After what felt like a glorious early taste of summer over half term, June has arrived with rain! But to make up for it, there’s an absolutely packed calendar of events across Poole and beyond. This week we're looking at a major opportunity for residents in Hamworthy and Turlin Moor to help shape how £20 million of government funding is spent over the next decade, while Birds of Poole Harbour have shared an exciting update on the harbour's growing osprey population. We've also got news from Poole High Street, Bournemouth and Poole College, the Sandbanks Ferry and a campaign to improve accessibility at The Dolphin car parks.

On the events front, Dorset Art Weeks continues across the county, Poole Pride returns to Lighthouse this weekend, dragon boats will be racing across Poole Park and there's a huge amount of live music taking place from Ashley Cross to Broadstone and Poole Quay. Plus, after last week's rather embarrassing date mix-up, we've got the correct details for the fantastic Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival later this month!

Whatever you've got planned this week, we hope you enjoy the sunshine while it lasts and find something new to discover in our wonderful corner of Dorset.

Enjoy!

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A huge opportunity is on the horizon for Hamworthy West and Turlin Moor, with up to £20 million set to be invested in the area over the next decade through the Government's new Pride in Place programme.

The funding, worth around £2 million a year from 2027, will be used to support projects chosen by local people. Improvements could include better parks and community spaces, local events, wellbeing projects, cultural activities and initiatives designed to make the area an even better place to live.

A new Neighbourhood Board will be created later this summer to help decide how the money is spent. Importantly, the majority of board members will be local residents, alongside representatives from community groups, businesses, councillors, BCP Council and Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan.

BCP Council is now encouraging residents to come forward and get involved. No previous experience is needed, with training available for anyone interested in helping shape the area's future.

Hamworthy West and Turlin Moor is one of three areas selected for investment, alongside Boscombe West and West Howe. Each area will receive its own £20 million package and have local people leading the decisions.

If you've ever wanted a bigger say in your community, this could be your chance. More information and details about joining the board can be found on the BCP website.

What ideas do you have for what you would spend the money on? Reply and let us know your ideas!

There has been plenty of excitement among Poole Harbour's osprey population after the arrival of a new female bird.

Birds of Poole Harbour has revealed that a two-year-old Scottish-ringed female, known as 6J8, arrived in the harbour on 27 May and immediately attracted the attention of several young male ospreys already living in the area.

Over the following days, all three resident males, 5R0, 5H6 and 5H3, were seen attempting to impress the newcomer. Fish deliveries, nest visits and spectacular aerial displays were all observed as the males competed for her attention.

However, conservationists have stressed that no pair bonds have formed and no breeding has taken place. At just two years old, 6J8 is not yet ready to breed and has so far rejected the advances of her enthusiastic admirers.

While there is still a long way to go before next year's breeding season, the arrival of another female is hugely positive news for the harbour's growing osprey population. Don’t forget to check out the webcam!

Harry Paye Day is sailing back into Poole later this month. The annual celebration of Poole's legendary pirate will take place on Saturday 20 June from midday until 6pm on Poole Quay, promising a day packed with family-friendly entertainment and plenty of pirate mischief.

Organised by the Pirates of Poole, the event raises money for local charities while celebrating the town's colourful maritime history.

Visitors can expect live music, pirate crews from across the country, treasure hunts, games, children's rides, historical displays and the ever-popular Best Dressed Junior Pirate competition.

There will also be cannon fire throughout the day and opportunities to join pirate-themed cruises around the harbour.

Harry Paye was one of Poole's most famous historical characters, earning notoriety in the 14th century for his daring raids across the English Channel. If you’re interested to know more about Harry, we wrote an article all about him in July last year.

If you’ve walked down the Quay end of the High Street in the last week, you may have noticed the return of a familiar name. The old F Dibbens & Sons greengrocer has been empty for over ten years, but is close to making a return. The family have spent the last year renovating the store in preparation of re-opening as a farm shop and this week the beautiful new signage went up (local stores with hideous plastic/flashing light up signs please take note!). We’ll keep you updated as to when we get a potential opening date!

