Hello Poole!

This week Poole is buzzing with things to do and stories to share. We take a look ahead to next month’s Seafood & Sounds Festival, dive into the premiere of the new documentary Brewed By the Coast, and cheer on Pip Hare as she takes on Ocean Race Europe. There’s also news of a brand new sensory trail at Upton Country Park. Plus, it’s a packed August Bank Holiday weekend: from Poole Printmakers to Poole Fireworks, Bike Night, live music, foodie festivals and more. Scroll down to plan your week in Poole.

Oh and our favourite bit of feedback from last week was: “BRING BACK QUASAR!!!”, which is a campaign we can definitely get behind!

Let’s get to it 👇

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 by using the link on the picture above, on your smart speaker or DAB.

🎶 Seafood & Sounds is back this September

Poole’s favourite celebration of food, music and community spirit returns to The Quay and Old Town on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September 2025. If you’ve been before, you’ll know this is one of the liveliest weekends of the year in Poole – and if you haven’t, now’s the time to mark your diary.

The festival is a showcase of everything that makes Poole special. Expect delicious seafood dishes from local favourites including Fisherman’s Café, St Tropez Lounge, Custom House, Oriel, Guildhall Tavern and Hotel du Vin, alongside plenty of pop-ups and stalls to try something new. It’s not just about the food though – live music will fill the streets with everything from sea shanties and jazz to rock, folk and blues, creating that brilliant atmosphere only the Quay can deliver.

Families are well catered for too, with a parade through the Old Town, children’s activities, and street performers. Market traders will be on the High Street and in the newly re-furbished Scaplen’s Court, selling crafts, produce and gifts, making the weekend a proper showcase of local talent and creativity.

Seafood & Sounds was started by a group of Poole business owners who wanted to give back to the town, and it’s grown into a highlight of the year that brings thousands of people together. (We did an interview with one of it’s organiser’s, Jeneatte Walsh, back in Issue No.5 and Issue No. 7)

It’s a free event and everyone’s welcome – whether you’re here for the food, the music, or just the atmosphere.

📅 Save the dates: Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 September 2025
👉 Full programme and details: seafoodandsounds.co.uk

This is just the start – in next week’s PooleNow we’ll share more about the parade, family fun, and live music line-up.

🍽 Our £100 Guildhall Tavern Giveaway!

We’ve been blown away by the response to our Guildhall Tavern competition – so many of you have already entered, followed us on Instagram, and tagged friends you’d love to share a meal with. It’s been brilliant seeing the comments come in and the excitement build.

If you haven’t entered yet, there’s still time! One lucky PooleNow subscriber will win a £100 voucher to spend at Poole’s award-winning Guildhall Tavern, recently named one of The Telegraph’s Top 20 Restaurants in Dorset.

To enter:
❤️ Like the competition post
✅ Follow @poole.now on Instagram or Facebook
✅ Follow @guildhalltavernpoole on Instagram or Facebook
👥 Tag the friends you’d take with you in the comments

Entries close Sunday 31st August – don’t miss your chance for a special night out on us.

Click on the picture below to go straight to the competition.

🍺Brewed by the Coast Film Premiere

Bournemouth’s Poole Hill Brewery is the stage for something special this Friday: the world premiere of Brewed by the Coast, a brand-new documentary about one of the town’s most interesting venues.

Director Ariana King and a team of local filmmakers have created a 24-minute film that tells the story of Jennifer Tingay, the unstoppable woman behind the brewery-bar-music hub that has become a cornerstone of Bournemouth’s cultural scene. From her early days as a barmaid to becoming ‘brewmistress’, business owner and community figurehead, Jen’s journey is one of resilience, creativity and the power of bringing people together.

The screening isn’t just about film, it’s a full night of entertainment. The evening kicks off with two screenings (18:15 & 18:45), followed by a lively Q&A with the filmmakers at 19:15, and then live music from local musicians from 20:30 onwards. And of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a pint of Poole Hill’s finest in hand.

📍 Venue: Poole Hill Brewery, 41–43 Poole Hill, Bournemouth BH2 5PW
⏰ Doors open: Friday 22nd August, 17:30
🎥 Screenings: 18:15 & 18:45 | Q&A: 19:15 | Live music: from 20:30

🎟️ Tickets - use code BREWED5 for £5 off!

