’s happening. And that means we need good local candidates willing to step forward.

If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved in your community, now’s the time.

BCP Council is hosting information sessions for anyone interested in standing in the upcoming town council elections. These sessions cover:

The Poole session is this Thursday (26 February) at 5:30pm at The Guildhall — so things are moving quickly.

Other sessions:

Whether you’re an existing councillor, a community volunteer or someone standing for the first time, these sessions are designed to help you feel informed and prepared.

These new councils will shape very local decisions. If you care about parks, play areas, events, street cleaning or community spaces, this could be your chance to step up.

Book your place at a session here

There was reason to celebrate at Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) (based right here in Poole!), after a tutor and graduate both enjoyed success at the BAFTA Film Awards.

AUB Film Production graduate Lars Thomas Skare was assistant director on Norwegian drama Sentimental Value, which won Best Film Not in the English Language.

Visiting Creative Writing tutor Dean Atta won Best Short Animation for Two Black Boys in Paradise, a nine-minute stop-motion adaptation of his own poetry.

The BAFTA-winning short will be screened at the Bournemouth Writing Festival in April, with Dean Atta attending to discuss the creative journey behind the film.

You can book tickets to the event here.

Entrepreneurs and founders this is for you.

Barclays Eagle Labs has teamed up with Dan Ware from The Spark to host Mini Mentor Sessions at The Foundry (Poole Bus Station entrance) this Thursday from 12pm–4pm.

Book a 20-minute one-to-one session with experienced founders, angel investors and business support specialists. Bring your questions — from planning and raising investment to avoiding common pitfalls.

There’s also a panel event in the evening for even more insight.

A brilliant chance to tap into serious experience without leaving Poole.

Book here

Early-stage founders are invited to a Start Up Business Breakfast on 3 March at Evolve Town House, funded by BCP Council.

Designed for those considering starting a business — or in their first three years of trading — the session offers practical insight, honest lessons and meaningful local connections.

Guest speakers include:

Expect discussion around finance, scaling, revenue operations and real-world lessons from the early years.

Free to attend, but booking required.

Are you a business in the local area? Do you want to reach out to a highly engaged local community? Want to support us so that we can keep running our free local newsletter? Get in touch!

This week we’ve got a Grade II listed “gentleman's residence” in Wimborne. It’s really worth checking out: 👉 View the property

From upgraded community centres to improved parks and life-saving equipment, local projects are already benefiting from a record £950,000 Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Neighbourhood funding boost.

Sixty projects across Bournemouth and Poole received grants last summer, ranging from a few hundred pounds to £75,000.

In Poole, Merley Community Centre secured over £130,000 to upgrade facilities, including new doors, toilets, table tennis facilities and resurfaced parking.

At Ashley Cross Green, improvements are underway including repaired benches and lampposts, resurfaced pathways and new play equipment.

Other funded projects include:

The funding comes from developer contributions, reinvested back into community priorities.

With a further £1.5 million recently made available, another round of allocations is expected soon, we’ll let you know as soon as we have the details!

BCP Council and Maverick are working on plans to transform the outdated skatepark at Baiter Park and they want local input.

A drop-in session will take place on Tuesday 17 March, 5–8pm at 608 Skateshop, Parkstone Road.

Pop in anytime to view the latest designs, meet the team and share your thoughts.

If you use the park, or want to see better facilities for young people in Poole, this is your chance to shape the final plans.

This weekend has seen HMS Cattistock, a Royal Navy minesweeper, visiting Poole Quay and the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines are performing live at Lighthouse on Thursday. So we’ve gone for a naval based bit of trivia this week. Good luck!

There’s a significant package of investment heading into bus services and road infrastructure across BCP — aimed at making journeys more reliable, accessible and affordable.

Working with Morebus, BCP Council plans targeted upgrades in 2026/27, alongside major town centre improvements in Bournemouth.

Road improvements in central Bournemouth (Westover Road and Old Christchurch Road) will deliver:

Some temporary road closures are scheduled for May while resurfacing and accessibility works take place.

BCP’s bus services are currently ranked third nationally for customer satisfaction — and this investment aims to build on that momentum.

Councillors will discuss the plans this week before they move forward.

RNLI Stories of Courage 1939–45, Lighthouse (Main Gallery), Thu 15 Jan – Sat 28 Feb 2026, Tue–Sat, 10am–8pm
Rarely seen artwork and artefacts tell the story of RNLI volunteer crews saving lives at sea during wartime. Free entry.

