It's yet another busy weekend across Poole, with some of the town's best-loved events returning. Harry Paye Day takes over Poole Quay on Saturday with pirates, parades and family fun, while Grooves on the Green brings three days of live music, food and festival vibes to Ashley Cross. There's also the exciting return of Dibbens to Poole Old Town, plus Dorset Mela, Father's Day events, live music across the area and plenty more to enjoy.

We’ve also got our own poll based on the the first part of the consultation on BCP’s Local Plan, so make sure you give us your opinions.

Let's get into this week's stories and events...

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Where should new homes be built? How can transport be improved? What should happen to our town centres and green spaces?

BCP Council is asking residents, businesses and community groups to help answer those questions as it launches the first public consultation on a brand-new Local Plan.

The plan will guide how land across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is used and developed up to 2043, covering everything from housing and jobs to roads, schools, green spaces and community facilities.

The first six-week consultation opened yesterday and gives local people the chance to highlight the issues they think matter most. Topics already identified include affordable housing, economic growth, transport, infrastructure, regeneration of town centres, protecting the environment and tackling climate change.

Alongside the consultation, a Call for Sites process is also launching, allowing landowners, developers and members of the public to suggest locations that could potentially be considered for future development.

BCP Council says creating an up-to-date Local Plan is particularly important as national government housing targets require around 3,000 new homes a year across the area.

Council Leader Cllr Millie Earl said the authority wants to hear directly from residents before key decisions are made.

This is only the first stage of a three-part consultation process, with further opportunities to comment on potential development sites and the draft plan taking place over the next two years.

The first part of the consultation closes on Monday 27 July.

Find out more and take part here.

One of Poole's most popular annual events is sailing back into town this month as Harry Paye Pirate Day returns to Poole Quay on Sunday 28 June.

Organised by the Pirates of Poole to raise money for local charities, the family-friendly event celebrates the legendary Poole pirate Harry Paye with an afternoon packed full of entertainment.

The festivities begin at midday with the traditional pirate parade led by the Mayor of Poole, joined by visiting pirates, bands and community groups.

Throughout the afternoon visitors can enjoy live music, pirate games, historical displays, cannon demonstrations, children's rides and plenty of pirate-themed fun along the quay.

Young buccaneers can also take part in treasure hunts, competitions and the popular Best Dressed Junior Pirate contest.

Running until 6pm, Harry Paye Pirate Day has become one of Poole's most colourful community events, attracting thousands of visitors each year.

So dig out your eye patch, dust off your pirate hat and prepare to say "Arrr!" as Poole once again celebrates its most famous pirate son.

Continuing the Pirate theme, as previously reported, Treasure Island in Canford Cliffs is nearing completion following a major refurbishment, with a brand-new pirate ship at the heart of the redesigned play area.

The project forms part of BCP Council's wider Plan for Play programme, which is investing more than £4.6 million into over 120 play areas across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Major refurbishment projects are also moving forward at Kings Park, Hamworthy Park, Bourne Valley, Noyce Gardens, Muscliff Park and Mallard Road, with contractors now appointed and designs being finalised.

Councillors say the improvements have been shaped directly by feedback from local families and children during public consultations held last year.

If, like me, you’re waiting for the refurbishment of the Oakdale play park, there is £50,000 allocated to it and work will apparently be starting soon. If you’d like to report a problem with a local park then please contact BCP Council using this link.

A much-loved piece of Poole's history is about to welcome customers once again.

The historic former F. Dibben & Sons premises in Poole Old Town will reopen on Friday 19 June as Dibbens Deli & Grocer, bringing the family name back to the high street after several years behind closed doors.

Led by Hayleigh Dibben, the next generation of the family business has overseen the restoration of the landmark building, which has been part of Poole's story since the 1930s.

The new deli and grocer will offer locally sourced produce, deli favourites and everyday grocery items, while retaining many of the building's original features that generations of residents will remember.

Before the official reopening, a special launch event will take place on Thursday 18 June from 5.30pm to 8pm, welcoming local businesses, stakeholders and community partners to celebrate the building's revival.

Visitors will be able to explore a before-and-after exhibition showing the transformation of the property, sample local products and meet some of the suppliers helping to bring the new venture to life.

Hayleigh said reopening the doors has been an emotional journey for the family and hopes the new business will become a place where old memories are shared and new ones are created.

