The bank holiday weekend is creeping up on us, and this week's issue is doing a lot of the planning for you. We've got the last Poole Quay fireworks of the summer, three nights of Shakespeare under the stars on Brownsea Island, and a proper headline gig at St Peter's with Elder Island and Hot Chip's Alexis Taylor.

There's also a first look at Seafood & Sounds, Poole's biggest food and music weekend, which is expanding even further across town this September, plus a new viewpoint coming to Holes Bay for the birdwatchers among you, a fast-approaching deadline for local traders wanting a stall at Pier Journal's Winter Market, and the latest on what happens next for Poole's old Civic Centre.

Enjoy!

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Get the date in the diary now: Poole's biggest food and music weekend of the year is nearly here, and this time it's spreading further across town than ever before.

Seafood & Sounds returns on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, and it's not really a food festival in the traditional sense. It's more of an invitation to explore the whole of Poole differently for a weekend, with outstanding local seafood, 40 live music acts a day, more than 60 independent traders, family entertainment and a fair bit of maritime heritage all woven into the town's streets, courtyards and quay.

Now in its fourth year, the festival has grown fast. It drew more than 8,000 visitors in 2025, and this year it's expanded across even more of Poole town centre, with the Dolphin Centre on board as headline sponsor. It's also just picked up some serious recognition, winning the Poole BID High Street Impact Award at the Poole Business Awards 2026, in honour of what it's done for footfall and local trade.

The weekend kicks off in style with the Seafood & Sounds Opening Parade at 11am on Saturday, setting off from Slug & Lettuce and winding through the Old Town's cobbled streets before arriving at Poole Quay. Expect colour, noise and a proper sense of occasion as the festival gets going.

From there, the fun is less about one big site and more about wandering and discovering. More than 60 stallholders will be set up across Sarum Street, Paradise Street, the Fortuna boat, Nusara Courtyard, St James' Church, Old Orchard and Falkland Square, selling everything from handcrafted gifts and local produce to artisan food. Half the appeal is stumbling across the next stall, or the next band, as you go.

And there really is a lot of music. Nine live performance spaces, including the Fish Shambles, Poole Arms, the Sea Music Sculpture and St James' Church, will host a rolling programme of acts throughout both days, adding up to 40 live sets a day across the town. Whatever your taste, there should be something to stop and listen to within a few minutes' walk.

On the food side, Poole Quay will be lined with seafood stalls serving fresh local produce alongside festival favourites like paella, while inside the Dolphin Centre, local chefs will be running live cookery demonstrations, sharing recipes and techniques using the best of the region's seafood and produce.

Families are well catered for too. The much loved Free Oyster Trail turns a wander round the Old Town into a proper adventure for kids, Falkland Square will host circus skills workshops, and on Sunday, the Absolute Music Trust is running free interactive music workshops at St James' Church, open to complete beginners and seasoned musicians alike.

There's a strong heritage thread running through the weekend as well. The festival coincides with the National Trust's Brownsea Island Community Open Day on Saturday, giving around 900 people free access to the island, with an information point near Greenslade's Kiosk sharing more about its history throughout the weekend. Back on dry land, Scaplen's Court will host Meet the Cast, Celebrate History performances at 1pm and 3pm on both days, mixing sea shanties, storytelling and lively performances inspired by Poole's seafaring past.

What makes it work is that none of this is confined to a single site you visit once and leave. Every street, courtyard and venue offers another performance, another stallholder or another dish to discover, which is exactly the point. It was set up by five local business owners who wanted to celebrate everything that makes Poole worth visiting, and four years on, that's clearly paying off.

Seafood & Sounds takes place across Poole town centre on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September. For the full programme and participating venues, head to seafoodandsounds.co.uk closer to the time, or keep an eye out for printed programmes appearing around town over the coming weeks. Whether you're going for the seafood, the music, the free family activities or just the atmosphere, it's shaping up to be one of the best editions yet, and well worth building a weekend around.

Good news for anyone who enjoys a walk round Holes Bay: a new raised viewing platform is on the way, giving visitors a proper vantage point over one of Poole's best spots for birdlife.

The new viewpoint is being installed southern area of the Country Park, and is being funded through a partnership between BCP Council, BARI and Birds of Poole Harbour. It's expected to be finished by the end of October 2026.

Holes Bay is already a favourite for anyone into birdwatching, with wading birds and waterfowl regular visitors to the mudflats and shoreline. A raised platform should make it easier to get a proper look across the water without disturbing the wildlife below, and it's a nice example of local organisations working together to improve one of Poole's quieter, more nature focused corners.

If you run a small business in Dorset and fancy a slot at one of Poole's festive events, Pier Journal has just opened applications for its Winter at the Cross market, and the deadline is coming up fast.

The Winter Market takes place on Saturday 19 December at St Peter's Poole, and organisers are on the hunt for independent makers, bakers, artists and small businesses to take part. It's open to Dorset traders only.

There are two ways to get involved. The full package costs £125 and includes a stall for the day plus coverage in Pier Journal and promotion across its digital channels, with 12 promotional spots available on a first come, first served basis. Traders based outside serving food or drink will need to add a £25 surcharge to that package.

