Hello Poole!

As Christmas arrives, we’d like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas from everyone at PooleNow 🎄 

This festive issue is packed with things to enjoy locally, from carol concerts and Christmas Eve cinema to live music, Christmas Day parkrun and events to keep the festive spirit alive between Christmas and New Year.

We’ve also included important local updates and stories from Poole businesses making an impact far beyond our town.

However you’re celebrating, we hope you have a brilliant Christmas and enjoy everything our local community has to offer.

Thank you for supporting PooleNow this year – and once again, Merry Christmas Poole 🎅

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!

🏛️ Wessex leaders renew call for devolution deal

Council leaders across Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are once again urging Government to unlock regional growth through a Wessex devolution deal.

Ahead of the Local Government Financial Settlement expected this week, the Wessex Partnership says the region is ready to move forward. All four councils are already unitary authorities and well placed to deliver devolved powers and funding.

Leaders warn that without a deal, Wessex risks missing out on enhanced investment linked to the Government’s English Devolution White Paper. Analysis by the councils suggests a Strategic Authority for Wessex could unlock up to £16 billion in additional economic growth over 30 years.

The leaders say Government action now could accelerate investment, boost key sectors including defence, clean energy and life sciences, and deliver better value for taxpayers across the region.

❄️ New names revealed for Poole and BCP gritters

New names are being applied to gritters across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole following a public naming competition.

More than 1,000 suggestions were submitted by residents, resulting in 13 winning names including Poole-ar Express, Sir David Attenbrrr, Grit Expectations and Chr-ice-church.

Sir David Attenbrrr is already out on the roads, with the remaining gritters set to receive their new branding ahead of colder weather in the coming weeks.

🛁 Poole Quay Bath Tub Race returns on New Year’s Day

Poole’s much loved Bath Tub Race is set to return on New Year’s Day, bringing crowds back to the Quay for a morning of fundraising and fun.

The charity event sees teams race homemade floating crafts from near Poole Bridge to the Fish Shambles steps, with plenty of spills, cheers and creative designs along the way.

The race starts at 11am, with team registration and safety checks taking place from 10am to 10.45am on Ferry Road.

Organised by Poole Harbour Commissioners and BCP Council, team registration is now open for anyone keen to start the year with a splash.

🛍️ Lush co-founder speaks to the BBC about values, business and Poole

Mark Constantine, one of the founders of Lush, has been interviewed by the BBC in a wide-ranging Big Boss Interview that offers a fascinating insight into one of Poole’s most important businesses.

Lush is proudly based in Poole, and Mark himself lives locally, making this a must-listen for residents interested in how a global brand grew from Dorset roots. In the interview, he talks openly about Lush’s values, its outspoken approach to activism, and why independence has always mattered to the company.

The conversation also explores the future of the High Street, what makes retail fun, and how strong values can shape long-term success. It is a rare chance to hear directly from a local business leader whose company now operates hundreds of stores worldwide while keeping its base firmly in Poole.

You can listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0mpdkdc

📈 Fully funded growth programme launches for Dorset businesses

Dorset businesses planning to scale in 2026 can now apply for a new fully funded support programme focused on securing growth finance.

Funding For Scale is delivered by Evolve Advisory in partnership with Business Growth Dorset and is aimed at established businesses generating £500,000 or more in annual revenue.

The four-part online programme begins on 28 January 2026 and is designed to help business owners understand funding options, build strong financial forecasts and confidently pitch to investors, lenders or grant providers.

The programme also includes one to one advice and support. Spaces are limited and available on a first come, first served basis for businesses based in Dorset Council or BCP Council areas.

🌊 Support PooleNow

Are you a business in the local area? Do you want to reach out to a highly engaged local community? Want to support us so that we can keep running our free local newsletter? Get in touch!

🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

This week’s property is Grade II-listed Georgian house on the edge of the Kingston Lacey estate. 👉 View the property

🎄 How to recycle your Christmas tree locally

Residents across Poole and the wider area have several charity options for recycling their Christmas trees in January.