Changes could be on the menu at John Lewis in Poole following an application for a new alcohol licence linked to a planned café transformation.

Hospitality company Benugo has recently secured a major partnership with John Lewis to redesign and operate restaurants and cafés in 32 stores across the country, replacing the retailer's existing Place to Eat concept.

The company already operates cafés and restaurants at high-profile venues including the Victoria and Albert Museum, Natural History Museum and British Museum.

Plans include refreshed dining spaces, bakery and deli-style menus, handmade pizzas and a stronger focus on locally sourced ingredients. How much of this will arrive in the Poole store remains to be seen as details have not yet been confirmed, the licence application for "Benugo at John Lewis" suggests changes could eventually be on the way for local shoppers looking for somewhere to grab a coffee or bite to eat.

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The Dolphin Centre has launched a public petition calling on BCP Council to replace the lifts serving its multi-storey car parks.

Five lifts are currently out of action, creating difficulties for wheelchair users, older residents and families with pushchairs trying to access Poole town centre.

Centre Manager John Grinnell has already raised concerns with the council and is now asking the wider community to add their support.

The petition argues that reliable lifts are essential to ensuring the town centre remains accessible and welcoming to everyone. It also highlights concerns that ongoing problems may discourage people from visiting local shops and businesses.

The Dolphin says replacing the ageing lift systems would improve accessibility, support local trade and help make the town centre easier to use for residents and visitors alike.

Anyone wishing to support the campaign can sign the petition online

A major milestone has been reached in the transformation of Bournemouth and Poole College's Lansdowne campus.

The college has officially taken possession of the new Compass Building following the completion of the main construction phase by contractor Kier.

The four-storey teaching facility replaces several outdated buildings and forms part of a significant investment supported by the Government's Further Education Capital Transformation Fund.

Covering 8,500 square metres, the new building will provide modern teaching spaces for subjects including computing, media, sport, travel, hospitality, hair and beauty.

Students will also benefit from new real-world training facilities, including the student-run Escoffier restaurant and Horizon salons, both of which will be open to the public.

College leaders say the focus now turns to fitting out the building and preparing staff ahead of students arriving in September.

Work on landscaping and the restoration of the historic Clock Tower Building will continue over the summer.

Work has started to remove reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, commonly known as RAAC, from the roof above Poole Central Library.

BCP Council says contractors are now on site carrying out the project, which is expected to take around a year to complete.

The good news for visitors is that the library will remain open throughout the works, with all services continuing as normal.

A quick correction from us this week!

In last week's events guide, we mistakenly listed the Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival as taking place over last weekend. Somehow, I managed to get the date wrong by an entire month. Huge apologies to anyone who headed over to Southbourne expecting a weekend of vintage music and dancing!

The good news is that the festival is actually taking place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June at Fisherman's Walk in Southbourne, giving you plenty of time to dust off your dancing shoes and vintage outfits.

The free family-friendly event celebrates the sights, sounds and style of the 1940s to 1960s, with live swing, big band, rock 'n' roll and rockabilly music throughout the weekend. There will also be dance displays, workshops, military history exhibitions, vintage traders, food stalls, children's activities and plenty of opportunities to join in.

One of the highlights will be the Armed Forces Day Parade on Saturday morning, featuring veterans, serving personnel, military charities and community groups. The parade will make its way through Southbourne before arriving at Fisherman's Walk for a formal ceremony and flag raising.

It looks set to be a fantastic weekend celebrating music, history and community spirit. And this time, we can confidently say it's happening on 27 and 28 June!

PROPHECY: Living Life As Art, Lighthouse, Wed 3 June to Sat 4 July
A free exhibition by Hazel Golden featuring 66 original artworks exploring transformation, self-discovery and the journey of becoming. Visitors are invited to experience an immersive exhibition where art and life intertwine.

Dorset Art Weeks with Poole Print Makers, GATHER at The Dolphin, daily 10am-4pm until Sunday 7 June
Browse and buy original prints from more than 25 Dorset artists, meet the printmakers behind the work and take part in daily drop-in printmaking sessions. Free entry.

