Hello Poole!

What a beautiful weekend we just had, one that reminded us why we’re so lucky to live in one of the most amazing parts of the world! Hopefully you all found somewhere quiet (away from the grockles!) to enjoy it.

In this week’s issue: Dorset wins its first national cricket trophy in 37 years, and there's free funding advice on offer for local community groups. Plus, we’ve got news from the Seafood & Sounds 2025 launch, the return of Poole Harbour Festival, and Thursday night fireworks lighting up the Quay. We’ve also got updates on Poole Park lagoon works and a new planning consultation in Lilliput. Oh and we also have a survey question for you to help us develop PooleNow. Let’s dive 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!

🏏 Dorset win national cricket title after 37-year wait

Dorset’s cricket team made history this month, winning the National Counties 50-over Trophy for the first time since 1988. They beat Shropshire by five wickets in a confident, controlled performance at Chester Boughton Hall.

The team, packed with local talent, bowled smartly to hold Shropshire to 195, with standout spells from Joe Carson and spinners Smith, Organ and Gordon. Dorset chased the target with calm heads, thanks to half-centuries from Dylan Church and Felix Organ – and fittingly, captain Luke Webb was there at the end to seal the win.

Coach Paul Lawrence praised the squad’s belief, youth, and leadership: “They’ve shown character and fight all the way. There’s still more to come.”

Don’t forget that Dorset Cricket are hosting Women’s Cricket Showcase at Wimborne Cricket Club on Thursday 31 July. Expect pro skills sessions, inspiring talks, food, fun and a T20 showdown between Dorset Women and Hampshire Women, coached by players from The Hundred. It’s a full day out for fans, families and future stars.
🎟 Info & tickets: dorsetshowcase.co.uk

🐟 A taste of what’s to come: Seafood & Sounds 2025

The third annual Seafood & Sounds is officially underway! The 2025 launch party took place on 9 July at St Tropez Club, bringing together organisers, sponsors, and supporters to celebrate what’s shaping up to be a brilliant weekend this September.

This year’s free event runs 13–14 September across Old Town and Poole Quay with six live music zones, an artisan market at Scaplen’s Court, and family fun including Jamie Jigsaw, an Oyster Trail, and plenty of fresh seafood. A grand raffle is already live, raising funds for future events and Forest Holme.

Organised by local business owners and backed by Poole BID and The Dolphin, it’s a real show of community spirit. Full details at seafoodandsounds.co.uk

Go back to Issue No. 7 for our interview with Jeanette Walsh, owner of Truly Scrumptious, to find out more about how the event gets organised!

🎸 Poole Harbour Festival returns with biggest line-up yet

Poole Harbour Festival is back – and it’s bigger than ever. The homegrown, sea-view festival has grown from a local gathering to a 15,000-strong celebration of live music, community and summer fun.

This year, 60+ acts take to six stages over three days (26–28 July) at Baiter Park. Big names include UB40, Feeder, Happy Mondays, The Hoosiers, N-Trance, Vengaboys and more. There’s a dedicated dance stage too, with sets from Judge Jules, Sash! and Fatboy Tim(?!).

But it’s not just the headliners: local legends like Chris Payn, Saints of Sin and the Mother Ukers are also taking the spotlight. With family-friendly activities, great food, and a community vibe, it’s a festival with heart. Tickets: pooleharbourfestival.com

🎆 Summer fireworks light up the coast

Poole’s Thursday night fireworks are back from 31 July – lighting up the skies across Poole. Organised by BCP Council, the free displays run weekly until 28 August, with a special finale on 5 November.

Catch the action from 7pm with entertainment on Poole Quay, before fireworks explode into the sky at 10pm. Bournemouth also hosts Friday night displays starting 25 July.

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💸 Free funding advice for local groups

Need funding for your community or voluntary group? BCP Council is offering free advice sessions this July to help local projects get the support they need to grow and thrive.

The service helps groups in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole find suitable funding opportunities, improve their applications, and boost their chances of success. Whether you’re just starting out or applying again, the drop-ins are open to all.

In-person session:
📍 Bourne Community Hub, Northmere Road, Poole
🗓️ Thursday 17 July, 1:30pm–3:30pm

Online sessions:
🖥️ Thursday 17 July, 6–8pm
🖥️ Saturday 19 July, 10am–12pm

For more info or to join online, email: [email protected]

🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

Want to own one of the few properties available at RSPB Arne with sea views and a beach for a next door neighbour? You’ll really want to check this one out: 👉 View the property

🌊 Work begins to save Poole Park lagoon

Important conservation work is starting this month at Poole Park. BCP Council is rebuilding the sluice channel beneath Baiter Park to preserve the park’s saltwater lagoon – a rare wildlife habitat and much-loved community space.

Built in the 1960s, the existing structure is severely corroded. This upgrade will secure the lagoon’s future, improving water quality and protecting endangered species living in the area.

