It’s a big week for our area, with the very first Town Council elections taking place this Thursday. We’ve got everything you need to know before heading to the polls, plus a brand new music event taking place in Poole has been revealed, there’s BT’s proposed Street Hubs, new funding for local groups, a planning application at The Grasshopper and a brand new town centre treasure hunt to get involved in.

And if that wasn’t enough, we delve into the history of The Guildhall, we have some local trivia and of course, all this week’s top events!

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!

Ok, let’s get this out the way first. This Thursday is a big moment for Poole, Broadstone and Bournemouth, as residents head to the polls to elect their very first Town Councils.

These new councils were created following a Community Governance Review and officially came into existence on 1 April. Now it is time for voters to decide who will represent their communities.

This election matters more than most.

The councillors elected this week will be responsible for shaping how these brand new councils are set up and how they operate. That includes decisions on priorities, spending, and the overall direction of local community life.

Town Councils focus on the things closest to home. That includes supporting high streets, running events, funding Christmas lights, managing community spaces, and giving grants to local groups. They also have a voice in planning decisions.

They do not control major services like roads, waste collection or education, which remain with BCP Council.

Polling day is Thursday 7 May, with voting open from 7am to 10pm. The count will take place on Friday, with results announced during the day.

To vote in person, you must bring an accepted form of photo ID, such as a passport, driving licence, or Blue Badge.

There are 21 seats each for Poole and Bournemouth, and 8 seats for Broadstone.

We’ve got a page on our website with all the information that you need to know such as where to find your polling station, ward boundaries and information about each of the candidates.

This is a chance to have a real say in how your local area is run. If you are eligible, make sure you take it.

A brand new music event is heading to Poole this summer, and it is shaping up to be something special.

SoundScape will take over the town on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July, bringing together live performances, local talent, and music industry experts.

Saturday is all about the music, with over 100 performers set to appear across multiple locations. From Falkland Square to the High Street and Old Town, you can expect everything from acoustic sets to choirs and buskers, plus live acts and DJs in venues throughout the day and evening.

The idea is simple. Grab a map, explore the town, and discover something new around every corner.

Then on Sunday, the focus shifts to the industry side of music. Head to Gather at the Dolphin Shopping Centre to hear from experts about getting gigs, promotion, songwriting, and how to make money from music.

Whether you are an aspiring artist or just curious about how it all works, there will be plenty to take away.

Best of all, the whole weekend is free to attend.

With support from Poole BID, Absolute Music, and the Musicians’ Union, SoundScape is set to be a fantastic addition to the town’s events calendar.

Add the dates to your diary, this is one to watch.

A historic Poole tradition will be brought back to life on Saturday 16 May, as the new Poole Town Council hosts a Beating of the Land Bounds event to mark the town’s new boundary.

The Mayor will cycle a 33 mile route around Poole, stopping at Upton Country Park, Canford Suspension Bridge and Branksome Dene before a civic parade and afternoon of music and community stalls on Poole Quay.

Full details will be in next week’s PooleNow. If you would like to take part in the cycle ride, you can sign up here

The days of the phone box appear to be numbered, especially as BT is looking to replace some of them in Poole with new “Street Hubs”.

These modern units are being pitched as a big upgrade for the digital age. They would offer the ability to make calls, ultra-fast public WiFi, USB charging points, and even touchscreen tablets with local information.

On paper, it sounds like a useful addition to busy town centres, especially for those who might need connectivity on the go.

But not everyone is convinced.

The hubs are also large digital advertising screens, and that’s where much of the concern lies. Critics argue they are far more intrusive than traditional phone boxes, with bright, constantly changing adverts adding to what some see as growing “street clutter”.

Locally, a proposed hub for Falkland Square has already been refused by BCP Council, with planners saying it would be overly dominant and harmful to the character of the area. That decision is now under appeal.

New applications have also been submitted for several other locations across Poole, including on Ashley Road, outside Quay Amusements, and near Costa Coffee in Broadstone.

Supporters say the hubs bring useful, free services into public spaces. Opponents say they are primarily advertising structures in disguise.

As with many planning issues, this one is likely to divide opinion. If you want to have your say, you can view and comment on the applications via the BCP Council planning portal by searching ‘BT Street Hubs‘.

Local charities and community groups across Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch can now apply for a share of new funding designed to support residents through challenging times.

BCP Council has launched its Community Grants Scheme as part of the UK Government’s Crisis and Resilience Fund, working in partnership with Dorset Community Foundation.

