It is festival weekend. Poole Harbour Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary this Friday at Baiter Park, with Kaiser Chiefs headlining on Sunday. Also this week, a new residents discount card could save you real money on everyday spending, the M&S Foodhall in Poole finally has an opening date, and there is an update on the £20 million of investment coming to Hamworthy. All the details below.

We also had a lovely comment from a reader this week that we wanted to share: "Just great to know what's on and to get local news…events seem complete, rather than 'paid for'." That means a lot to us. Just to confirm, our events listings are compiled entirely from publicly available information and press releases, we will always make it clear when something is paid-for promotion. We are a free independent newsletter and that is not going to change. If you have feedback, thoughts or a story you'd like to share, we would love to hear from you, just reply to this email.

Dive in and 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!

There's a brand new way to save money if you live in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole.

The new BCP LIFE residents card launched this week, giving local people access to a growing range of discounts across the area for just £10.

The scheme includes plenty of everyday savings, from free monthly swimming at leisure centres and cheaper parking, to discounts on seafront ice creams, council cafés, family attractions, climbing activities, watersports, hotels and much more.

One of the biggest benefits is that the savings can quickly outweigh the sign-up cost. BCP Council estimates that someone who parks and goes swimming just once a month could save more than £80 a year.

The scheme has been funded through the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund and aims to support both local residents and independent businesses by encouraging people to shop and spend locally.

Even better, the list of participating businesses is expected to keep growing over the coming months.

If you're regularly out enjoying everything our area has to offer, it's well worth seeing whether the card could save you money.

You can sign up and view all the current offers here!

A major investment programme that could transform Hamworthy West and Turlin Moor has taken another important step forward.

Local resident Claire Starmer has been appointed Chair of the new Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board, which will help oversee how £20 million of Government funding is invested in the area over the next ten years.

Claire, who has lived in Turlin Moor for almost 30 years, says she's passionate about making sure local people have a genuine voice in shaping the future of their community.

The funding will support projects chosen by residents, with the aim of improving local facilities, services and neighbourhood spaces while creating lasting benefits for future generations.

Vice Chair Avril Atkins has also been appointed, and more board members will join over the coming months.

Before any money is spent, the board will spend around six months speaking with residents to find out what matters most and where they would like to see investment.

It's a significant opportunity for Hamworthy, with local people playing a central role in deciding how the funding is used.

A fantastic day celebrating women's cricket is coming to Canford Magna Cricket Club on Thursday 31 July.

Dorset Cricket's second annual Women's Showcase Day will feature a professional T20 match involving players and coaches from Hampshire Cricket alongside a packed programme of family activities.

Visitors can enjoy coaching sessions, children's activities, guest speakers, food, live music and evening entertainment at The Hamworthy Club.

Tickets cost £10 for adults, while under 18s go free.

Whether you're already a cricket fan or simply looking for a great summer day out, it promises to be an enjoyable event celebrating the rapid growth of the women's game.

We've had a fantastic response to last week's competition, but there's still time to enter!

One lucky PooleNow reader will win a pair of tickets to Rave On: The Ultimate 50s & 60s Experience at Lighthouse Poole on Saturday 12 September.

If you haven't entered yet, simply answer the competition question below before Monday 10 August to be in with a chance of winning.

Not feeling lucky? You can book your tickets here

The wait is almost over for Marks & Spencer fans. Since we first reported back in September last year, the new M&S is nearly ready!

The new 20,000 square foot M&S Foodhall at Poole Retail Park will officially open its doors on Wednesday 12 August.

The store has been created inside the former Homebase building in Branksome and will create around 90 new jobs.

Shoppers can expect the full M&S food range, including fresh produce, bakery items, ready meals, flowers, plants, a hot food counter, specialist ranges such as Plant Kitchen and Free From and the part I’m looking forward to the most - the ‘M&S Cheese Barge’!

Looking for a Georgian Townhouse in the heart of Old Town Poole? Look no further: 👉 View the property

Film lovers are invited to kick off this year's Bournemouth International Film Festival with a special launch event later this week.

Taking place on Thursday 30 July at the beautifully restored Palace Court Theatre, the evening will feature a screening of Ken Loach's classic film Kes, followed by discussions with industry guests and local author Alan Hill.

The event offers a chance to meet filmmakers, students and fellow cinema enthusiasts ahead of the main festival in October.

Festival Director Steve McCarten says the evening isn't just for people working in the film industry, but for anyone who enjoys great cinema and wants to discover what the festival is all about.

Tickets cost £14.99, with the event running from 7pm until 10.30pm.