🎬 Trailer: Watch here

🌊 Poole’s Pip Hare Takes on Ocean Race Europe

Poole sailor Pip Hare has set off on her latest adventure — the 4,500-mile Ocean Race Europe.

Racing with the Canada Ocean Racing – Be Water Positive team, Pip and her crew will tackle a multi-leg route from Kiel, Germany to Montenegro, with stops in Portsmouth, Portugal, Spain, France and Italy.

This is no ordinary sailing trip, it’s a high-speed challenge in cutting-edge IMOCA yachts, with each team limited to four sailors plus one onboard reporter (and at least one female sailor per crew).

The fleet also carries scientific equipment, gathering data on ocean temperature, CO₂ levels, microplastics and environmental DNA.

Pip, already well known for her Vendée Globe heroics, will be cheered on from Poole as she battles everything from the North Sea’s shipping lanes to the tricky winds of the Adriatic.

📍 Follow progress live: The Ocean Race tracker

🅿️ BCP Goes Single-App for Cashless Parking

From 1st September, BCP Council will simplify cashless parking by moving to a single provider: RingGo.

That means apps like JustPark and PayByPhone will no longer work in council car parks across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. Instead, all app payments must go through RingGo, chosen after a competitive tender process.

Motorists will still have plenty of ways to pay: the free RingGo app, a quick phone call, text message or online at RingGo.co.uk. All tariffs will include transaction fees — but no hidden admin charges.

The change aims to cut operational costs and make parking more straightforward across the BCP area.

💼 Leaders Lunch with Julia’s House CEO

The next Evolve Leaders Lunch will see Martin Edwards, Chief Executive of Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, take to the stage for a special Q&A with Evolve founder Warren Munson.

Martin is celebrating 20 years at the helm of Julia’s House this year, and he’ll be sharing his journey of leading with purpose through growth, challenges and change. Alongside his leadership story, Martin is also midway through a huge personal fundraising effort – aiming to raise £100,000 in 2025 with challenges ranging from an ultra-marathon to abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower.

The Leaders Lunch takes place on Friday 10 October at Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth, and promises an afternoon of networking, insight and inspiration over a three-course lunch. Sponsored by Ellis Jones Solicitors and Azets, it’s one of the highlights in the South Coast business calendar.

🎟️ Tickets are available now via Eventbrite.

🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

When you drive along Martello Road and all you can see is trees, do you find yourself wondering what the houses that are hidden away actually look like? Well, wonder no more! 👉 View the property

🌳 Upton Country Park’s New Sensory Trail

Looking for something free (and screen-free) to do with the kids this summer? Upton Country Park has launched its brand-new Sensory Trail — an interactive walk designed to help families connect with the park’s nature and wildlife in new ways.

Developed in collaboration with Bournemouth & Poole College students, the trail uses sight, sound, touch and more to bring the outdoors to life. Pick up a free map from the Welcome Centre and set off on an adventure that will engage all the senses.

It’s a perfect way to make the most of the summer holidays without spending a penny.

🏗️ BCP Local Plan: Call for Sites

BCP Council has launched a Call for Sites, inviting landowners, developers and residents to suggest land that could be used for housing, employment or infrastructure in the future.

Key requirements:

• Housing/mixed use sites must fit at least 10 dwellings

• Economic development sites must be at least 0.25ha / 500m²

• Sites must be within the BCP boundary

Deadline for submissions: 29th August 2025
📄 Submit here: haveyoursay.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/call-for-sites

This early step will help shape the new BCP Local Plan, which guides how our area develops in the years ahead.

3 Local stories you might have missed

1. Christchurch wins e-scooter trial after six-year wait - BBC News

2. Thousands of local students celebrate A-level and vocational results – Bournemouth One

3. Nine-year-old girl found after Bournemouth air and sea search - BBC News

✨ Diverse Abilities Gala Ball

An unforgettable night at Lighthouse Poole

Poole’s most glamorous fundraiser is back, the Diverse Abilities Gala Ball returns to Lighthouse Poole on Saturday 22nd November, promising an evening of elegance, entertainment and generosity.