The works run from 28 July to November and will temporarily close part of the waterfront path and Keyhole Bridge to vehicles for safety. Pedestrian and cycle access will remain open via signed diversions through Keyhole Bridge and via the railway line underpass. Go to the BCP Projects website for details and a map of the plans.

🚌 Bus service subsidies under review

BCP Council is reviewing the £1.5 million it spends each year to support local bus services – and wants to hear from you.

The review, the first since the council was formed in 2019, could lead to changes like route combinations, new timetables, or re-routing. The council subsidised 24 routes last year, using a mix of government and local funding. If this review shows value for money, the council may shift to relying solely on government grants from 2026.

Cllr Andy Hadley said the aim is to “fund routes that are needed the most” and ensure taxpayer money is well spent.

The consultation is open until midnight on 18 August. Survey forms are available online, on local buses, and in libraries. Any service changes would start in May 2026, with school bus routes following in the next academic year.

Have your say and help shape the future of local transport.

🧭 Have your say: Lilliput planning consultation

A new neighbourhood forum is proposed for Lilliput – and BCP Council wants to hear your thoughts.

If approved, the forum will have the power to shape planning decisions through a community-led neighbourhood plan. The consultation is open now until 25 August, and it’s your chance to influence how Lilliput develops over the coming years.

Take part in the consultation at: haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/lilliput-forum-area

✅Reader Survey - Help us improve PooleNow

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

Tuesday

Bike Night, Poole Quay, from 6pm
An iconic summer evening on the Quay with bikes, music and plenty of atmosphere and see the winner of Bike of the Night.

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 Pirates v Edinburgh Monarchs, Poole Stadium, 7:30pm
Catch all the speedway action as the Pirates go wheel-to-wheel with the Monarchs.
Kids go free!

Live Music: Hugh Budden & The Blue Chords, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 8:30pm–10:30pm
An electrifying night of blues, swing, funk and more at Ashley Cross.

Thursday

Jason Manford: A Manford All Seasons, Lighthouse Poole, 7:30pm
The stand-up favourite brings his brand new show to town. Age 14+.
Book now

‘The Year I Undid Myself’ Art Installation, GATHER, Poole Dolphin, 10am–4pm
A powerful immersive work exploring self-transformation by artist Salma Adi. This is on all week until Sunday 20 July.

Friday

FOMO Friday Pizza Club, Coast, 4pm - 9pm
Pizza special menu, drinks and good vibes

Cars on the Quay: Land Rovers, Emergency & Military Vehicles, Poole Quay, from 6pm
A unique display of vehicles along the waterfront – part of the weekly Friday night series.

Queen of the Night – A Tribute to Whitney Houston, Lighthouse Poole
An electrifying celebration of Whitney’s greatest hits with a live band.
Book tickets

LIVE MUSIC: Totog, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm–11pm
A lively Friday night set in the heart of Ashley Cross.

Coastal Cruises BBQ Harbour Trip, Poole Quay, 7:30pm
Cruise through Poole Harbour with BBQ, drinks and sunset views.
Unwind onboard

Xchurch Music Festival (Day 1), Christchurch Quay
A full weekend of live music, family fun, and food by the river.
Join the party

Shaftesbury Fringe Festival (Day 1), Shaftesbury
Dorset’s most eclectic open-access arts festival begins with acts all over town.
Explore the Fringe

Saturday

Festival of Archaeology: Time Team Weekend (Day 1), Corfe Castle
Hands-on archaeology, castle tours, mock digs and live demos.

Xchurch Music Festival (Day 2), Christchurch Quay
Main stage acts and family fun continue all day by the water.

Shaftesbury Fringe Festival (Day 2), Shaftesbury
Pop-up theatre, live music, comedy and everything in between.

Second Summer of Love, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
Physical theatre meets rave culture in this bold new stage show.
Get swept up

LIVE MUSIC: The Scanners, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm–11pm
A Saturday night of rock, indie and high energy tunes.

Sunday

Park Yoga, Poole Park, 9:30am–10:30am
A peaceful, free outdoor yoga session – no booking needed.

Festival of Archaeology: Time Team Weekend (Day 2), Corfe Castle
Talks and tours continue, including the oldest bridge in Dorset.

Smoked & Uncut Unplugged, THE PIG-on the beach, 5pm–7pm
Live acoustic music with a sea view – just book a free ticket to attend.
Book free ticket

Xchurch Music Festival (Final Day), Christchurch Quay
The weekend finishes with even more music, food and community vibes.

Shaftesbury Fringe Festival (Final Day), Shaftesbury
Final shows and surprise performances across town.

Monday

Pub Quiz Night – Bermuda Triangle Pub, 7.30–10.30pm
Test your trivia with drinks and bar snacks included in the £3 entry.

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!