The funding is aimed at organisations delivering vital support in the community. That includes help with money and energy advice, food provision, warm spaces, and skills programmes.

To be eligible, organisations must be working within the BCP area and delivering clear benefits to local residents. Priority will be given to locally based groups.

The deadline for the current round is midday on Thursday 4 June, so there is still time to get applications in.

If you are part of a local group doing great work in the community, this could be a valuable opportunity to secure funding and expand what you offer.

Find out more and apply via the Dorset Community Foundation website.

A new planning application could see The Grasshopper pub on Bournemouth Road expand its offering by adding hotel-style accommodation.

The proposal would convert the currently underused first floor of the building into 10 letting rooms, while keeping the ground floor operating as a pub.

The aim is to make better use of the space and support the long-term future of the venue, which is a well-established part of the local area.

Do you need a 42 foot swimming pool? Then we have just the place for you! 👉 View the property

Stand outside the Guildhall today, and you might see a beaming couple posing for wedding photographs on those elegant curved staircases. Wind back the clock to 1886, however, and you'd witness something far darker – a murder that shocked the town, when harbour pilot John King shot dead councillor Horatio Hamilton on this very spot following a bitter dispute over a boat licence.

Such contrasts define the Guildhall's remarkable 265-year story. Built in 1761 during Poole's golden age of Atlantic trade, this handsome Georgian building has served as church, courthouse, council chamber, wartime canteen, museum, and now a place where new lives begin and marriages are celebrated. Few buildings in Dorset can claim such a varied and fascinating history.

The Guildhall rose at a time when Poole's harbour bustled with merchant vessels bound for Newfoundland and the Mediterranean. Funded by public subscription – with generous donations from local MPs Joseph Gulston and Thomas Calcraft – the building cost £2,250, a substantial sum in Georgian times. Its red brick façade and classical portico announced Poole's prosperity to the world, whilst the arcaded ground floor housed bustling meat markets beneath the council chamber above.

The building quickly became indispensable to town life. When nearby St James' Church underwent rebuilding between 1819 and 1821, the Guildhall stepped in as the parish church. By 1836, it was the headquarters of Poole's newly formed municipal borough, hosting everything from council meetings to Quarter Sessions and Admiralty Court hearings. For over a century, the Guildhall was where Poole governed itself.

The Second World War brought unexpected guests – American troops preparing for D-Day used it as their canteen and meeting place. The showers installed for the GIs were later converted into public baths that served the town until the 1960s, a curious legacy of Poole's wartime role.

After the council moved to the Civic Centre in 1932, the Guildhall enjoyed a second act as home to Poole Museum from 1971 to 1989. Then came sixteen years of neglect and decay, until an £800,000 restoration saved this architectural gem. The Princess Royal reopened it in 2007 as a register office, and thousands of Poole residents have since celebrated life's milestones within its walls.

Now history may come full circle. The building recently hosted the first meeting of the Poole Town Council Shadow Council, and there's talk it could once again become a venue for civic decisions affecting local residents. From Atlantic merchants to American soldiers, from magistrates to newlyweds – and perhaps soon, councillors once more – the Guildhall continues to serve the town that built it. Not bad for a building that began life as a glorified meat market.

Looking for something fun to do this May? A brand new treasure hunt has arrived in Poole town centre, and it is completely free to take part.

The idea is simple. Hidden across local shops are letters waiting to be found. Your mission is to collect them, crack the secret phrase, and enter for a chance to win some great prizes.

Entry forms can be picked up and returned at Poole Museum or Lighthouse Poole, making it easy to get started.

There are some brilliant rewards on offer too, including a £50 voucher for Bruno Lounge, a harbour boat trip, and even a theatre evening to see Killer Queen at Lighthouse.

It is open to all ages, so it is perfect for families, friends, or anyone who fancies exploring the town in a new way.

The competition runs until Sunday 31 May, with the draw taking place the following day and prizes to be enjoyed in June.

A Portrait of Bloxworth, Lighthouse Poole, daily 10am to 8pm (until 30 May)
A fascinating visual social history exhibition capturing life in a Dorset village through portraits and landscapes.

Broadstone Art Society Spring Exhibition, The Gallery Upstairs at Upton Country Park, daily 9:30am to 4pm (until 12 May)
A varied collection of artwork including paintings, prints and cards, plus free portrait sketches.

