There’s plenty happening across town this week – from a major funding boost for local projects to exciting upgrades at the much-loved Pirate Park in Canford Cliffs.

We’ve also got the return date for Bike Nights on Poole Quay, plus a packed guide to what’s on this Easter weekend.

As always, you’ll find your favourite regulars too, including local trivia and the best upcoming events to help you make the most of the week ahead.

Oh and if you haven’t filled in our Poole Town Council Priorities Survey yet, please do so here. There’s only one question so it take seconds to complete. We’ve got some really interesting feedback so far and will report in full in upcoming issues.

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

More than £1.4 million has been awarded across 81 local initiatives, funding everything from play areas and green spaces to transport improvements and community centres.

Some of the standout projects include:

There’s also plenty of smaller but meaningful improvements, like new benches, upgraded youth facilities, defibrillators, and even a new climbing wall at Cornerstone Academy.

The funding comes from the Community Infrastructure Levy, meaning it’s money from new developments being reinvested directly back into local communities.

👉 Read the full list

Could Poole soon be part of the UK’s first-ever Town of Culture? It’s now officially in the running.

BCP Council is submitting a bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028, bringing Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole together in a joint effort to showcase the area on a national stage.

If successful, the winning town will receive £3 million to deliver a major cultural programme, with additional funding for shortlisted areas.

The bid focuses on “people-powered culture” – celebrating local artists, community groups and creative organisations, while opening up more opportunities for residents to get involved.

We’ll find out later this year if BCP makes the shortlist.

One of Poole’s most popular summer traditions is back.

Bike Nights on Poole Quay return from Tuesday 7 April, running every week through to the end of September from 5:30pm to 9pm.

Expect a great mix of bikes, food, atmosphere and a proper community feel, all set against the backdrop of the quay as the sun goes down.

It’s a brilliant, family-friendly evening out and a perfect excuse to enjoy everything Poole Quay has to offer.

Last week saw the return of 022 and CJ7 to their Poole Harbour nest site at Careys Secret Garden. You can follow them via the webcam page or book an Osprey Tour here

Food waste collections start next week, but we haven’t received our new food waste bin and kitchen caddy yet, and we’re wondering if others are in the same boat.

BCP Council says that brand‑new food waste caddies and bins have been delivered to all houses in Poole, as well as Bournemouth flats with shared bins, ahead of collections beginning on 6th April.

If you live in a house in Poole or a flat in Bournemouth and still haven’t received yours, you can report it using this link.

We headed down to the launch of Pier Journal Vol.012 last week and what a night it was.

Held at Lush HQ on Poole Quay, the event brought together an incredible mix of local creatives, businesses, food producers and artists – and it really felt like a celebration of everything that makes Dorset’s creative scene so special.

There was amazing food and drink from local producers, music, artwork on display, and a real buzz in the room as people connected, chatted and shared ideas. It’s always great to see so many passionate local businesses in one place.

Pier Journal is being distributed across 300+ stockists, and they tend to disappear quickly once they land.

You’ll find copies locally at places like Riptide Coffee, Wild Roots, Boiler Room Records, Coast, Little Red Roaster, Nicholas James, Flamingo Café Bar, The Butcher’s Dog and more.

Trust us, it’s well worth picking one up.

The design of this home might be divisive, but it’s definitely worth looking at plus, you get to play spot the gorilla! 👉 View the property

Treasure Island (the Pirate Park in Canford Cliffs) is set for a major makeover, with work starting next month on a £130,000 upgrade. Central to the plans is a brand-new pirate ship ready to inspire a whole new generation of swashbucklers.

The new design will feature upgraded climbing equipment, slides, sensory play features and even a mini zip-wire. Around it, themed play zones will bring rope swings, balance challenges and interactive elements designed to get kids moving, exploring and imagining.

Younger children haven’t been forgotten either, with a dedicated play tower, balance beams and communication panels included in the plans.

The project is being jointly funded by BCP Council and the Canford Cliffs Land Society, and forms part of a much bigger £4.4 million “Plan for Play” programme to improve more than 120 play areas across the area.

Work is expected to take around four to six weeks once it begins – so not long until this much-loved spot is back and better than ever.

👉 Full plans

New plans have been approved to improve services across Poole and the wider BCP area, with a focus on making travel cheaper, more reliable and more convenient.

One of the biggest changes is for disabled passengers, who will now be able to travel before 9:30am for just £1.

There’s also continued support for popular schemes like £2 day rider tickets for under-19s at weekends, plus flexible multi-trip options for regular travellers.

Behind the scenes, work will focus on improving reliability, with upgrades planned at key congestion points like Poole College and Upper Parkstone.

Around 110 acres of heathland at Upton, complete with a lake, will be sold at public auction on 29 April. The stretch of heath between the Castleman Trailway and the dual carriageway has been used by walkers and nature lovers for years.

The land comes with planning permission for mineral extraction, originally granted in 1950 and valid until around 2047, which is likely to influence interest from buyers. It’s expected to sell for between £300,000 and £500,000 plus fees.

This week’s question is all about the Treasure Island Playpark in Canford Cliffs.

Poole Old Town has been selected as one of the first locations to benefit from the new “Best Start in Life” programme, designed to give children aged 0–5 the strongest possible start.