Diverse Abilities is running its Treecycle scheme from 8 to 11 January 2026, collecting trees for a suggested £10 donation per tree across Bournemouth, Poole and surrounding areas.

Lewis-Manning Hospice Care is offering home collections on 8, 9 and 10 January for £15, covering BH1 to BH23 postcodes.

Julia’s House will collect trees between 8 and 10 January, with bookings closing at midnight on 5 January. Collections cover BH1 to BH23 and BH31, with a suggested minimum donation of £10.

3 Local stories you might have missed

1. Lush co-founder takes pride in being a 'woke nerd' - BBC News 

2. Strictly crew surprises BU students – Bournemouth One 

3. £9.18m boost for SEND places across BCP – Bournemouth One 

🚢 Singles Valentine’s cruise launches with special discount

Poole singles are being invited to celebrate Valentine’s Day differently this year with a dedicated evening cruise around Poole Harbour.

Coastal Cruises Poole is hosting the singles-only Valentine’s cruise on Friday 14 February from 7pm to 9pm, departing from Poole Quay. The evening includes music, dancing and a licensed bar, with plenty of space to mingle and enjoy the views.

Tickets are £25 per person, and a special promotion is now available. Use the code Valentines20 when booking to receive 20 percent off.

More details and booking are available via the Coastal Cruises Poole website.

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

Multiple Days

Snow and Ice Family Trail, Upton Country Park, Poole
Friday 19 December – Monday 5 January, 10am–3pm (excluding Christmas Day)
Follow festive clues around the park to help the Ice Queen rebuild her snowman companion. Trail maps available from the Welcome Centre. £4.50 per trail sheet, including a cuddly prize.
Pixie Paint face painting also available in the Welcome Centre, Monday to Wednesday, 22–24 December, 11am–3pm.

Dick Whittington (Panto), Lighthouse Poole, various times
Thu 11 December – Sun 4 January
From £15
CBeebies favourite Chris Jarvis returns as Dame Dolly Doughnuts for a sparkling, family-friendly panto filled with magic, music and mischievous fun. With West End star Bernadette Bangura as Fairy Bowbelles and jaw-dropping tricks from Corben Heward-Mills, it’s a festive treat for all ages.

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!

BSO: Celebration of Christmas Carols
Lighthouse, Poole, Tuesday at 3pm & 7pm – A traditional Christmas sing-along with the Bournemouth Symphony Chorus and Youth Chorus. A joyful, family-friendly way to kick off the Christmas break. Tickets from £20.90.

Wednesday

Christmas Caroloke
Scaplen’s Court, Poole, Wednesday 10.30am–12pm – A free festive singalong with the Rees-Coshan Family Lockdown Band. Expect bells, instruments and plenty of Christmas spirit. Pre-booking recommended.

The Polar Express (U)
Lighthouse, Poole, Wednesday at 11am – A magical Christmas Eve cinema favourite following a young boy’s journey to the North Pole. Tickets from £5.50.

It’s a Wonderful Life (U)
Lighthouse, Poole, Wednesday at 2pm – The timeless Christmas classic returns to the big screen. A heartwarming film perfect for Christmas Eve afternoon. Tickets from £8.75.

Festive Music with Richard Cross & Friends
The Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, Christmas Eve from 4.30pm – Live festive music to ease you into Christmas Eve. Richard Cross performs solo, joined by friends from 7pm for an extra dose of seasonal cheer.

Thursday

Christmas Day Parkrun
Poole Park, Thursday at 9am – The annual festive parkrun returns. Run, jog or walk your way into Christmas Day with the Poole parkrun community.

Friday

Boxing Day: Classic Hits with Rich
The Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, Friday – Live classic hits on Boxing Day, with the kitchen serving food until 4pm. Booking advised.

Saturday

Live Music: Life In The Past Lane
Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, Saturday 9pm–11pm – Live music at the Bermuda Triangle to keep the Christmas celebrations going into the weekend.

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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That’s it! See you next week!