Poole Men’s Shed, Gather at The Dolphin, daily 10am to 4pm (until 10 May)
A welcoming space to meet others, work on projects, share skills or simply enjoy a chat and a cup of tea.

Bike Nights on Poole Quay, Poole Quay, evening
A relaxed family evening by the harbour with bikes on display, great food and drink, and a brilliant atmosphere as the sun goes down.

BSO: Celestial Symphony, Lighthouse Poole, 7:30pm
An evening of orchestral favourites including Beethoven and Vaughan Williams, inspired by coastlines, folklore and powerful storytelling through music.

Kaïa Kater, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
A unique blend of folk, jazz and roots from this internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter.

Poole Pirates v Redcar Bears, Poole Stadium, from 6:30pm
Championship speedway action returns to Wimborne Road as the Pirates begin their title defence. Food, drink and a big atmosphere guaranteed. Buy tickets

Live Music: Chris G, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 8:30pm
Midweek live music session with great local talent in a lively pub setting.

The Enormous Crocodile, Lighthouse Poole, 11am
A fun family theatre show based on the Roald Dahl classic, packed with adventure and mischief for ages 3+.

Sunflower Cup Football Tournament, Poole Town FC, from 5:30pm
Fast-paced charity football tournament raising money for Lewis-Manning Hospice Care. Expect short matches, plenty of action and a great atmosphere.

Subconscious DJ Night, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 8pm
An evening of bass, melodic and tech house in the Club Room with three DJs bringing a mix of sounds.

The Enormous Crocodile, Lighthouse Poole, 11am and 4:30pm
More chances to catch this lively and colourful family show as the mischievous crocodile plots his next meal.

RATRACE Charity Ska Night, St Peter’s Church, Poole, doors 6:45pm
A full-throttle night of ska classics in a unique venue, all in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. Grab your tickets

Live Music: The Scanners, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9pm
High-energy live music to kick off the weekend with this popular local band.

Upton Handmade Spring Fair, Upton Community Centre, 10am to 2pm
Browse handmade gifts, craft supplies and more, with free entry and donations welcomed for Forest Holme Hospice.

The Enormous Crocodile, Lighthouse Poole, 11am and 2:30pm
Family theatre fun continues with this Roald Dahl favourite.

Sailing with Dinosaurs, Poole Quay, 10am, 11:45am, 1:30pm, 3:15pm
A fun-filled family boat adventure with dinosaurs, challenges and plenty of surprises onboard. Book here

Rumours of Fleetwood Mac, Lighthouse Poole, 7:30pm
The ultimate tribute show celebrating one of rock’s most iconic bands.

Allegro Orchestra: Musical Postcards, St Peter’s Church, Poole, doors 6:30pm
A globe-trotting orchestral concert featuring cinematic favourites and special guest performers.

Coastal Comedy, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
A triple bill of stand-up comedy featuring top acts and rising stars in an intimate setting.

HonkyTonk Collective and Rhiannon Paige, 9 Allens Lane, 8pm
Free live country music with a full band bringing classic sounds and feel-good vibes.

The Alibi (Live Music), The Goods Yard, Broadstone, 9pm
Rock covers from across the decades in a lively late-night set.

Traitors Afloat, Poole Harbour, from 9pm
An immersive game night on the water filled with strategy, secrets and surprises. Book here

Sailing with Dinosaurs, Poole Quay, 10am, 11:45am, 1:30pm, 3:15pm
Continue the prehistoric adventure with this interactive family cruise.

The Enormous Crocodile, Lighthouse Poole, 11am and 2:30pm
Final chance to catch this entertaining family show.

Victoria Education Centre Spring Fayre and Car Show, Victoria Education Centre, 10am to 4pm
A packed day with vintage cars, live entertainment, stalls, birds of prey and more, all raising funds for students.

Poole Quay Artisan Market, Poole Quay, from 10am
Browse over 20 stalls offering unique gifts, crafts and local produce in a scenic harbourside setting.

Nicole McNally Live, Isabel’s Brasserie, Penn Hill, 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Relax with live jazz and cabaret vocals alongside a Sunday lunch and drinks.

Michael McIntyre’s Charity Show, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
A special charity performance featuring new material and favourite routines in aid of Julia’s House.

“Really useful local newsletter in an easy to read format” - If you have enjoyed reading PooleNow and want to help us grow, tell your friends about us and follow us on social media.

Got a story? Know an inspiring individual? Want to promote a local charity? We’d love to hear about it—just reply to this email.