For many local residents, the return of Dibbens is more than the opening of a new shop. It's the revival of a familiar landmark that has been part of Poole's heritage for nearly a century.

Fans of Patisserie Mark Bennett have something new to look forward to this summer.

Mark is launching PMB Street Kitchen, a brand-new pop-up dining experience inspired by his travels across Europe and years of culinary training.

Taking place at St Peter's Church in Ashley Cross, the summer evening events will showcase freshly prepared European-inspired street food, featuring house-made bratwurst, artisan breads, slow-cooked meats and rich homemade sauces.

The first events will take place on Friday 24 July and Saturday 25 July, followed by further evenings on Friday 28 August and Thursday 10 September, all starting from 5pm.

The menu includes dishes such as Café de Paris Steak Baguette, Chicken Schnitzel Roll, Tuscan Pork Sandwich and PMB's own house-made bratwurst served in pretzel rolls. (Lets hope they’ve got some good curry ketchup to go with them!)

Over an acre of space, views over a golf course and a pool. What more would you need? 👉 View the property

A brand-new music festival is set to fill Poole with live performances this summer.

SoundScape arrives on Saturday 11 July, transforming venues across the town into a giant celebration of music featuring more than 100 performers.

Visitors will be able to pick up a festival map from participating businesses and follow a trail of performances throughout the day, taking in everything from jazz, rock and soul to choirs, electronic music and emerging local talent.

The event is being supported by Poole BID and Absolute Music and aims to showcase the incredible range of musical talent across the area.

The celebrations continue on Sunday 12 July with SoundScape Industry Gathering at GATHER in Dolphin Shopping Centre.

The free drop-in event will bring together music industry experts, festival organisers, promoters, media representatives and organisations including BBC Music Introducing and the Musicians' Union.

Musicians, songwriters, producers, engineers and anyone working in the music industry will be able to get advice, ask questions and make valuable connections.

With live music taking over the town on Saturday and industry experts gathering on Sunday, SoundScape promises to be a fantastic new addition to Poole's summer events calendar. Look out in future issues for further details about venues and locations for live performances.

One of Poole's favourite community festivals is back this weekend as Grooves on the Green returns to Ashley Cross Green from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 June.

This year's festival promises to be bigger than ever, with iconic dance act Livin' Joy headlining the weekend. Visitors can also enjoy tribute acts, live bands, street food, festival bars and plenty of activities for children.

The festival takes place on Ashley Cross Green from 4pm to 9pm on Friday, 11am to 9pm on Saturday, and 11am to 7pm on Sunday. The event also proudly supports local charity Diverse Abilities.

Poole Leisure Painters Exhibition, The Gallery Upstairs at Upton Country Park, Daily 10am-4:30pm until Monday 22 June
Celebrating 45 years of Poole Leisure Painters with an exhibition of members' work. Admission is free and the gallery is accessible by lift or stairs.

Pouring Soul Resin Art Workshops, GATHER at The Dolphin, Daily 10am-4pm until Sunday 21 June
Join resin artist Iuliana for a week-long exhibition and hands-on workshops. No experience needed, with beginner-friendly sessions where you can create your own resin artwork to take home.

World Cup Weekends, The Dolphin Shopping Centre, Selected dates until 28 June
Test your football skills in the interactive training ring and watch live World Cup action on the big screen. Weekend two takes place on 20 and 21 June. No booking required.

Grooves on the Green, Ashley Cross Green, Friday 19 June to Sunday 21 June
A three-day community festival packed with live music, street food, festival bars, children's entertainment and family fun. Headlined by dance legends Livin' Joy and supporting Diverse Abilities.

Poole Quay Bike Night, Poole Quay, from 5:30pm
Enjoy an evening of motorcycles on the quay, alongside Poole's waterfront restaurants, pubs and stunning harbour views.

Poole Plugged & Unplugged, The Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, 8pm
A relaxed open mic night hosted by Rich & Rich. Acoustic or amplified performers are welcome, with a free drink for performers and the chance to secure a future gig at the venue.

Jazz Supper with Matthew Fairman, The Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, from 8pm
Enjoy jazz standards from the American Songbook performed by pianist Matthew Fairman and double bassist Joe Limburn. Two or three-course supper options available. Booking advised on 01202 673517.

