Happy Pancake Day! This week we've got a bumper issue, with brilliant news about Seafood & Sounds Festival expanding, beach hut bookings, and two Poole restaurants making it into the Michelin Guide 2026.

We're also looking at parking charge increases from March, the consultation on Sandbanks sand dunes management, and loads of half-term activities still happening this week.

As always, we've got the best events taking place across Poole, plus we’ve got a really good reason for you to go and visit The Dolphin Centre today!

A huge thank you to everyone who sent in birthday messages last week, your kind words reminded us exactly why we love doing this every week. Keep sending us feedback, we really do appreciate it. We’ve got an important survey at the bottom of this week’s issue, so please do send in your thoughts.

Grab a tea and dive in!

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Save the date – Seafood & Sounds Festival is back on 12 and 13 September 2026, and this year it's expanding into The Dolphin Centre and up the High Street.

Made possible with funding from Poole BID, the expansion will better connect activities across town and make the festival even more exciting for everyone.

Last year's event was a huge hit with locals and visitors, bringing together brilliant music, food and atmosphere on Poole Quay.

The organisers are inviting local businesses to come on board as supporters or sponsors. It's a great way to be part of a much-loved local event, showcase your business to thousands of visitors and help build something special for the community.

If you're interested in getting involved, contact Jeanette Walsh, from Truly Scrumptious, to find out more.

Beach hut and pod bookings for the 2026 season open this week, allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Bookings for winter hire (25 weeks), full spring and summer hire (26 weeks) and peak summer hire (10 weeks) open on Wednesday 18 February at 10am.

All other durations of one week or longer open on Thursday 19 February at 10am.

Book here

Drivers using council-owned car parks across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will see charges rise from 16 March.

Updated parking tariffs and permit prices will take effect with an overall average increase of 4 per cent, keeping charges broadly in line with inflation.

Town-centre parking will increase by 2 per cent, while higher demand locations including the seafront will see a 6 per cent rise. Resident permits are set to go up by 2 per cent, with non-resident permits and season tickets increasing by 10 per cent.

All free parking options across the area will remain unchanged.

The changes form part of the authority's 2026/27 budget savings and efficiency plan, with around £500,000 expected to be generated through revised fees and charges.

BCP Council is inviting residents, businesses and visitors to take part in a public consultation on a new approach for managing the sand dunes at Sandbanks. The consultation runs from 16 February to 29 March 2026.

The draft approach includes 13 proposals designed to improve long-term management of the dune system. Key measures include maintaining beach access by clearing public pathways, managing and restoring dune vegetation through a new dune plant nursery, establishing a community Sand Dune Management Group, and offering native plants to homeowners to prevent the spread of non-native species.

Further measures propose managing sand build-up against boundary walls, setting a defined maximum dune height to limit impacts on views and structural safety, and recycling sand within the dune system to support resilience.

Complete the online survey at haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/sand-dunes-consultation. The consultation closes at 23:59 on 29 March 2026.

Two Poole restaurants have made it into the prestigious Michelin Guide 2026.

The Guildhall Tavern has been officially recognised in the guide, marking a testament to the hard work, creativity and passion of the team. The restaurant thanked its loyal customers for their continued support.

Thirteen has made it into the guide for the third year in a row. The Naik family congratulated Head Chef Alex Naik, Sous Chef Marcus and Junior Sous Ion, together with the amazing team for making it happen.

Other local restaurants in the guide include Shell Bay in Studland, Art Sushi in Westbourne and Restaurant Roots in Southbourne.

This house has a double staircase and a ridiculously long driveway. 👉 View the property

Forest Holme Hospice Charity is looking for participants to take part in the Poole Park Dragon Boat Festival on Saturday 6 June.

Teams of 17 people (16 paddlers and one drummer) will race along a 200-metre course in three timed heats, with the fastest crews earning a place in the grand final. Fancy dress is encouraged.

Claire Cooper, Events & Challenges Manager, says events like this bring people together in a positive way. "Every team that takes part will be helping us continue to provide care, comfort and support to patients and families when they need it most."

Standard team entry is £450 (£26.50 per person for a full team), with teams encouraged to raise a minimum of £500 in sponsorship.

Participants must be aged 12 or over. Full training and safety support provided on the day.

To find out more or secure a place, visit this website.

Tuesday 17 February (TODAY!) is Random Acts of Kindness Day, and The Dolphin is joining in.

Pop into the centre on Tuesday and you might have your day made with surprise kindness cards and treats dotted around for shoppers to find.

Families across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole can look forward to an exciting and varied programme of activities this February half-term, with attractions, theatre shows and free outdoor events running throughout the school break.

Writers will gather in Bournemouth this autumn as the Romance Writing Festival returns for its second year on Saturday 3 October 2026 at the Marsham Court Hotel.

The one-day event will feature Sunday Times bestselling authors including Katie Fforde in conversation with BBC South's Edward Sault, and Romantic Novelists' Association President Sue Moorcroft.

Sharon Kendrick, who has sold more than 27 million books, will reflect on her career, while other speakers include Liam Livings, Abiola Bello and Suzan Holder.

Three extended masterclasses and bookable one-to-one sessions with six literary agents are also planned, giving writers direct access to professional feedback without requiring a full festival ticket.

A 10 per cent early bird discount is available until 31 May 2026. For tickets, visit romancewritingfestival.co.uk.

