Hello Poole!

This week’s issue is all about summer in full swing. We’ve got vintage VWs and Porsches rolling into town for Car Nights on the Quay, huge tribute acts lighting up Upton Country Park, and plenty of family fun across the weekend. Plus, we’re covering the latest twist in BCP’s seafront parking plans. Catch the top events, key news and things to do, all in this issue of PooleNow.

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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!

🚗 Rethinking parking: your say is shaping local plans

BCP Council has kicked off a consultation about improving how parking works on some of our busiest seafront roads, and local voices are already making a difference.

The idea was to explore paid-for parking in two high-demand zones (including Canford Cliffs and Branksome Chine) as a way to reduce unsafe parking, fund better enforcement, and help keep the roads clear during the busy summer months.

But after a strong public response(!), Council Leader Millie Earl says the administration won’t be supporting the current proposals. She thanked residents for speaking up and encouraged everyone to keep sharing their views to help shape smarter, fairer solutions in future.

Poole’s MP Neil Duncan-Jordan is also pushing for central government to increase the maximum parking fines councils can issue, last updated in 2007, so local teams have the tools they need.

This is a great example of consultation in action. Whether you’re a regular beachgoer or live nearby, your input can help steer how we manage seafront spaces for everyone.

Add your views before 1 August:
haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/seafront-parking-2025

🎈 Bounce your way to supporting Forest Holme

Looking for a day out that’s fun and meaningful? Forest Holme Hospice is inviting locals to take on the Inflatable 5K in Southampton on Saturday 12 July.
With 32 huge inflatables along the route, this is no ordinary run. Options include 2.5k, 5k, 10k and 15k courses, and everyone’s welcome, whatever your fitness level.
All proceeds support Forest Holme’s end-of-life and bereavement services across Poole, Wimborne and Purbeck.
Every bounce, slide and tunnel helps families facing the most difficult of times.
📝 Join Team Forest Holme here: runforcharity.com/forest-holme-hospice-charity/inflatables-southampton

🎷 Step back in time: Poole Goes Vintage returns!

Poole Goes Vintage is back on Sunday 13 July, bringing retro fun to the streets of Old Town and the High Street. Expect a full day of fashion, music, dancing, and classic charm — all set against the backdrop of Poole’s historic centre.

Organised by Stir Events and sponsored by Poole BID, this year’s festival features a main stage in Old Orchard with live performances inspired by the golden years of the 1940s to 1960s. Think rock’n’roll rhythms, vintage market stalls, artisan makers, and a sparkling display of classic cars.

Little ones can enjoy face painting, Punch and Judy shows, stilt walkers, and bubble fun, while grown-ups soak in the nostalgia.

From 11am to 6pm, it’s a full day of free entertainment for all ages — and a brilliant reason to dust off those dancing shoes.

Find out more!

🌱 Chestnut Nursery celebrates growth and recovery

Chestnut Nursery beside Poole Park has grown more than just plants. Since its 2019 redevelopment, sales are up 150% and the number of people moving into paid work has tripled.
Run by the charity Plants and Minds, the nursery supports adults with severe mental health needs through therapeutic gardening and real retail experience.
We interviewed manager Andy Verreck back in Issue No.4, where he spoke about how the nursey has a huge impact on people’s lives.
This year, 22 new team members have joined. A thank you event will mark the sixth anniversary on Monday 7 July.
Cherry Tree Nursery in Bournemouth, its sister site, is now seeking investment to bring its own facilities up to scratch.

🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

This week, we’ve looked at the most expensive flats in the area. If you’ve got a budget of just over £4million and love various shades of beige, then good news: this apartment is for you!

🚴‍♂️ Drum and bass ride fills Bournemouth streets

Thousands turned out for DJ Dom Whiting’s Drum and Bass on the Bike ride through Bournemouth on Sunday.
We featured the event in last week’s issue, and it didn’t disappoint – over 2,000 cyclists joined the route from the Vitality Stadium to Boscombe beach, via Southbourne.
Whiting performs live while cycling, towing a full DJ setup through the streets. Dorset Police changed the route late on to reduce town centre disruption, but the atmosphere stayed upbeat and peaceful.
These mass rides started in 2021 and now tour across Europe. Bournemouth was the latest stop on this feel-good phenomenon that blends dance music with pedal power.

🎤 Tap Room Talent at Sandbanks Brewery

Young musicians, this one’s for you. On Friday 16 August, Sandbanks Brewery will host Tap Room Talent, a live music showcase for under 18s.
Solos, duos and bands are all welcome, with slots running from 12pm to 1.30pm. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly space and a great opportunity to perform live.
Spots are limited so early applications are essential.
🎸 Apply by email: [email protected]

3 Local stories you might have missed

1. New pay structure for BCP Council staff moves ahead

2. Bournemouth disabled student travels more than 850 miles across 10 days on public buses

3. Poole campus opens £1.1m health training centre for students

🎶 BBC broadcasts coming to Lighthouse Poole

Two BBC radio icons are heading to Lighthouse this autumn.
Friday Night Is Music Night will air live from Poole’s Concert Hall on Friday 19 September, with the BBC Concert Orchestra performing “Puttin’ on the Ritz” – a celebration of 1920s and 30s music.
Then on Friday 3 October, legendary satire show Dead Ringers arrives as part of its 25th anniversary tour, with stars Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens and more.
Lighthouse’s Katy Griffiths said both shows are “giants of British broadcasting” and a huge part of this autumn’s exciting line-up.
🎟️ Book tickets and explore the full programme at lighthousepoole.co.uk or call 01202 280000.