The scheme builds on existing Family Hubs, creating a more joined-up support network for parents and carers. Think easier access to childcare advice, early education, health services and specialist support – all in one place.

The full local plan is set to be published this week, with more details on how families can get involved.

If you’ve been stuck in traffic heading into Upton recently, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

The long-running roadworks near Upton Country Park and Creekmoor are finally wrapping up, with resurfacing and road markings scheduled to finish before Good Friday.

That means the temporary traffic management should be gone before the Easter weekend, a welcome relief for anyone who’s spent time queuing along the bypass.

Looking for something fun (and free) to do with the kids this Easter?

The official World Book Day Treasure Hunt has arrived in Poole, running now until 11 April – and it turns the whole town into an interactive adventure.

Start at Poole Library, then head out across the high street to find hidden window markers in local shops. Each stop reveals a mystery character from astronauts to lions and unicorns, along with a secret letter.

Collect them all, solve the puzzle, and you’ve completed the challenge.

Get Up & Bounce in the Walled Garden, Upton Country Park, 11am–4pm (until 2 April)
Inflatables, games and plenty of space for kids up to 10 to burn off energy. Just turn up.

Pixie Paint Professional Face Painting, Upton Country Park, 11am–3:30pm (until 2 April)
Fun face painting with a wide range of designs from dinosaurs to fairies.

Bournemouth Arts Club Annual Exhibition, Upton Country Park, 10am–4pm (2–14 April)
A vibrant showcase of contemporary art including paintings, prints and sculpture. Free entry.

The Royal Opera House: Siegfried, Lighthouse Poole, 5:15pm
A spectacular filmed live performance following a young hero on an epic journey of dragons, magic and destiny.

The Eras Experience: Taylor Swift Tribute by Xenna, Lighthouse Poole, 7pm
A high-energy tribute celebrating Taylor Swift’s biggest hits, complete with dancers, costumes and all the iconic eras.

Rude Science, Lighthouse Poole, 11:30am & 3pm
A hilariously revolting science show packed with explosive experiments and outrageous fun for kids and families.

David Mein (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 8:30pm–10:30pm
Midweek live music session with great atmosphere in the heart of Ashley Cross.

Swashbuckling Pirate Workshop, Poole Museum, 10.30-11.30am
Set sail on a pirate-themed adventure at the museum and discover the tale of local legend Harry Paye. Book

Shipwreck Explorers Workshop, Poole Museum, 12.30-1.30pm
Dive into adventure and uncover secrets from beneath the waves! Book

Rude Science, Lighthouse Poole, 11:30am
The final chance this week to catch this wildly entertaining and educational science show.

The Last Note, Lighthouse Poole, 2pm & 7pm
A vibrant stage production set in a TV quiz show, packed with live music, big performances and family-friendly entertainment.

Swing Squad: Bournemouth Bandstand Jazz Sessions, Bournemouth Bandstand, 2pm–3:45pm
A fresh and exciting teen jazz band performing classic standards and modern twists in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Pierre Novellie: You Sit There, I’ll Stand Here, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
Sharp, clever stand-up from one of the UK’s top comedians, known from TV and popular podcasts.

Kingsmen (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 9pm–11pm
Live music to kick-start your Thursday night with a lively crowd.

Dino Eggsplorers Family Adventure Trail, Upton Country Park, 10am–4pm (runs until 12 April)
Crack the case of the missing dinosaur eggs on this fun, family-friendly Easter trail. No booking needed.

Easter Trail, The Dolphin Shopping Centre, Poole, 10am–4pm (also Saturday)
Pick up your trail sheet from GATHER and explore the centre to claim your prize. Free family fun.

Poole Pirates v Plymouth Gladiators, Poole Stadium, 6pm–8pm
The Pirates kick off their 2026 season with a big Good Friday showdown under the lights. Kids under 11 go free. Book tickets

S Bomb Nashville Night, S Bomb, from 6pm
A fun-filled country night with DJs, line dancing and a food truck. Free entry.

Iron Hide (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 9pm–11pm
Live evening set bringing big sounds and a great Friday night vibe.

Where’s Wally? Parkrun, Poole Park, from 9am
Celebrate the 15th birthday of Parkrun with a fun fancy dress run. Don your stripes and join in.

Italian Easter Market, Pitwines Close, Poole, 10am–5pm (also Sunday)
An Italian-themed market packed with food, drink, gifts and live music. Perfect for an Easter treat.

Easter Trail, The Dolphin Shopping Centre, Poole, 10am–4pm
Final day to take part in this free Easter trail around the centre.

Curveball (Live Music), East Dorset Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, Poole, from 9pm
Head down to the Tennis club for live music from a party rock band.

Upton House Open Day, Upton Country Park, 12pm–4:30pm
Explore the historic house, browse gifts and enjoy optional guided tours. No booking required.

Sausage & Cider Festival Part 1, The Angel, from 12pm
A full day of sausages, cider and music from DJ Will. Perfect Sunday session.

Easter Smooth Jazz & Grooves, Isabel’s, from 2:30pm
Relaxed Easter Sunday vibes with live music alongside your Sunday lunch.

Peter Cooley (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 4pm–6pm
Laid-back live music session to round off the weekend.

Quiz Night, Jenkins & Sons, Penn Hill, from 6pm
Gather your team for a fun quiz night with a cash prize. Arrive early to register.

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