If you'd rather keep things simple, there's also a stall only option with no promotional coverage attached, priced at £45 for traders inside and £75 for outside food trucks. Applicants for that option will be notified by the end of September.

For those going for the full package, applications close on Thursday 27 August, with successful traders notified by the end of August, so there isn't much time left to get your name down.

Pier Journal says last year's event drew more than 700 visitors on the day, while the publication itself reaches over 20,000 readers and its digital channels reach more than 10,000 people, so it's a decent bit of exposure for a small local business heading into the busiest trading period of the year.

If you want to apply, or just find out more, fill in the application form.

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Heated swimming pool? One acre of land? Character? One bed annexe? Look no further: 👉 View the property

Discussions are still ongoing over what happens to part of Poole's former Civic Centre, the Grade II listed building that's stood empty since 2022.

BCP Council and Poole Town Council are in talks about retaining part of the building for civic use, even as the wider site moves towards sale to MCR Property Group. The idea on the table is for Poole Town Council to keep a smaller, self contained section, sometimes described as a vertical slice, covering the council chamber, the mayor's parlour and the Cattistock room, while the rest of the building is developed separately.

That arrangement wouldn't come cheap. The proposed rent for retaining that part of the building has been put at more than £450,000 a year, a figure that's likely to be a significant factor in how the talks play out.

There's no firm resolution yet, but it's a story worth keeping half an eye on for anyone who cares about what happens to one of Poole's most recognisable civic buildings. We'll bring you an update as soon as there's more to report.

The Special Boat Service, Britain's elite naval special forces unit, has its headquarters at RM Poole in Hamworthy. Operating under the motto "By Strength and Guile," the SBS was formed in 1940 and its base has been hiding in plain sight in Poole ever since!

As you plan your visit to the Seafood and Sounds Festival on Poole Quay next month, here's a piece of Quay history to whet your appetite.

Rock, Paper, Scissors Art Exhibition, Gather, Dolphin Shopping Centre

A week-long exhibition of original artwork from local artists across a range of media. Free to enter, with pieces available to buy. Runs until Saturday 29 August.

Find out more here

Poole Printmakers Open Studio Exhibition, 5 Bowling Green Alley, Poole, 10am to 4pm

Meet the printmakers behind the prints, have a go at the daily Try Printing activities, and browse original handmade prints from £10. Free entry. Runs Friday 28 to Monday 31 August.

Power of Poole, Poole Museum, 10am to 5pm

An exhibition telling the story of Poole Power Station, which stood for more than 45 years as a symbol of modern Britain, using newly acquired objects and rarely seen items from the museum's stores.

Coasts in Mind: A Lifetime of Change, Poole Museum, 10am to 5pm

An exhibition exploring 100 years of change in Poole Harbour through the pictures, objects and stories of the people who live here.

Life in Full Colour: The Art of Jason Wilsher-Mills, Poole Museum, 10am to 5pm

A bold, playful exhibition exploring Jason Wilsher-Mills' experience of disability and his love of popular culture. Running daily.

Turlin Moor to Upton Country Park Nature Walk, Turlin Moor, 10am to 1pm

A gentle guided walk with The Parks Foundation from Turlin Moor to Upton Country Park and back, exploring the bird hides and looking out for wildlife along the way. Around 4 to 5 miles, with a stop for refreshments halfway. Adults only, booking essential, and wear suitable footwear for the weather.

Book here

Bike Nights on Poole Quay, The Quay, Poole, 5.30pm

A weekly bike meet on Poole Quay, with food and drink from the harbourside eateries and pubs.

Sbomb Bike Night, S BOMB, 6pm

A relaxed evening of bikes, drinks and good company by the harbour. Free entry, with a food truck and full bar available.

Wiggles and Giggles for Under 5s, Poole Museum, 10.30am to 11.30am

A playful weekly session for under 5s and their grown ups, exploring music, movement and hands on activities. Runs every Wednesday.

Live Music: Zoe Schwarz Bluez Party, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 8.30pm to 10.30pm

Live blues music at the pub.

Dorset Education Conversation, Rockwater, 5.30pm to 9pm

A schools showcase and parent panel evening for anyone weighing up local school options.

Fantasy Sun Printing: Family Workshop, Upton Country Park, 10.30am to 12.30pm

Create fairies, sprites and woodland spirits using materials from the park, in a sun printing process using sunshine. Children 12 and under must be with a paying adult. Booking essential, spaces limited.

Book here

Fantasy Sun Printing: Adult Workshop, Upton Country Park, 2pm to 4pm

Try this Victorian photography technique to create your own nature inspired sun print, and make a rustic frame to display it. Booking essential, spaces limited.

Book here

General Knowledge Quiz, HonkyTonk Collective

A fun general knowledge quiz night, teams of 2 to 6. £2 entry per person, winning team takes the pot. Message the venue to book a team spot.

