Hello Poole!

What a weekend! We headed down to Seafood & Sounds Festival and thought it was fantastic, with a great atmosphere. Huge congratulations to Jeanette Walsh from Truly Scrumptious and the whole team of local organisers who pulled off such a great free community event. We can’t wait for next year already.

In this week’s issue, we’ve got plans for a local resident’s card, loads of art events, the Poole Pirates’ Play-Off semi-final at Wimborne Road to jazz suppers, BBC Radio 3’s Friday Night is Music Night at Lighthouse, cider festivals, ghost hunts, live music in Ashley Cross and even a car park transformed into a community festival. Plus, our sponsor Bournemouth One has just launched their brilliant new Half Price Vouchers scheme, bag yourself a bargain meal out, fitness pass or more.

Dive in and see what takes your fancy 👇

PooleNow is proudly sponsored by Bournemouth One radio station – and right now you can bag half-price vouchers for local restaurants, gyms and more at vouchers.bournemouthone.com

🐟 Seafood & Sounds a huge success

We popped down to the Seafood & Sounds Festival over the weekend (Sat 13 & Sun 14 Sept) and what a brilliant atmosphere it was. Despite a few showers, the event was absolutely buzzing, with live music, seafood, artisan markets and a real sense of community spirit.

The festival, now in its third year, was organised by a fantastic team of local business owners: Jeanette Walsh from Truly Scrumptious, Michelle from Poole Arms, Nikki from Customs House, Severine from St Tropez, and Helen from Coastal Cruises. Together, they pulled off something really special for Poole.

Highlights included the colourful opening parade, six live music stages (thanks to Absolute Music), and the artisan market at Scaplen’s Court, which welcomed more than 2,600 visitors on Saturday alone, its busiest day since reopening in July.

Jeanette told us she was overwhelmed by the feedback: “Everybody has come together, all the businesses have been sharing on social media… to us it was a success, seeing the streets and Poole Quay absolutely thriving.”

A big well done to Jeanette and the whole team of organisers, sponsors, and 26 volunteers who made it happen. Next year’s Seafood & Sounds is already confirmed for 12–13 September 2026, and if this year is anything to go by, it’s not to be missed.

🛍️ BCP plans Resident Card for 2026

From free swimming to discounts on your morning coffee, a new Resident Card could make life a little easier (and cheaper) across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The scheme – proposed by BCP Council for launch in summer 2026 – would give households access to perks like:
✔️ one free swim a month at BCP leisure centres
✔️ an hour of free parking after 9.30am in select car parks
✔️ discounts at council kiosks and local businesses

Council Leader Cllr Millie Earl says the card is about “protecting incomes, boosting wellbeing and revitalising our high streets.”

The plan will be discussed this autumn, with both digital and physical cards designed so everyone can take part.

✈️ Can the Air Festival fly again?

Plans are underway to bring the Bournemouth Air Festival back in 2026 – but this time, the community is being asked to help fund it.

Event organiser Dave Rogers has launched the Airshow AirCard, a low-cost ticket that unlocks discounts on food, drink and local hospitality. Cards cost just £2 (single) or £5 (family), and all proceeds go directly towards covering the £1m+ cost of staging the event.

If successful, the festival will return 20–23 August 2026 with a full flying programme.

👉 Buy an AirCard: universe.com/bournemouth-air-festival-2026

🎉 Arts by the Sea celebrates 15 years

📅 Fri 26 – Sun 28 Sep 2025 | 📍 Bournemouth | FREE

The South West’s biggest celebration of arts and culture is back – and this year Arts by the Sea turns 15.

Headlining the festival is Bourne to Love, a dazzling new show from Cirque Bijou, combining circus, live music and community performance in a spectacular evening of joy and togetherness.

The weekend also features rising music stars, global beats, light trails, immersive theatre, workshops and colourful street performances – all with the festival theme WE ARE HERE, celebrating identity and community.

👉 Full programme: artsbythesea.co.uk

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🌱 Young Enterprise needs local business mentors

Young people across Dorset are getting ready to launch their own companies – and they need your help.

The Young Enterprise UK Company Programme gives 14–19-year-olds the chance to set up and run their own business from September 2025 to June 2026. Along the way, they gain confidence, creativity, problem-solving skills and real-life experience employers love.

With the programme expanding in Dorset, more business volunteers are needed to guide and support these budding entrepreneurs. Full training is provided – and it’s a brilliant way to give back, inspire the next generation, and maybe even meet your future colleagues.

👉 Find out more and register: Young Enterprise Business Volunteers Dorset or email [email protected]

Half-price dining, fitness and more with Bournemouth One Vouchers

Our friends at Bournemouth One have launched something new – and it’s a proper bargain. Their brand-new Half Price Vouchers scheme means you can grab a £50 voucher for places like Nusara Thai Restaurant for just £25.

It’s simple: buy the voucher online, then treat yourself the same day. Perfect for a family meal, a night out, or even a fitness kick-start – all at half the price.

Even better, local businesses that join the scheme get free advertising on Bournemouth One radio, so it’s a win-win for the community.

👉 Browse and buy at vouchers.bournemouthone.com

🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

How about a thatched cottage in the countryside? 👉 View the property

🎬 Stories of our coast on screen

📅 Thursday 9 October | 📍 Patch, Bournemouth

An evening of film and conversation is coming to Patch, Bournemouth, shining a light on the town’s cultural identity and the power of local enterprise.