Mayhem of Mad4Animals, Upton Country Park, 10.30am, 1pm & 3pm
High energy show under a circus top meeting snakes, lizards, bugs and mammals followed by thirty minutes of structured handling. £7.50 per person plus booking fee, babies in arms free. Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 February

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.

Woods & Words family woodland trail, Upton Country Park, 10am–4pm daily
Free woodland trail collecting poems as you explore. Find inspiration at each location and create your own poem or short story to add to the Poet-Tree. Suitable for all ages, no writing experience needed. Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 February.

Removing our Masks - returning back to self, The Gallery Upstairs at Upton Country Park, 12–3pm daily
Bournemouth-based visual artist Paul Lloyd exhibits his new collection. An emotional journey of transformation and self-discovery through powerful acrylic portraits. Free admission. Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 February.

The Art of Keeping Well & Beyond the Lines, Lighthouse (Top Floor & Mezzanine Gallery), Sat 17 Jan – Sat 28 Feb, Tue–Sat, 10am–8pm
A free exhibition bringing together community artworks exploring caregiving, memory loss and ageing well, developed with local charities and Bournemouth University.

Poole Plugged and Unplugged, Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, 8pm
Pull out your plugs and get mellow or plug in and show us some licks with Rich & Rich. Free drink for performers and chance of a gig at The Hoy.

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!

The Classic Rock Show 2026, Lighthouse, 7.30pm
Three decades of the world's greatest classic rock music with stunning sound and light show. Note-for-note, anthem after anthem, culminating in a show-stopping guitar duel. Book now.

The Blue Rider (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9–11pm
Live music in Ashley Cross.

Guided Beginner Bird Watching with Birds of BARI, Upton Country Park, 12.30–2pm
Spend time in a bird hide spotting amazing birds with local guide Emily. Learn basics of wading bird identification as you watch them feed and rest along the shoreline. Free activity, reserve your spot.

The Music of Bruce Springsteen, St Peter's, doors 6.30pm
Bruce Springsteen Candlelight Concert Experience performed by The Sound of Springsteen. All the classics including Born to Run, Dancing in the Dark and Thunder Road set against warm candlelight.

Lee Rasdall-Dove (Live Music), Jenkins & Sons, 7–9pm
£7.50 burgers from 4pm, happy hour until 6pm, 2-4-1 cocktails all night.

Rockwater Wine & Cheese Club, Rockwater Roof Terrace, 7.30pm
Blind Date Edition where wines and cheeses meet anonymously. Blind tasting flight of four wines, curated cheese selections, expert hosting. Book early.

Murphy's Lore Trio (Live Music), Sandbanks Brewery, 7pm
Inaugural Sandbanks Trad(ish) music session.

Children's Bird Watching Bingo, Upton Country Park, 1pm & 2.30pm
Hour in a bird hide watching coastal birds and trying to get a full house on bingo sheets. Local guide Emily will help with bird ID. Free activity, reserve your spot.

Spoken Word Open Mic Night, Upton House, 6–8.30pm
First ever Spoken Word Open Mic compèred by Writer in Residence Baz Lewis. Bring poems and stories to perform or enjoy local poets and writers. £3 or £15 with light supper.

Youth Makes Music, Lighthouse, 7pm
Energetic festival of music from the talented Salvation Army Territorial Youth Band & Choir.

Coastal Comedy, Lighthouse, 8pm
Triple bill of comedy headlined by Roger Monkhouse with Matt Richardson and Don Biswas. Hosted by Adrienne Coles. 18+.

Route 66 Trio (Live Music), Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, 9pm
Folk, roots, country and Americana with a distinctly British twist. Dinner served until 8.30pm, booking advisable on 01202 673517.

Running Wylde (Live Music), The Bricklayers, 9pm
Live music at The Bricklayers.

TFI Friday Tribute Band, The Lord Nelson, Poole Quay, 8.30pm
Ultimate 90s experience performing songs by bands and artists who appeared on TFI Friday.

Robbie Williams Tribute Evening, Isabel's Brasserie, 7pm
Tony Lewis performs Robbie's greatest hits with two-course meal. £79.99 per person including starter and main, optional dessert available. Pre-order required. Book now.

Totog (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9–11pm
Live music in Ashley Cross.

The Swan Bites Back, The Swan Inn, 5–11.45pm
Four original bands bring authentic rock: Regional One, Buried In Bermuda, Toys That Bite and RIZEN. Get tickets.

Any Objections? A Live Looping Harp Comedy, Lighthouse, 8pm
Bristol harpist Scarlett Smith's debut solo show proving the harp belongs far beyond the orchestra pit. 14+.

Celtic Illusion, Lighthouse, 7.30pm
Irish dance and grand illusion phenomenon fusing thunderous rhythm with mind-blowing magic.

Kingsmen (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9–11pm
Live music in Ashley Cross.

Big Joe Bone (Live Music), Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, from 4.30pm
Blues-Grass mix of Delta Blues, Bluegrass, Oldtime, Gospel and Hillbilly music. Sunday lunch served 12–4pm, booking advisable on 01202 673517.

Loose Chippings (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 4–6pm
Sunday afternoon live music.

Rockwater Quiz Night, Rockwater Roof Terrace, 7–9pm
Test your knowledge with quiz master Andy over rounds on a variety of topics. Fantastic prizes up for grabs. Limited menu featuring pizza. £3 per person. Book your table.

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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