Sharp-eyed readers may have spotted a familiar landmark on today's cover map. Near Seldown Bridge sits a school that generations of Poole children attended, before it was demolished in 1988. Do you remember it?

BCP Council and skatepark specialists Maverick are inviting local skaters, BMX riders, scooter users and residents to view the latest designs before plans are finalised.

A public consultation event will take place on Thursday 13 August at Poole Park Pavilion from 6pm to 7.30pm.

The evening will begin with a presentation before visitors can chat with the design team, ask questions and give feedback on the proposed layout.

It's a great opportunity for those who use the park regularly to influence the final design before construction begins.

Children aged 5 to 15 can travel free on Morebus services throughout August as part of a government-backed scheme designed to encourage more people to use public transport.

The offer runs from 1 to 31 August, making it easier for families to visit beaches, parks, shopping centres, cinemas and attractions without worrying about transport costs.

Children aged 5 to 11 must travel with an adult, while those aged 11 to 15 can travel independently after telling the driver where they're travelling to.

Some services are excluded, including night buses and the New Forest Tour, and older children may occasionally be asked to provide proof of age.

Poole Harbour Festival is taking place this weekend!

With the festival celebrating its 10th anniversary this weekend, organisers say only a handful of tickets remain.

This year's line-up is one of the biggest yet, featuring Kaiser Chiefs, Groove Armada, Scouting For Girls, Republica, East 17, The Fratellis, Heather Small, Artful Dodger, Judge Jules, Dave Pearce, Jaguar Skills and many more across four stages.

There's also family entertainment, circus workshops, pirate performances, tribute bands and plenty of local artists throughout the weekend. Buy your tickets here

Summer Fantasy Trail | Upton Country Park | Daily, 10am to 4pm until Monday 31 August
Follow a free family-friendly fantasy trail through the gardens and woodlands at Upton Country Park. Pick up a trail sheet from the Welcome Centre and discover the hidden magic of nature.

Art Classes For Me Summer Exhibition | The Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park | Daily, 10am to 4.30pm until Monday 3 August
Browse a wonderful collection of paintings, drawings, prints and cards created by local artists, with many pieces available to buy.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea | Lighthouse, Poole | Tuesday 28 to Thursday 30 July
A magical stage adaptation of Judith Kerr's beloved children's classic returns to the Lighthouse. Performances take place at 2pm on Tuesday, 11am and 2pm on Wednesday, and 11am and 2pm on Thursday.

An Evening of Live Soul and Motown Music | Brownsea Island | Until Wednesday 29 July, 5.45pm to 9.30pm
Enjoy an evening harbour cruise aboard the Dorset Queen, live soul and Motown music from the Susie Kimber Trio, and a freshly prepared meal on Brownsea Island. Visit the event website to book.

Unearthed | Lighthouse, Poole | Friday 31 July and Saturday 1 August, 7.30pm
A moving new play celebrating twelve remarkable women from Dorset's history, brought to life by a cast and community chorus of 40 local women through drama, music and dance.

Poole Harbour Festival | Harbourside Park, Baiter | Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August
One of the South Coast's biggest family festivals returns with live music across multiple stages, featuring Groove Armada, Kaiser Chiefs, The Fratellis, Heather Small, Scouting For Girls and much more. Visit the festival website for tickets and full line-up.

HonkyTonk Collective 2nd Birthday Weekend | HonkyTonk Collective | Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August, from 10am
Celebrate the venue's second birthday with live music, line dancing, BBQ, family fun and more. Free entry during the day, with a ticketed event on Saturday evening.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea | Lighthouse, Poole | 2pm
A delightful family musical packed with songs, laughter and teatime chaos as Judith Kerr's classic story comes to life on stage.

Poole Quay Bike Night | Poole Quay | Evening
Enjoy a summer evening surrounded by hundreds of motorcycles on Poole Quay, with plenty of restaurants, pubs and harbour views.

SBomb Bike Night | SBomb, Poole | 6pm to Midnight
A relaxed evening of bikes, food, drinks and good company by the harbour. Free entry with a food truck and full bar available.

10cc's Graham Gouldman & Heart Full of Songs | St Peter's Church, Poole | Doors 7pm
10cc co-founder Graham Gouldman performs an intimate acoustic concert featuring many of the classic songs he wrote during his legendary career.

The Acoustic Connection Live Showcase | Tap & Grape, Broadstone | 7.30pm
A free evening showcasing some of the area's finest local musicians in an intimate live music setting.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea | Lighthouse, Poole | 11am & 2pm
The much-loved family show continues with two performances.

FREE Summer Wildlife Discovery Day | Upton Country Park | 10am to 4pm
Join wildlife experts for guided walks, birdwatching, bug hunts and family-friendly activities as they record as many species as possible across the park.

