Hello Poole!

This week’s issue is bursting at the seams – and so is the local calendar. We’ve got polo on the sand, vintage fun in town, a huge beach party in Sandbanks, plus back-to-back live music from Swanage to Broadstone. You’ll also find BBQ pop-ups, comedy nights, and your guide to Poole’s summer events. And that’s not to mention all the great local news stories.

Let’s get stuck in 👇

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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!

🎷 Poole Goes Vintage returns this weekend!

Get ready to twist and shout! Poole Goes Vintage is back on Sunday 13 July, bringing retro style, classic tunes, and non-stop entertainment to the heart of town.

Old Orchard will be buzzing with vintage fashion, music and dancing from 11am to 6pm, with a main stage opposite Nusara Thai and Slug & Lettuce. Wander down the High Street for artisan stalls, vintage cars, food, and family-friendly fun including face painting, Punch and Judy shows and stilt walkers.

Sponsored by Poole BID, this free festival is a full-on celebration of the 1940s to 60s. Whether you're a rock ‘n’ roller, a retro treasure hunter or just looking for a great day out, this is one for the diary.

🎨 Mini sculpture trail lands at Ham Common

Take a wander through Ham Common and you’ll spot some surprising new visitors.

Four striking sculptures have been installed along the paths to celebrate the wildlife that calls this local nature reserve home. From a carved white-tailed eagle to a shimmering sand lizard, each piece was created by a local artist and chosen in partnership with Birds of Poole Harbour.

Part of BCP Council’s Coastal Art Trail, this trail highlights the natural beauty and rare species found in Ham Common — including over 200 bird species, fossil plants and colourful heathland that changes with the seasons.

It’s a brilliant excuse to explore one of Poole’s most special green spaces.

🏖️ KidZone wristbands return to BCP beaches

Free KidZone wristbands are back for summer, helping to reunite lost children and vulnerable adults with their families across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole beaches.

From 1 July, families can collect a wristband from any seafront office or RNLI lifeguard tower. From 19 July, LV= KidZone staff will also be out on the sands at Bournemouth, Boscombe and Alum Chine handing out bands.

Parents can write their contact info and beach spot on the band so that if someone gets separated, staff can act fast.

The scheme is sponsored by LV= and run with support from RNLI, Dorset Police and BCP Council. Last summer, 118 lost people were safely reunited.

Look out for bright pink T-shirts on seafront rangers and report any concerns quickly.

It runs until 1 September and covers Sandbanks, Shore Road, Branksome Chine and more.

💼 Free business support for BCP firms

If you're running a business in Poole, here's a golden opportunity: up to two hours of free one-to-one advice with a professional business advisor.

Open to small and medium-sized businesses based in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, this fully funded programme offers support on everything from sales and marketing to accessing finance and growth strategies.

The scheme is part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with local support delivered by Poole-based advisors Evolve. Whether you're starting up or scaling up, they’re ready to help you make progress.

To be eligible, your business must be registered in the BCP area. Places are limited, so don’t wait.

📍 More details: BCP Council business support

🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

How much would you pay for a small 3 bedroom bungalow that needs updating? 👉 View the property

🎾 Poole teen stuns on Wimbledon debut

14-year-old Daniella Britton from Poole pulled off a thrilling win in her first ever match at junior Wimbledon.

Taking on Serbia’s Luna Vujović, Daniella battled through two rain delays and a nail-biting tiebreak to win 6-3 3-6 7-6(6) in her Grand Slam debut.

“I expected to get destroyed,” she admitted after the match. “But I just tried to enjoy it and play like I normally do.”

A crowd of Dorset supporters cheered her on from the stands, including friends, coaches and fellow players.

Keep an eye on this rising Poole star — we’ve got a feeling this won’t be the last we hear from her on the big stage.

🎥 48-hour film contest returns this November

Calling all creatives: the Shooting From The Hip 48 Hour Film Contest is back this November.

Now in its sixth year, this exciting event invites filmmakers of all abilities to make a film in just two days. Whether you're a total newbie or a seasoned pro, everyone is welcome — and it's completely free to enter.