Kindly sponsored by Franses Jewellers, the night begins with a sparkling drinks reception in the foyer before guests step into the Concert Hall for the main event. Expect a lavish three-course meal, incredible live entertainment, and all the fundraising magic that makes this ball such a highlight of Poole’s social calendar.

One guest summed it up perfectly: “It’s genuinely the best black-tie dinner I have ever been to.”

There’s also the chance to win an exquisite diamond necklace, donated by Franses, plus more surprises across the evening.

📅 Saturday 22nd November, 6pm – 1am
📍 Lighthouse, Poole
🎟️ Table of 10 – £1,100 | Individual seats – £115
🔗 Full details & tickets: diverseabilities.org.uk/gala

Don’t miss your chance to be part of one of Poole’s most sparkling charity events — and to help raise vital funds for Diverse Abilities’ incredible work.

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

Multiple Days

Makers Market, Westover Gardens, Bournemouth, Saturday 23rd to Monday 25th August, 10am-5pm
Craft stalls, demonstrations, workshops, and more in the heart of the gardens.

Poole Print Makers Open Event, 22 Market Street, Friday 22nd to Monday 25th August, 10am-5pm (to 4pm Sun & Mon)
Step inside the working studio, meet the artists, and explore two floors of fresh prints.

Tuesday

Nature Creatives Art Workshop, Scaplen’s Court Walled Garden, 2pm-4pm
A creative session inspired by nature, open to all abilities.

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

Zoe Schwarz Bluez Party, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 8:30pm-10:30pm
An evening of live blues with Zoe Schwarz and band.

Wareham Invasion, Wareham Quay, from 6pm
Pirate invasion, live music, magician, and fireworks.

Granny Cousin’s Ghost Walk, Old Poole Town, 8pm
A guided tour of Poole’s haunted past with stories and legends.

Thursday

£1 Cinema Screenings, Vue Poole, Tower Park, from 10am
Celebrate the new cinema launch with special £1 screenings and a beach party.
Book tickets

Poole Fireworks, Poole Quay, entertainment from 7pm, fireworks at 10pm
Enjoy live music and entertainment before the skies light up with this free summer firework display.

Fireworks Cruise, departs Poole Quay at 8:30pm
Watch the fireworks from the water with this scenic evening cruise around the harbour.
Set sail

Friday

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: Minis and Minors. Perfect for car enthusiasts and a sunset stroll.

The Cross, A BT Event held at St Peter’s Church, 6pm-10:30pm
An evening of melodic house music in a unique setting.
Book tickets

Loose Chippings, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 9pm-11pm
Catch this lively local band in action.

Saturday

Summer Sounds on the Quay, from 2pm
Enjoy live music at venues across Poole Quay.
Full schedule

Summer Family Picnic and Play, Poole Park (by The Ark café), 11am-2pm
A gentle picnic event hosted by Sands Bournemouth & Poole for bereaved families.

End of Summer Party, The Cliff, Canford Cliffs, from midday
Live music, DJ sets, and all-day food and drink packages.

LOW-TIDE with DJ George Long, The Tandy, Sandbanks, 9pm till late
A night of deep house grooves with cocktails by the shore.

Canford Cliffs Sartorial Splash, Sustudio, Canford Cliffs, 11am SHARP
A stylish café crawl and seaside stroll celebrating vintage fashion.

Scaplen’s Court with Promenade, Poole, 23rd August
Interactive storytelling and performance in historic surroundings.
Book tickets

Sunday

Summer Sounds on the Quay, from 1pm
Enjoy live music at venues across Poole Quay.

Sausage & Cider Fest Part II, The Angel, from 12pm
A mix of cider, sausages, and DJ Will on the decks.

S-Bombastic 80s Evening, S-Bomb Vintage Workshop, 5pm onwards
Classic 80s tunes, themed cocktails, and sunset vibes.

August Bank Holiday Party, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, from 12pm
Live music, BBQ, and fancy dress Hawaiian shirt fun.

Dancing Goat OAPizza, 2pm-6pm
Bank holiday pizza party with sourdough, drinks, and banter.

Knightlife Brewery Smoked BBQ Sunday Platter, 24th August
A feast of slow-smoked meats and sides to share.

Monday

Games at Gather, Dolphin Centre, from 10am
Board games, RPG sessions, and giant games for all ages.

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!