Hello Poole!

This week our main story is this weekend’s Seafood & Sounds Festival. Plus we’ve got a mix of history, culture and community to share. Explore Christchurch’s smuggling past on a brand-new walking trail, enjoy a candlelit concert with a Dorset-born violinist in Broadstone, and get ready for the first-ever Bournemouth International Film Festival.

Plus, street food brand Blue Collar has its eyes on Bournemouth, Kingston Lacy opens for free, and the Renaissance Fair Market is set to bring medieval fun to Westover Gardens. Dive in below for all the details and this week’s full events listing.

Enjoy! 👇

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!

🎶 Seafood & Sounds takes over Poole this weekend

The wait is over – Seafood & Sounds is back this weekend for its third year, filling Poole’s Old Town and Quay with music, food, family fun and community spirit.

What makes this festival so special is that it’s organised by Poole people, for Poole people. Five local businesses – Truly Scrumptious, Coastal Cruises, Custom House, Poole Arms and St TrOpez Lounge – have worked tirelessly to create a weekend that celebrates the very best of our town’s heritage, food and atmosphere.

From the moment the parade kicks off at 11am on Saturday with Jamie Jigsaw, Samba Panashe and the Pirates of Poole leading the way, the streets will be alive with colour and sound. Music drifts across every corner, from sea shanties on The Quay to live bands in pubs, restaurants and a dedicated stage at St James’ Church. Add to that the Scaplen’s Community Players with their theatrical storytelling, and you’ll find history and entertainment blending into one unforgettable weekend.

Of course, the food is at the heart of it all. Local favourites including Guildhall Tavern, Fisherman’s Café and Poole Arms will be serving up seafood specials, while pop-up stalls, tasters and even a Seafood Afternoon Tea cruise will tempt you to try something new.

Families are spoilt for choice, with free children’s entertainment on The Quay, the popular Oyster Trail treasure hunt, biscuit and shell decorating, crafts at St James’, and magical meet-and-greets with Be Enchanted. Whether you’re little or grown-up, there’s something to keep you smiling all weekend long.

And don’t miss the grand raffle, with prizes ranging from dinner vouchers and cruises to a silver bracelet and show tickets at Lighthouse. Every ticket sold helps raise money for Forest Holme Hospice and supports next year’s event.

👉 Your Festival Essentials
📅 Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th September
📍 Poole Quay & Old Town
🎺 Parade starts 11am Saturday from the Slug & Lettuce
🎶 Music across both days, including a stage at St James’ Church
👧 Children’s activities Sat 11:30–4pm & Sun 11–4pm on The Quay
🦪 Seafood specials all weekend from local pubs & restaurants
🎟️ Raffle tickets & tote bags available at Scaplen’s Court and participating venues
🔗 Full details: seafoodandsounds.co.uk

Poole will be at its best this weekend – buzzing with music, brimming with flavour, and full of community spirit. Seafood & Sounds belongs to all of us, and it’s not to be missed.

🎬 Bournemouth launches first international film festival

A brand-new event is arriving this autumn as the Bournemouth International Film Festival (BIFF) launches on 3rd–4th October at the Hilton Bournemouth. The two-day festival will screen a mix of independent films, documentaries and animation, alongside industry panels, workshops and networking opportunities for aspiring filmmakers.

The highlight will be a black-tie awards night on the Saturday, celebrating bold storytelling and new voices, with actor Christopher Eccleston joining as Festival Patron. Festival Director Steve McCarten says the event is about more than films: “It’s the beginning of a cultural investment in our region, designed to open doors for the next generation of creatives.” 🎟️ Early bird tickets are on sale now from £21.50 🔗 bournemouthfilmfest.co.uk

🎻 Broadstone welcomes a homecoming in harmony

Broadstone Music Series is set to host a very special candlelit concert as Dorset-born violinist Nathalie returns to perform with her London-based ensemble, Icon Strings. Taking place on Sunday 14th September at St John’s Church, the evening will feature everything from Vivaldi to well-loved film scores, creating an intimate concert designed to feel welcoming and accessible to all.
For Nathalie, who grew up performing with the Poole Society of Young Musicians, it’s a homecoming moment and a chance to inspire the next generation. “Those early concerts were the foundation of everything I went on to do,” she says. The performance brings her journey full circle, back to the community that sparked her passion.
📅 Sunday 14th September, 7:30pm
📍 St John’s Church, Broadstone

🍴 Street food brand Blue Collar eyes Bournemouth site

Popular Reading-based street food operator Blue Collar has announced plans to open its first Dorset venue in Bournemouth. The proposed site, next to the BIC roundabout, will include a huge beer garden, three kitchens, a rotating line-up of street food trucks and year-round events.
Blue Collar Corner in Reading has become a success story since opening in 2022, with its mix of independent food traders, craft beer and live events. The Bournemouth site aims to replicate that energy while creating jobs and giving space to local independents. If planning is approved, the venue hopes to open in spring 2026.
Until then, foodies can follow the team’s journey as they work to transform the currently derelict site into a new hub for food and culture on the South Coast.

🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

Fancy living in an old furniture depository? Check out this place that’s full of character in Parkstone 👉 View the property

🗺️ Step into Christchurch’s smuggling past

A new interactive walking trail has opened at Mudeford Quay, bringing Christchurch’s dramatic 18th-century smuggling history to life. Smugglers’ Run is a 1.2km route featuring 16 illustrated signs, each with stories of real smugglers who once used the harbour as a secret landing point. Local students from Arts University Bournemouth helped design the artwork and narration, creating an immersive and educational experience.
The fully accessible trail starts and ends at the Haven House Inn and is dog-friendly, with a mix of quayside and green space to explore. Families, schools and local groups are encouraged to give it a go, while visitors can download audio tracks or pick up leaflets in nearby cafés. Free to enjoy, Smugglers’ Run is a chance to walk, learn and connect with the stories that shaped our coastline.
🔗 More info: explorebcp.co.uk/smugglers-run

3 Local stories you might have missed

1. The Poole church pulling in music lovers for gigs in the nave - BBC News - The BBC must have read our article in Issue No. 26!!

2. MPs oppose bus cuts as new night services are launched – Bournemouth One

3. Poole Harbour kayak challenge to raise funds for disability charity – Bournemouth One

🏛️ Explore Kingston Lacy for free

Kingston Lacy will be opening its doors for free as part of Heritage Open Days from 18th–20th September. The National Trust estate, known for its Italianate design and art collection, will welcome visitors to explore the house, gardens and parkland without charge.
This year, free bus transport will be provided from Wimborne (18–20 Sep) and Blandford (19–20 Sep), making it even easier for families and groups to visit. Wander through the Japanese Garden, picnic on the south lawn or let children explore the play areas.
📅 18th–20th September
📍 Kingston Lacy, Wimborne
🚍 Free buses from Wimborne & Blandford
🔗 nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy

⚔️ Renaissance Fair comes to Westover Gardens

Bournemouth’s Westover Gardens will transform into a medieval marketplace on 20th–21st September for the Renaissance Fair Market. Expect artisan stalls, craft makers, live entertainment, and even a Dungeons & Dragons one-shot tent for fantasy fans.
Visitors can also enter a costume competition, try traditional crafts and soak up the medieval atmosphere across the weekend. The organisers are still looking for stallholders in areas like metalwork, chainmail, woodcraft and tarot reading, making it a chance for local makers to get involved.
📅 Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st September
📍 Westover Gardens, Bournemouth
🔗 More info via MakerSpace Markets

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

Multiple Days

Poole Seafood & Sounds Festival
Sat 13 – Sun 14 September, Poole Quay
A celebration of local seafood and live music on Poole’s historic quay. Free to attend, with food stalls, entertainment and evening pub sessions.

Faulty Towers – The Dining Experience
Thu 11 – Sun 14 September, Lighthouse Beacon
Step into the chaos of Basil, Sybil and Manuel with this immersive dining experience, complete with a three-course meal and plenty of laughs.
More info

The Gallery Upstairs: Inside Out Painters Autumn Exhibition
Thu 11 – Tue 23 September, Upton Country Park
An eclectic exhibition of work by five Dorset artists above the Tea Rooms at Upton Country Park. Free entry, open daily 9:30am–4:30pm.

Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival
Sat 13 – Sun 14 September, Sturminster Newton
A Dorset staple since 1999. Cheese, crafts, children’s activities and live music across the weekend.

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!

Stewart Lee vs The Man-Wulf
Tue 9 September, Lighthouse, 7:30pm
A brand-new show where Stewart Lee shares the stage with a sharp-tongued werewolf comedian. Last few tickets available.
More info

The Poole Pirates v Redcar Bears, Poole Stadium, 7:30pm
The Poole 'Wessex Marine' Pirates will host the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final on TUESDAY 9th September at 7.30pm

Wednesday

Live Music – Chris G (The Scanners)
Wed 10 September, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 8:30pm
Catch Chris G live with The Scanners for a night of pub rock and covers.

Thursday

Live Music – Gemma Leanne
Thu 11 September, Jenkins & Sons, 7pm
An evening of live acoustic music from local favourite Gemma Leanne.

Jaws: 50th Anniversary Screening
Thu 11 September, Lighthouse, 7:45pm
Spielberg’s classic returns to the big screen for its 50th anniversary.
More info

Friday

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

Fleetwood Mac – An Orchestral Tribute
Fri 12 September, St Peter’s Church, Parkstone, 7:30pm
Experience Fleetwood Mac like never before with Paradox Orchestra’s reimagined show featuring live vocalists.
Get tickets

Live Music – Big Nite Out
Fri 12 September, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm
High-energy covers and classics to kick off the weekend.

AR Tropical Boat Party
Fri 12 September, Coastal Cruises, Poole Quay, 7pm
A three-hour Jurassic Coast cruise with DJs, welcome drink, fancy dress box and optional fish & chips.

Sbomb Vintage Workshop Party
Fri 12 September, S Bomb Vintage Workshop, 9pm
Funky house, garage, hip-hop, and 80s–90s classics for a big night out.

Saturday

Seafood & Sounds Festival Parade
Kick off the festivities by watching the parade through Old Town, starting outside the Slug & Lettuce at 11am

Westbourne Artisan Market
Sat 13 September, The Libertine, Westbourne, 11am

Walk for Wards 2025
Sat 13 September, Upton Country Park, 10:30am
Charity walk raising funds for University Hospitals Dorset. Routes of 3km, 5km or 10km plus live music, kids’ fun and free burger with your ticket.
Register here

Coastal Comedy with Mike Gunn
Sat 13 September, Lighthouse, 8pm
A triple-bill of stand-up comedy headlined by TV regular Mike Gunn.

The Goods Yard Yard Party
Sat 13 September, The Goods Yard, 9pm
Live music from Nine Eyes plus DJs and a night of good vibes.

Sunday

Bake Sauna – Pop-up Harbour Sauna
Sun 14 September, Hamworthy Park
A wood-fired sauna experience by the harbour with optional cold plunge and swims at high tide.Monday

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

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