🛳️ Firework cruise for Diverse Abilities

Set sail for a good cause this summer. On Wednesday 21 August, a special firework cruise will raise funds for Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity.
Departing Poole Quay at 7.30pm, the three-hour voyage includes a glass of prosecco, scenic views of Sandbanks and Studland, and a firework finale at 10pm.
There’s also a raffle and onboard bar. Proceeds will help fund more than 300,000 hours of care for children and adults across Dorset.
Remember to bring an extra layer – it can get chilly at sea.
🚢 Book here: diverseabilities.org.uk/daevents/fireworks-cruise

🚘 Car Nights return to Poole Quay

Every Friday from 6pm to 9pm throughout July and August, the Quay will host themed car nights featuring everything from vintage Land Rovers to sleek Supercars.
The full line-up includes:
• 4 July – Air-Cooled VW & Porsche
• 11 July – Italian & French
• 18 July – Landrovers, Emergency & Military
• 25 July – British Classics
• 1 Aug – Super Cars & Subarus
• 8 Aug – TVRs & Jaguars
• 15 Aug – Hot Cars
Make an evening of it with dinner nearby and enjoy the harbour views. Each car gets a windshield registration form and parking is arranged by theme.

What’s on this week in (and around) Poole

Tuesday

Bike Night, Poole Quay, from 6pm
See the winner of Bike of the Night, plus live music and entertainment.

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!

Poole Grammar School Open Evening, Poole Grammar, 4pm–7pm
Discover everything Poole Grammar has to offer. All welcome, no booking required.

The Ox Tuesday Quiz Night, The Ox Pub, 7pm
Brand-new monthly quiz night. Grab your team and book your table now.

Poole Plugged & Unplugged, Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, 8pm
Open mic night with live acoustic and electric sets.

Wednesday

Kingsmen, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 8:30pm–10:30pm
Live music in the heart of Ashley Cross.

Poole Pirates v Glasgow, Poole Stadium, 7:30pm–9:30pm
Catch the Pirates in action in the Cab Direct Championship.

Thursday

‘Wet and Wild’ Art Exhibition, The Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park, 10am–4:30pm
Daily until 14 July. Artwork by Art on the Heath members.

Poole High School Open Evening, Poole High, 4:30pm–7pm
Tour the school campus, meet staff and hear from the Headteacher at 5:30pm.

Friday

Upton Country Park Festival – Ladies Night!, Upton Country Park, 4pm–11pm
Tributes to P!nk, Beyoncé, Dolly and more. Bring a picnic and party under the stars.
Get tickets

Iron Hide, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm–11pm
Hard rock and local vibes at this Ashley Cross favourite.

Car Nights on Poole Quay, 6pm–9pm
This week: Air-Cooled VW & Porsche. Stunning cars and harbour views.

Saturday

Medieval Sword Weekend, Corfe Castle, National Trust, 10am - 4pm
Have-a-go at learning the art of swordsmanship (using safety blades) and discover how swords were made.

Bake Sauna Pop-Up, Hamworthy Park
Enjoy a steamy session followed by a refreshing dip.
Book your session

‘Wet and Wild’ Art Exhibition, The Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park, 10am–4:30pm
Browse works inspired by water and nature, on daily until 14 July.

Upton Country Park Festival – Super Family Singalong!, 1pm–11pm
Tributes to ABBA, Queen, Oasis and more. Family fun all day long.
Grab your tickets

The Salts: Songs from the Sea, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
Sea shanties and maritime folk performed live.
Book now

The Alibi Rock Band, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm–11pm
High-energy local rock for your Saturday night.
See more

Watch UEFA Women’s Euros, The Cow Pub, 5pm & 8pm
Wales v Netherlands (5pm), France v England (8pm). Book your table.

Sunday

Medieval Sword Weekend, Corfe Castle, National Trust, 10am - 4pm
Have-a-go at learning the art of swordsmanship (using safety blades) and discover how swords were made.

Bake Sauna Pop-Up, Hamworthy Park
Enjoy a steamy session followed by a refreshing dip.
Book your session

Country in the Park, Upton Country Park, 12pm–9pm
Celebrate Americana with live music, BBQ, stalls and more.
Visit website

Broadstone Fun Day, Broadstone Rec, all day
Live music, car show, food, crafts and more. Free entry for all.

Zoe Schwarz Bluez Party, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 4pm–6pm
Blues-infused tunes to wind down the weekend.

Monthly Quiz Night, Jenkins & Sons, 6:30pm
Test your trivia skills with Quizmaster Phoebe. £3 entry, cash prize to be won.

Monday

Pub Quiz Night – Bermuda Triangle Pub, 7.30–10.30pm
£3 entry includes quiz and bar snacks. Friendly fun to start the week.

Got a story? Know an inspiring individual? Want to promote a local charity? We’d love to hear about it—just reply to this email.

That’s it! See you next week!