Lucian Freud's Etchings: A Creative Collaboration, Poole Museum
Poole Museum and the V&A invites you to peek behind the curtain of one of Britain’s most celebrated artists of the 20th century, Lucian Freud

The Acoustic Connection Live Showcase, Tap & Grape, 7:30pm
An evening of fresh local talent hosted by The Acoustic Connection. This is a curated showcase (not an open mic) featuring some of the area’s finest musicians. Free entry.

Paint and Sip, The Britannia, Ashley Cross, 6:30pm–8:30pm
Enjoy a relaxed evening of painting with a glass of Prosecco (or soft drink) included. £22 per person. Book via www.jowellsartstudio.co.uk

The Good Quiz, The Goods Yard
Put on your thinking caps, gather your teammates and take part in the no pen, no paper, NO CHEATING, speed quiz!

BSO: Wigglesworth Conducts Elgar, Lighthouse, 7:30pm
An evening of Beethoven and Elgar, featuring Beethoven’s Violin Concerto and Elgar’s Second Symphony. From £20.90. Book now.

Jimeoin: Pandemonium!, Lighthouse, 7:45pm
A hilarious night with the stand-up legend as he brings his new tour to Poole. Age 16+. From £24.75. Book now.

Almost Nearly Famous (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 8:30pm–10:30pm
Midweek live music at the Bermuda Triangle

Mini Mentor Sessions, The Foundry (Bus Station Entrance), Dolphin Centre, 12pm–4pm
One-to-one sessions with experienced founders, angel investors and business experts. Pre-booking required - see link in Business section.

The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Live in Concert, Lighthouse, 7:30pm
A powerful evening of world-class musicianship and British tradition. From £27.50. Book now.

Nick Harper, Lighthouse, 7:00pm
A spellbinding live show from one of the UK’s most underrated singer-songwriters. From £18. Book now.

Hidden Triangle Community DJ Sessions, Bermuda Triangle Pub (Club Room), 7:00pm–11:00pm
Three DJs, one-hour sets, multi-genre sounds on a proper sound system. A night built for listening and dancing.

Hoy Session: Rum Soaked, The Portsmouth Hoy, evening (dinner served until 8:30pm)
Award-winning country-pop trio with three-part harmonies. Booking advisable: 01202 673517.

Tom Davis: Spudgun, Lighthouse, 7:45pm
Freshly cooked observations from the star of King Gary and Wolf and Owl. Last few tickets remaining. From £29.70. Book now.

Studio Jazz: Sound of Blue Note featuring Nigel Price, Lighthouse, 7:45pm
An homage to the legendary Blue Note sound, performed by top South West jazz musicians. From £20. Book now.

Sunstroke (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 9:00pm–11:00pm
Friday night live music.

Absolute Amy, St Peter’s, Poole, Doors 6:45pm
A powerful tribute to Amy Winehouse featuring Holly Cosgrove. Book

Merley House Silent Disco, Merley House, 7:00pm
Grab your headphones and choose your channel for a night of dancing in beautiful surroundings. Book tickets

Ryan Evans at Honky Tonk Collective, Honky Tonk Collective, Hamworthy, Doors 7:00pm
Country hoedown season kicks off in style with support from DJ Dom Yates. 18+. Get tickets

Rob Auton: CAN, Lighthouse, 8:00pm
Multi award-winning writer and performer presents his debut narrative show.

Labyrinth (40th Anniversary – 4K Restoration), Lighthouse, 7:00pm
A special screening of the fantasy classic starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly. From £8.75.

Curveball (Live Music), King Charles Pub, 9:00pm
High-energy party rock covers from Queen, The Killers, Wham, Elvis, Oasis, ABBA and more.

The Killbillies UK (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 9:00pm–11:00pm
Saturday night live music.

The Duvets (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 4:00pm–6:00pm
Sunday afternoon live music session.

Sting and The Police | Unplugged, St Peter’s, Poole, Doors 6:30pm
An acoustic tribute to the iconic songs of Sting and The Police. Book

Speed Quizzing, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 7.30–10.30pm Every Monday with Quiz Master Johnny. £3 per person with jackpot win up for grabs. Fast-paced, fun and competitive.

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