HandleBards Open-Air Theatre: Macbeth, Brownsea Island, 6pm to 9.30pm

Touring company The HandleBards perform Shakespeare's Macbeth outdoors on Brownsea Island, with their trademark energy, humour and live music. Take the ferry from Poole Harbour, then picnic in Church Field for the show. Bring a picnic blanket or chairs.

Find out more at nationaltrust.org.uk

Poole Quay Summer Fireworks, Poole Quay, 7pm

Free family entertainment on Poole Quay, with live music and street entertainment from 7.30pm before the fireworks finale at 10pm. No tickets required. The last one in this summer's run.

Live Music: Jonathan Lindop, The Grasshopper, Parkstone, 5pm

Solo acoustic classics to start the bank holiday weekend.

Elder Island, Alexis Taylor & Eddie Chacon, St Peter's, Poole, doors 6pm

A special bank holiday "In The Nave" gig with Bristol electronica and neo-soul act Elder Island, Hot Chip's Alexis Taylor and Charles & Eddie's Eddie Chacon, joined by John Carroll Kirby. 14+, under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets from £20, first release sold out.

HandleBards Open-Air Theatre: Macbeth, Brownsea Island, 6pm to 9.30pm

Second night of the outdoor Shakespeare, see Thursday's listing for details.

Dancing Terraces: Ceilidh with Murphys Lore Ceilidh Band, Pavilion Dance South West, 7pm to 9pm

Free outdoor dance session on the Garden Terrace, no need to book and no experience needed.

BBQ Evening Cruise, Coastal Cruises, Poole Quay, 7pm

A two hour evening cruise around Poole Harbour past Brownsea Island and Sandbanks, with a freshly grilled BBQ meal, live commentary and a fully stocked onboard bar.

Friday Night Fireworks & Free Live Music, Key West, Bournemouth Pier, 8pm

Free live music from 8pm on the Key West Terrace, with food and cocktails available, followed by the Bournemouth Friday Fireworks at 10pm with some of the best views on the pier. Walk-ins only.

Car Nights on Poole Quay: Japanese Night, The Quay, Poole

This week's themed car meet on Poole Quay, the last one in this run of the weekly Car Nights series, with food and drink from the nearby eateries and pubs.

Live Music: Hugh Budden & The Blue Chords, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm to 11pm

Live music performance at the pub.

DJ Set: DJ Garphie, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm to 1am

Electronic music in the upstairs club room.

Bournemouth Friday Fireworks, Bournemouth seafront (east of the pier), 10pm

A free fireworks display, the final one in this summer's weekly series.

Mayhem of Mad4Animals, Upton Country Park, 10.30am to 12pm

A family animal spectacular under the Big Top, meeting reptiles, birds, mammals, amphibians and invertebrates, followed by a 30 minute hands on animal encounter. £7.50 per person, under 2s free.

Barnie's Binoculars, Upton Country Park, 1pm to 2pm

A gentle Big Top show for younger children, combining storytelling and live animal encounters. £5.50 per person.

HandleBards Open-Air Theatre: Macbeth, Brownsea Island, 4.30pm to 8.30pm

Third and final night of the outdoor Shakespeare, an earlier start than Thursday and Friday, see Thursday's listing for details.

Dancing Terraces: Salsa Party with Clare Nicholas, Pavilion Dance South West, 7pm to 9pm

Free outdoor dance session on the Garden Terrace, no need to book and no experience needed.

Live Music: Bone Idol, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm to 11pm

Live music performance at the pub.

Helpful Hounds, Gather, Dolphin Shopping Centre

Assistance dog charity Helpful Hounds visits for the day. Meet the team, find out how their dogs change lives across Dorset, and how to support or volunteer.

Increase the Peace Festival, Boscombe, 11.30am

A free community festival across Boscombe with live music, family activities, dance showcases, a craft market and food stalls, running into the evening.

Sausage and Ciderfest Part II, The Angel, Poole, 12pm

The second instalment of Sausage and Ciderfest returns to The Angel.

Live Acoustic Sunday Sessions, Rockwater, 2pm to 4pm

An afternoon of live acoustic music at Rockwater Branksome.

The Music of The Lord of The Rings: Tribute to Howard Shore, St Peter's, Poole, 6.30pm

The Mystery Ensemble perform Howard Shore's Lord of the Rings scores live, in a 60 minute concert. Doors 30 minutes before. Age 6+. Tickets from £22.

Book tickets here

DJ Set: Sundaze (Bank Holiday Sunday), Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm to midnight

Bank holiday Sunday DJ set at the pub.

Mayhem of Mad4Animals, Upton Country Park, 10.30am to 12pm and 1pm to 2.30pm

A family animal spectacular under the Big Top, meeting reptiles, birds, mammals, amphibians and invertebrates, followed by a 30 minute hands on animal encounter. £7.50 per person, under 2s free. Two sessions on the bank holiday Monday.

Get Me Outta Here!, Upton Country Park, 3pm to 4.30pm

An interactive live animal challenge show for older children, teenagers and adults, facing snakes, creepy crawlies and mystery animal challenges in front of a live audience. £7.50 per person, recommended for ages 10 and over.

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