An Evening of Live Soul and Motown Music | Brownsea Island | 5.45pm to 9.30pm
The final evening of this unique event combining a harbour cruise, live Motown music and dinner on Brownsea Island. Visit the event website to book.

Live Music: Cutting Half | Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross | 8.30pm to 10.30pm
Enjoy a free evening of live music from local band Cutting Half.

The Tiger Who Came to Tea | Lighthouse, Poole | 11am & 2pm
Catch the final performances of this Olivier Award nominated family favourite.

Bournemouth International Film Festival Launch Event | Palace Court Theatre, Bournemouth | 7pm to 10.30pm
Celebrate the launch of this year's Bournemouth International Film Festival with a screening of Kes, guest discussions and the chance to meet filmmakers and fellow film lovers. Tickets cost £14.99.

Top Gun: 40th Anniversary (12A) | Lighthouse, Poole | 7.30pm
Celebrate 40 years of the iconic Tom Cruise blockbuster on the big screen. Reduced family ticket prices are available through the Great British Summer Savings scheme.

Lauren Blundell Live | HonkyTonk Collective, Holton Heath | From 7pm
Enjoy an evening of free live music alongside dinner and drinks at the HonkyTonk Collective.

Storytelling and Crafts with BCP Libraries | Upton Country Park | 10am to 12pm
Drop into the Walled Garden for a free morning of storytelling and children's crafts. No booking required.

Bubble Fest 2.0 | Ashdown Leisure Centre | From 10am
A huge family festival celebrating everything bubbles, featuring giant bubble displays, interactive workshops, circus skills, foam parties, bouncy castles and live entertainment. Book tickers

Women's Cricket Showcase Day | Canford Magna Cricket Club | Throughout the day
Enjoy a day celebrating women's cricket with a professional T20 match, coaching sessions, family activities, food, live music and more. Adult tickets are £10, under 18s go free.

Poole Harbour Festival | Harbourside Park, Baiter | 5pm to 11pm
The opening night of the festival features tribute acts including Fu Fighters, Coldplace and Kingz of Leon, alongside multiple stages of live music and entertainment. Visit the festival website for tickets.

Poole Quay Car Night | Poole Quay | From 6pm
This week's popular themed car night features Land Rovers, emergency vehicles and military vehicles along Poole Quay.

Conker Unplugged | Conker Spirit Distillery Taproom, Bournemouth | Music 7pm to 9pm
Enjoy a free evening of stripped-back live music, great spirits and pizza. Book a table at https://www.conkerspirit.co.uk/contact/.

Friday Night Fireworks & Free Live Music | Key West, Bournemouth Pier | Live music from 8pm
Start the evening with free live music before enjoying Bournemouth's spectacular Friday night fireworks from one of the best viewpoints on the pier.

Unearthed | Lighthouse, Poole | 7.30pm
This inspiring new community production celebrates the lives of twelve remarkable Dorset women through music, dance and drama.

Nocturnal Discovery Walk | Upton Country Park | 8.30pm to 10.30pm
Join Dorset Bat Group for a guided evening walk discovering bats, moths and other nocturnal wildlife. Booking is essential: http://uptoncountrypark.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/77308

Live Music: Brother Bots | Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross | 9pm to 11pm
Enjoy a free night of live music from Brother Bots.

Stompin' on the Quomps | Christchurch Quay | 12pm to 10pm
A full day of live jazz, swing, funk and big band music in the beautiful setting of Christchurch Quay, with food and drink stalls throughout the festival.

Poole Harbour Festival | Harbourside Park, Baiter | 12pm to 11pm
Saturday's line-up includes Groove Armada DJ Set, The Fratellis, Heather Small, Republica and Artful Dodger, alongside tribute acts and dance music across multiple stages.

Summer Fayre | Elizabeth House, Poole | 2.30pm to 4.30pm
A fun casino-themed family afternoon featuring a magician, BBQ, stalls and game. Find out more.

Unearthed | Lighthouse, Poole | 7.30pm
The final performance of this powerful celebration of Dorset's forgotten women.

Live Music: All Funked Up | Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross | 9pm to 11pm
Round off Saturday with a free evening of live funk classics.

Poole Harbour Festival | Harbourside Park, Baiter | 12pm to 8pm
The festival concludes with performances from Kaiser Chiefs, Scouting For Girls, Dodgy, East 17 and a packed programme of entertainment across all stages.

HonkyTonk Collective 2nd Birthday Weekend | HonkyTonk Collective, From 10am
Birthday celebrations with live music, food, line dancing and family-friendly entertainment.

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