The contest runs from 7 to 9 November, with a big-screen screening and awards night at Lighthouse Poole on 13 November.

Set up to support grassroots filmmaking in BCP, the contest has grown into a friendly and inspiring challenge that draws teams back year after year.

To get involved or ask a question, email: [email protected]

3 Local stories you might have missed

1. Poole clinic to offer dementia support with free expert advice

2. Bournemouth college pledges support to armed forces community

3. Dorset's Lydia Thomas heads to US for fly fishing world championships

🏄‍♀️SUP Season

Do you like heading out on a paddleboard? If so, whereabouts in Poole do you like to head out? We’re going to put together a guide to our favourite local spots. Choose your favourite from the list below, or select other and use the box to tell us yours.

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!

Wednesday

Poole Symphonic Summer 2025, Lighthouse, 7:30pm
A lively evening of film scores, musical theatre classics and Proms favourites performed by 45 talented musicians.
Book now

The Harry Skinner Band, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 8:30pm–10:30pm
Enjoy a laid-back midweek gig from this well-loved blues band in Ashley Cross.

Thursday

Italian Wine Dinner, Hotel du Vin Poole, 7:00pm arrival
A refined five-course meal with Italian wine pairings in an elegant setting.
Reserve your place

Delfino Lounge Music Showcase, Delfino Lounge, Poole, 6.30pm
An acoustic evening celebrating local musical talent in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Friday

Sandpolo, Sandbanks, all day
World-class polo on the beach, followed by live music and beach parties into the evening.
Final tickets

Weekly Smoke Series, The Goods Yard, Broadstone, 4.00pm
BBQ food from guest grillers

Car Nights, Poole Quay, 6:00pm–9:00pm
This week’s theme: Italian & French cars. Perfect for car enthusiasts and a sunset stroll.

Big Nite Out, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9:00pm–11:00pm
A fun and lively evening with upbeat live music in Ashley Cross.

Boogie on the Beach, Sandbanks
An open-air disco party with Heatwave, Damage and Jazzie B setting the soundtrack.
Find out more

Rustic Stomp, Soldiers Road, Wareham (until Sunday)
Kick off a weekend of Americana with music, street food and good vibes in the Purbecks.
View festival info

Swanage Jazz Festival, Swanage (until Sunday)
Three days of jazz from legends and new names across multiple seaside venues.
Explore the line-up

The Wiseguys, The Lord Nelson, 9pm
One of the area’s most popular Pop/Rock ‘Covers’ bands, playing a high-energy show with music from across 4 decades.

Saturday

Poetry Reading Group, Poole Library, all day
A relaxed group sharing and exploring poetry in a welcoming library setting.

Rustic Stomp, Soldiers Road, Wareham
Day two of the Americana-themed music festival continues.
View festival info

Swanage Jazz Festival, Swanage
Top-tier jazz across beachside venues throughout the day.
Explore the line-up

Sandpolo, Sandbanks
Final day of fast-paced beach polo and buzzing beachside entertainment.
Final tickets

Coastal Comedy, Lighthouse, 8:00pm
A triple bill of top stand-up acts including Canadian comic Sean Collins.
Book now

Tudo, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9:00pm–11:00pm
A high-energy Saturday night set from this lively local group.
View event

Sunday

Poole Goes Vintage, Poole, 11am-6pm
Live music and more

Upton House Open Day, Upton Country Park, 12:00pm–4:30pm
A chance to explore Upton House and enjoy a guided tour through its historic rooms.

SandFest, Sandbanks
A one-day beach party headlined by Sonny Fodera — pure Ibiza vibes in Poole.
View details

Concrete Prairie, The Tap & Grape, Broadstone, from 6:00pm
Live folk and Americana with rave reviews – and free entry too.

Rustic Stomp, Soldiers Road, Wareham
Final day of the festival – one last dose of music and Americana charm.
View festival info

Swanage Jazz Festival, Swanage
Closing day of the jazz-packed weekend by the sea.
Explore the line-up

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!