Supported by the BCP Film Office, the screening features two new documentaries:

• Coastal Communities, Coastal Stories by Patrick Frost, exploring Bournemouth town centre through memories, heritage and connection.

• Brewed By The Coast by Ariana King, telling the story of Jennifer Tingay and the creation of Poole Hill Brewery.

Both films celebrate resilience, creativity, and community spirit – with a panel discussion to follow.

3 Local stories you might have missed

1. Lib Dems take seat from Conservatives in BCP Council by-election - BBC News

2. Bournemouth and Poole College opens green centre – Bournemouth One

3. Healthy cooking lessons reach 1800 children – Bournemouth One

🌍 Inside Out Dorset brings outdoor art to life

📅 Fri 12 – Sun 21 September | 📍 Across Dorset | FREE

Inside Out Dorset returns this week, transforming towns and landscapes with ten days of outdoor art, performance and community celebration.

From a flag-filled River of Hope installation in Christchurch, to soundscapes among the trees at Moors Valley Country Park, to a spectacular coastal finale in Weymouth – the festival brings together international artists and local voices in unexpected places.

Expect dance, theatre, giant puppets, sound installations and immersive experiences across Corfe Castle, Moors Valley, Christchurch, Yeovil, and Weymouth.

👉 Full programme: activateperformingarts.org.uk

🎨 We Rise – celebrating global majority artists

📅 Sat 20 Sep – Sat 1 Nov 2025 | 📍 Lighthouse, Poole | FREE

A bold new exhibition is taking over Lighthouse this autumn. We Rise, curated by artist Sharon James, showcases work by global majority artists from Dorset and beyond – across painting, print, textiles, sculpture and installation.

The exhibition is part of Black History Month and celebrates themes of heritage, identity, migration and belonging.

Artists include Jack Dickson (featured on BBC’s Extraordinary Portraits), Adilson Naueji, Georgie Moore, and more.

👉 Free entry, Tue–Sat 10am–8pm.

🎶 Bach’s Mass in B minor at Lighthouse

📅 Thursday 2 October 2025, 7.30pm | 📍 Lighthouse, Poole

Experience one of classical music’s greatest masterpieces as Armonico Consort perform Bach’s Mass in B minor at Lighthouse.

Artistic Director Christopher Monks calls it “Bach’s greatest hits” – a breathtaking collection of the composer’s finest work. Expect professional soloists, period instruments, and a performance packed with beauty, power and invention.

👉 Tickets: lighthousepoole.co.uk

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

Multiple Days

Upton Country Park Heritage Open Days, Sat 20 & Sun 21 Sept – Explore Upton House, enjoy guided tours, talks, trails and family activities as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days. Free entry.

Wimborne Model Railway Exhibition, Sat 20 (10–5) & Sun 21 Sept (10–4), Hamworthy Club – Packed with layouts, traders and demonstrations. Adults £7, under 16s free.

Last of the Summer Cider, Fri 19 & Sat 20 Sept, Myncen Farm – The season’s final cider festival with live bands including The Skimmity Hitchers and Lady Winwoods Maggot.

Renaissance Fair Market, Sat 20 & Sun 21 Sept, Westover Gardens – Art & craft stalls, entertainment, costume competition and even a Dungeons & Dragons tent!

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 Pirates v Redcar Bears – Play-Off Semi-Final, Poole Stadium, 7.30pm (gates 6.30pm)
The Pirates battle Redcar for a place in the Grand Final.

Wednesday

Jazz Supper with The Ray Shea Duo, The Portsmouth Hoy, from 6.30pm
Two-course prix fixe supper with live jazz classics. £30pp, booking essential (01202 673517).

Live Music: Hugh Budden & Ed Fox, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 8.30–10.30pm
Blues and rock duo live.

Thursday

Live Music – Jack Rideout
Thu 18 September, The Bricklayers, 8pm
An evening of live music from BBC Introducing artist Jack Rideout.

Helen Bauer: Bless Her, Lighthouse Poole, 7.30pm
A brand new show from award-winning comedian Helen Bauer
Laugh

Friday

BBC Radio 3: Friday Night is Music Night, Lighthouse Poole, 7.30pm
Step back into the glamour of the 20s and 30s with the BBC Concert Orchestra and West End stars.

Original Music on the Pier: Synth Pop & Fairytale, Key West, Bournemouth Pier, from 7.30pm
Free live music from Velour and The Daisy Chains to launch Arts by the Sea Festival.

Live Music: Totog, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9–11pm
Rock covers and good vibes.

End of Summer Party with The Transitions, SBomb Vintage from 10pm, Free Entry
Celebrate summer’s close with live music and happy hour 8–9pm.

Saturday

Ghost Hunt at Merley House, 8pm–2am
A six-hour paranormal investigation inside one of Dorset’s most atmospheric Georgian mansions. £50pp, limited tickets.

Sherlock Holmes: The Last Act, Lighthouse Poole
Holmes comes out of retirement for one final case in this acclaimed play.

Sunday

Party in the (Car) Park – World Car Free Day, Quayside Car Park, Poole, from midday
Music, poetry, games and art as the car park is transformed into a pop-up community festival.

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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That’s it! See you next week!