Into the Light, The Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park, daily 10am-4.30pm until Monday 8 June
Part of Dorset Art Weeks, this free exhibition by members of Poole & East Dorset Art Society explores the challenge of capturing and creating light in art.

Bike Night, Poole Quay, 5.30pm-9pm
An evening of motorcycles, food, drinks and great atmosphere along Poole Quay, with plenty of bikes on display against the harbour backdrop.

Kingsmen Lite (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 8.30pm-10.30pm
Live music from Kingsmen Lite, bringing an evening of entertainment to the popular Ashley Cross venue.

LEG IT x SOUTH DEEP, Poole Park and South Deep, 6.45pm-9.30pm
A social 5k run around Poole Park followed by live music and sunset drinks in the garden at South Deep. Perfect for meeting new people and enjoying a summer evening. Book tickets

The Smyths, Lighthouse, 7.45pm
One of the UK's most respected Smiths tribute bands returns with an authentic live celebration of the music of Morrissey, Marr and company.

Fiona Bevan & Adam Beattie, Lighthouse, 8pm
Two acclaimed singer-songwriters share the stage for an evening of folk-inspired storytelling and beautifully crafted songs.

80s Classical, Lighthouse, 7.30pm
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra joins 80s stars Nik Kershaw, Carol Decker and Johnny Hates Jazz for a night of iconic hits performed in full orchestral style.

Keith Brymer Jones and Marj Hogarth: Us, Pots and A Welsh Chapel, Lighthouse, 7.45pm
The Great Pottery Throw Down favourite and his partner share stories from their creative lives and Welsh chapel restoration project.

Studio Jazz: The Darius Brubeck Quartet, Lighthouse, 7.45pm
An evening of melodic jazz from the son of jazz legend Dave Brubeck, featuring classic Brubeck favourites and South African influences.

Skyfall (Live Band), Tap & Grape, Broadstone, from 8.30pm
Popular party band Skyfall returns with an energetic set of rock, pop and crowd-pleasing favourites.

Cutting Edge (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9pm-11pm
Live music from Cutting Edge at the Bermuda Triangle.

Mutiny At The Beach, The Brewhouse, Poole, from 9pm
Expect pop songs reimagined as punk rock anthems when Mutiny At The Beach make their Brewhouse debut.

Cadbury Physiotherapy Social Ride, Rockets & Rascals, Poole, 7am-10.30am
A free social cycling event with routes for all abilities, followed by coffee and conversation. Contact [email protected] to reserve a place.

Forest Holme Dragon Boat Festival, Poole Park, from 10am
Teams take to the water for a day of exciting dragon boat racing in support of Forest Holme Hospice Charity. Spectators are welcome to cheer on the crews.

Poole Pride 2026, Lighthouse, from 12pm
A colourful celebration of LGBTQ+ culture featuring live music, cabaret, drag performances, talks, workshops, poetry, a silent disco and more.

Elvis Cruise, Poole Quay, from 7pm
Award-winning Elvis tribute performer Garry Foley brings the King of Rock 'n' Roll to life aboard MV Fortuna as she cruises around Poole Harbour. Book your cruise

Suzi Ruffell: The Juggle, Lighthouse, 7.30pm
The multi-award-winning comedian brings her latest stand-up tour to Poole as part of Poole Pride.

Buck Wild (Live Music), HonkyTonk Collective, Hamworthy, from 8pm
Country music favourites Buck Wild return for a night of dancing, boots and Nashville-inspired entertainment.

Absolute Block (Live Music), The Goods Yard, Broadstone, 8.30pm
Live music and feel-good tunes from Absolute Block.

Art in the Park, Upton Country Park, 10am-4pm
Artists of all abilities are invited to create artwork outdoors in the beautiful surroundings of Upton Country Park, with demonstrations, judging and prizes throughout the day.

Summer Quiz Night, Jenkins & Sons, Penn Hill, from 6pm
The first quiz night of the summer season. Gather your team and put your knowledge to the test.

Monday Speed Quizzing, Bermuda Triangle, 7.30pm
Fast-paced quiz action with cash prizes and plenty of friendly competition. £3 per person to enter.

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