Innocent Bystander Live, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 8:30pm-10:30pm
Enjoy an evening of live music from local favourites Innocent Bystander.

Arooj Aftab with London Contemporary Orchestra, Lighthouse, 7:30pm
Grammy-winning singer and composer Arooj Aftab joins the London Contemporary Orchestra for a rare performance blending jazz, classical and South Asian influences.

Sam Sweeney Trio, Lighthouse, 8pm
One of the UK's leading folk musicians brings together an exceptional trio for an evening of contemporary and traditional folk music.

Murphy's Lore Trio Music Session, Sandbanks Brewery
Bring an instrument, your singing voice or simply come along and enjoy this informal and welcoming music session at the brewery.

Dibbens Deli & Grocer Launch Event, Dibbens, Poole Old Town, 5:30pm-8pm
Celebrate the reopening of this historic Poole business with refreshments, local produce tastings, supplier showcases and a look at the building's remarkable restoration.

Baden Powell & St Peter’s Summer Fair, Baden-Powell & St Peter's CE Junior School, 6pm-9pm
This year's Wild West-themed summer fair features live country music, line dancing, rodeo challenges, climbing walls, donkey rides, food stalls, games and family entertainment.

KT Tunstall, Lighthouse, 7:30pm
The Brit Award-winning singer-songwriter celebrates 20 years of Eye to the Telescope with a special anniversary performance.

Studio Jazz: Tess Hirst, Lighthouse, 7:45pm
One of the brightest talents on the contemporary jazz scene performs music from her acclaimed album HERstory.

Otis Jay Blues Band, Sandbanks Brewery, 7pm-9pm
Enjoy an evening of blues music alongside great local beer.

Nocturnal Discovery Walk, Upton Country Park, 8:30pm-10:30pm
Discover bats, moths and other nocturnal wildlife on this guided evening walk with Dorset Bat Group and Upton Country Park volunteers.

The TFI Friday Tribute Band, The Lord Nelson, Poole Quay
Relive the music of the 1990s with a live tribute to artists and bands featured on the iconic TV show.

Sunstroke Live, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9pm-11pm
Live music and great atmosphere at one of Ashley Cross's favourite venues.

Dorset Mela Festival, Poole Park, 10am-7pm
One of Dorset's largest multicultural celebrations featuring music, dance, food, crafts, performances, family entertainment and community activities. Free entry.

BSO Summer Cake Concert, Lighthouse, 11am
A dementia-friendly concert featuring Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra's Teatime Trio, complete with complimentary tea and cake.

Harry Paye Day, Poole Quay, 12pm-6pm
Poole's favourite pirate returns for a day of parades, live music, children's entertainment, pirate games, cannon displays, competitions and fundraising for local charities.

Beats ‘N’ Barnets, Lush Hairlab, 12pm-4pm
Come to the Lush Hairlab for a day time party, with DJ Garphie, workshops, refreshments and family fun for all.

Akira (4K Restoration), Lighthouse, 7pm
Experience the landmark anime classic on the big screen in a stunning 4K restoration.

Killer Queen, Lighthouse, 7:30pm
One of the world's leading Queen tribute acts brings the music and spectacle of Freddie Mercury and Queen to life.

BH-Rock, The Goods Yard, Broadstone, from 8pm
Expect an energetic mix of rock, soul, blues, pop and funk from this popular local band.

A Night of Blues 'n' Boogie, Lighthouse, 8pm
Three acclaimed acts come together for an evening celebrating blues, boogie and swing music.

Yard Party Live Music Night, The Goods Yard, Broadstone, 9pm-11pm
Enjoy live music, food and drinks at Broadstone's popular weekend music event.

Tudo Live, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9pm-11pm
Live music from Tudo to round off a busy Saturday evening.

Father's Day Lunch Cruise, Poole Quay, 12:30pm
Enjoy a scenic cruise around Poole Harbour with freshly cooked fish and chips while taking in views of Brownsea Island and Sandbanks. Book your place.

Ben Nicholls Live, South Deep, Poole, 4pm
A relaxed afternoon of live music featuring favourites from Oasis, The Eagles, Simon & Garfunkel and more.

Nory-J Live, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 4pm-6pm
Round off the weekend with live music from Nory-J.

Grooves on the Green, Ashley Cross Green, 11am-7pm
The final day of the popular community festival featuring live music, food, en

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