Hello Poole!

It’s a big week for our town – Poole Museum is back! After years of work and a £10 million transformation, the museum reopens its doors this Wednesday, revealing stunning new galleries and a bright new future for local culture. Add to that Bonfire Night on the Quay, fireworks across the area, and live music and comedy, there’s no shortage of reasons to get out and about.

Dive into all the latest below 👇

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🏛️ Poole Museum reopens after a £10m transformation

After years behind closed doors, Poole Museum is finally reopening to the public on Wednesday 5 November, revealing a stunning transformation that celebrates the town’s maritime heritage, creativity and community spirit.

Following an extensive £10 million redevelopment, the museum’s three historic buildings – Oakley’s Mill, Scaplen’s Court and the medieval Town Cellars – have been lovingly restored and reimagined. Together, they now form a bright, accessible and contemporary cultural hub that doubles the amount of public space while preserving the character of some of Poole’s oldest buildings.

The project, which has been years in the making, has been supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, BCP Council, and a host of local partners. Its aim is simple: to create one of the South Coast’s leading free museums, rooted in Poole’s history but designed for future generations.

Inside, visitors can explore three brand new maritime galleries telling the story of Poole’s people, port and sea. Highlights include an impressive Iron Age logboat nearly ten metres long, and interactive displays that bring centuries of trade, shipbuilding and coastal life vividly to life. New exhibitions such as Sound of the Sea and Un/Common People combine immersive technology with storytelling from the community, ensuring Poole’s voices and experiences take centre stage.

The redevelopment also includes a new entrance and improved access throughout. There are creative learning spaces, an expanded gift shop (featuring some wonderful locally made products and a wide selection of local history books!), and a new café, The Old Town Salt Pig, which opened earlier this year and has already become a favourite stop for coffee and treats!

One of the most exciting moments in the museum’s reopening story came just a few weeks ago, when one of the much-loved wooden animals – the giant hippo that once entertained generations of children in the Dolphin Centre was lifted into it’s new home. The hippo now takes pride of place in the museum’s galleries, while the turtle and whale are on display at Lighthouse Poole.

The museum’s reopening marks a major milestone in the town’s cultural calendar and a significant moment for local pride. Entry remains completely free, and with new digital features, accessible design, and a packed programme of family activities on the way, Poole Museum is ready to inspire a whole new generation of visitors.

👉 Poole Museum reopens Wednesday 5 November.
Admission is free.
Find out more and plan your visit at poolemuseum.org.uk

🎆 Poole Quay fireworks light up the night

Get ready for one of the biggest nights of the year — Poole Quay’s Fireworks Display returns on Bonfire Night (Tuesday 5 November) with a full evening of free family fun.

Festivities kick off from 5pm, with live music, food, entertainment and activities before the fireworks burst into the sky at 8pm. Expect a buzzing atmosphere all along the Quay, which will be closed to traffic for the evening.

Parking is limited — so it’s best to use the Dolphin Centre or Harbourside Park, or hop on a Morebus Zone A service for just £1 after 7pm.

🎇 Other local displays:

• Talbot Primary School Fireworks, Wed 5 Nov, 5.30pm–7pm, Poole — family event with BBQ, rides and music.

• Lytchett Matravers Primary, Fri 7 Nov, 5.30pm–6.30pm – live entertainment and glow sticks galore.

• Sparks in the Dark, Haymoor Junior School, Fri 7 Nov, 6pm–7.45pm – hot food and fireworks.

• Wareham Fireworks & Bonfire, Fri 7 Nov, gates 6pm – bonfire, food stalls and music.

• Bournemouth Fireworks at Littledown, Sat 8 Nov, three displays (7pm, 8pm, 9pm) – plus funfair, street food and fire performers.

• Talbot Heath Laser Night, Sat 8 Nov – a magical bang-free laser and fire show.

• Butcher’s Coppice Bonfire Night, Sat 8 Nov, gates 5.30pm – traditional funfair and bonfire lighting.

Wherever you’re headed, wrap up warm and enjoy!

🦇 Bats move into WW2 pillbox at Mudeford Wood

A forgotten piece of Christchurch’s wartime history has found new life — as a home for bats!

BCP Council has transformed a WW2 pillbox at Mudeford Wood into a purpose-built bat hibernaculum, offering rare species like the Pipistrelle and Brown Long-Eared bats a safe winter refuge.

Working with local bat ecologist Colin Morris, the team sealed openings, added a protective grille and stabilised the environment to create a perfect roost. The project was funded through developer contributions, and new signage and a carved sculpture will soon tell the story on-site.

🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

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🕊️ Remembrance services across Poole and Broadstone

Remembrance Day services are taking place on Sunday 9 November.

In Poole, the parade sets off from the cricket pavilion at 10.20am, led by the Poole Sea Cadets Marching Band, with a service at the War Memorial in Poole Park at 10.50am. Expect road closures from 7am–1pm.

In Broadstone, the parade begins at Tudor Road from 10.30am, with a service and wreath-laying at Broadstone Park Memorial.

🗳️Poole Town Council Priorities

Poole will be getting it’s own Town Council. We now need to start thinking about what we’d like it to do. We’ve had a huge response to our survey so far and we’ll be putting together a piece on everyone’s thoughts, so if you haven’t given us your feedback yet, please do so now!

3 Local stories you might have missed

1. Coastal defence plan to be updated – Bournemouth One

2. Morebus seeks local charity partner – Bournemouth One

3. Michael McIntyre surprises Dorset pub owners and customers - BBC News

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

Multiple Days

Winter Food Fair, Athelhampton House – Sat 8 & Sun 9 Nov
Award-winning local producers, artisan crafts, live music and wood-fired bites. Mulled drinks, twinkly lights and festive cheer. Early bird tickets £5, under 12s free.

Meet Rembrandt: Slow Looking Experience, Kingston Lacy
12 Sept – 16 Nov
Take time with Rembrandt’s Self-portrait in a Feathered Bonnet in an intimate, slow-looking setting.

Tuesday

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 Quay Fireworks Display, Poole Quay, from 5pm
Free family fun with live music, entertainment, and fireworks at 8pm.

Shock Horror, Lighthouse Poole, 7.45pm
A chilling ghost story mixing live theatre and film — perfect for horror fans.

Live Music – Hugh Budden & The Blue Chords, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 8.30–10.30pm
Blues and rock classics from local legends.

Thursday

Adele Tribute Evening, Isabel’s Brasserie, Penn Hill, from 7pm
A night of soulful music and delicious food with top Adele tribute Jax Hall.

French Wine Dinner, Bistro du Vin, 7pm arrival
Five courses paired with exquisite French wines – £79.95pp, booking essential.

TACO Thursday, Bermuda Triangle, from 5pm
Mexican street food vibes with tacos, tequila, and cocktails.

Robert Louis Stevenson’s Birthday 175th Birthday Party, Skerryvore Gardens, from 7pm
Readings, poetry and performances from Robert Louis Stevenson experts!
Full details

Friday

Ellie Gowers, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
Rising folk star performing songs inspired by folklore and modern life.

Round the Horne, Lighthouse Poole, 7.45pm
Classic BBC radio comedy brought back to life with music and mayhem.

Big Nite Out, Bermuda Triangle, 9–11pm
Lively covers and good vibes all night.

Wareham Fireworks & Bonfire, Wareham Rec, from 6pm
Bonfire, music and a family-friendly fireworks show.

Sparks in the Dark, Haymoor Junior School, 6–7.45pm
Hot food, drinks, glow toys and fireworks.

Lytchett Matravers School Fireworks, 5.30–6.30pm
A friendly local event with food, drinks and entertainment.

The Blandford School Big Bang, from 5pm
Food, live music, and a firework finale.

Saturday

Family Cinema: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Lighthouse Poole, 11.30am
Classic Spielberg adventure for all ages, £5.50.

Comedy Club 4 Kids, Lighthouse Poole, 2pm
Top stand-ups performing for families – without the rude bits!

Bournemouth Fireworks, Littledown Centre, 5pm–10pm
Three huge firework shows, funfair, street food, live music and family zone.

Milton Jones: Ha!Milton, Lighthouse Poole, 7.30pm
The king of surreal comedy returns with a brand new show.

Coastal Comedy, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
Triple bill of hilarious stand-up featuring Paul Tonkinson.

Running Wylde, The Yachtsman, 9pm
Local live band bringing classic hits to Poole Quay.

Sunday

Winter Food Fair (Final Day), Athelhampton House
Your last chance for festive flavours and foodie fun.

Remembrance Services, Poole Park & Broadstone, from 10.20am
Join the community to honour the Armed Forces.

Bake Sauna – Pop-up Harbour Sauna
Sun 10 November, Hamworthy Park
A wood-fired sauna experience by the harbour with optional cold plunge and swims at high tide.
Take the plunge!

Monday

Quiz Night, Bermuda Triangle, 7.30pm
£3 entry including bar snacks – book your team table early!

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That’s it! See you next week!