It is a bumper summer issue this week. Poole Park and Upton Country Park have both received Green Flag Awards, recognising them as among the very best green spaces in the UK, and we think the volunteers who help keep them that way deserve a special mention.

We also have your complete guide to what is on across Poole this summer, from fireworks and free family events to Brownsea Island adventures and open air theatre. There is also a chance to win two tickets to a fantastic night at Lighthouse Poole, an important heads-up about Dorset Way roadworks starting this weekend, and a brilliant free family day on Poole Quay in August you will not want to miss.

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!

Two of Poole's best loved green spaces are celebrating after once again being recognised among the very best parks in the UK.

Poole Park and Upton Country Park have both been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award, an international mark of quality that recognises well managed parks and green spaces.

The award celebrates not only the beautiful surroundings but also the dedication of staff and volunteers who work throughout the year to keep these much loved spaces looking their best.

From maintaining gardens and supporting wildlife to welcoming visitors and caring for historic landscapes, hundreds of volunteers help make both parks enjoyable places for everyone.

If you're planning plenty of beach trips this summer, it's worth knowing that higher parking fines will once again be in place along parts of the BCP coastline throughout August.

Following a successful trial last year, BCP Council has confirmed that increased penalties for illegal parking will return from 4 August to 31 August across seafront roads stretching from Sandbanks to Southbourne.

According to the council, last year's trial saw illegal parking fall instead of rising as expected, with fewer cars blocking junctions and parking on double yellow lines. Feedback was also largely positive, with many residents and local businesses supporting the tougher approach.

Drivers caught parking illegally during the trial could face fines of up to £160, reduced to £80 if paid within 14 days. The higher charges will apply to both on street and council car park offences within the designated trial area.

Ever wondered what it's like aboard the boats that keep Poole Harbour running?

On Friday 14 August, Poole Harbour Commissioners are inviting everyone to their free Work Boat Open Day on Poole Quay.

From 2pm until 6pm, visitors will have the chance to step aboard a range of working vessels, meet their crews and discover more about the important jobs they carry out around the harbour. The RNLI Lifeboat Station will also be open, while the magnificent SS Shieldhall, Britain's largest working steamship, will be welcoming visitors for free onboard tours.

Entry is free and operates on a first come, first served basis, making it a brilliant afternoon for families and anyone interested in Poole's rich maritime heritage.

To make the day even better, Coastal Cruises Poole is offering 50% off harbour cruises on the same day. Simply book online using the code PHCOD26 for sailings at 11am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm or 4.15pm.

It promises to be a fantastic celebration of everything that makes Poole Harbour such a special place.

Fancy a fantastic night out celebrating the biggest hits of the 1950s and 60s?

We've teamed up with Lighthouse Poole to give one lucky PooleNow reader the chance to win a pair of tickets to Rave On: The Ultimate 50s & 60s Experience, coming to Poole on Saturday 12 September.

Performed by the award winning Bluejays, the spectacular show celebrates the golden age of rock and roll, featuring classic hits, colourful costumes and an energetic live performance that's guaranteed to have you singing along.

It's really simple. Just answer the question below correctly and you'll automatically be entered into the prize draw.

The competition closes on Monday 10 August, with the winner announced shortly afterwards. Please note that there is no cash alternative to the prize.

Good luck!

If you've been thinking about turning your creativity into a career, a new course could be just the opportunity you've been looking for.

TOSH is launching a seven session Arts Career Course this autumn, designed to help visual artists at every stage of their journey develop a sustainable and successful creative practice.

Led by experienced arts mentors, the evening course will cover everything from preparing work for galleries and exhibitions to pricing artwork, finding opportunities in the arts sector and building a healthy work life balance. Participants will also receive one to one support with funding applications, portfolios, proposals and more.

The course runs every other Thursday evening from September to November, with places costing £150, payable in two instalments.

TOSH is also offering three reduced fee bursary places for people on low incomes or those experiencing health issues, helping make the course accessible to as many local artists as possible.

Applications close on Thursday 20 August, so if you've been waiting for the right moment to invest in your creative future, now could be the perfect time. Apply now!

How would you like to live in the original Royal entrance lodge to the historic Canford Manor Estate? 👉 View the property

New proposals being considered by BCP Council could make everyday journeys safer and help reduce congestion across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The council's Cabinet will meet on 22 July to consider introducing Moving Traffic Enforcement, allowing cameras to enforce certain traffic rules such as banned turns, yellow box junctions, pedestrian zones and routes where vehicles are not permitted.

According to the council, more than 5,000 traffic rule breaches were recorded at 21 monitored locations in just one week, with over 70 collisions occurring near the same sites over the past three years.

The aim is to improve safety, particularly around schools, busy junctions and pedestrian crossings, while helping traffic flow more smoothly.

No camera locations have been chosen yet. If the plans are approved, future enforcement sites will be selected using evidence such as collision data, congestion and safety concerns, with residents informed before enforcement begins.

Drivers using Dorset Way are being advised to plan ahead as essential road maintenance gets underway from Saturday 25 July.

BCP Council is investing £500,000 to improve the 8.5km stretch of the A3049 between Holes Bay North Roundabout and Mannings Heath Roundabout.

The project includes repairing damaged sections before applying a protective surface dressing that helps extend the life of the road.

To minimise disruption, most of the work has been scheduled overnight and at weekends, with the first phase taking place between 25 and 31 July during overnight road closures.

Further work will continue into September, including temporary lane closures and reduced speed limits while the new surface settles.

According to BCP, carrying out this maintenance now could avoid the need for a much more disruptive £4.5 million resurfacing project in the future.

The summer holidays are almost here, and if you're looking for ways to keep the family entertained, you're spoilt for choice this year. From music festivals and outdoor theatre to museums, nature trails and free family activities, there's something happening almost every week across Poole and the surrounding area.

Here's our pick of some of the best events and activities to add to your summer calendar.

• Poole Harbour Festival
Celebrate the festival's 10th anniversary with three days of live music, entertainment, food and family fun on the waterfront.
31 July to 2 August | Baiter Park, Poole

• Stompin' on the Quomps
A free afternoon of live music and community entertainment in beautiful riverside surroundings.
1 August | The Quomps, Christchurch

• Summer Sounds at Poole Quay
One of Poole's most popular summer traditions returns, with free live music every weekend along the Quay throughout the holidays.
Every weekend from 25 July to 30 August | Poole Quay

• Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Proms
Pack a picnic and enjoy two spectacular evenings of live orchestral music under the stars.
7 and 8 August | Bournemouth

• Poole Museum Summer Activities
There's plenty happening at the newly reopened Poole Museum, including a pirate adventure trail, family workshops, gallery tours, RNLI talks, Festival of Archaeology events and the colourful new Life in Full Colour exhibition by Jason Wilsher-Mills. Best of all, admission is free.
Throughout the summer holidays | Poole Museum

• Summer Fantasy Trail at Upton Country Park
Pick up a free trail sheet from the Welcome Centre and explore the park on a magical family adventure. Children can also enjoy the splash fountain, face painting and bouncy fun on selected days.
School holidays | Upton Country Park

• Summer Fireworks
Round off a day at the beach with one of the area's famous summer fireworks displays, lighting up the skies over Poole and Bournemouth.
Thursday Nights Poole Quay and Friday Nights Bournemouth Seafront

• Swim Sure and Family Activities
BCP Leisure is running water safety sessions, holiday clubs, swimming activities and £2 swims for World Drowning Prevention Day. There are also discounted Swim Academy memberships available until the end of July.
Throughout the summer | Various BCP leisure centres

• BH Live Summer Programme
From Wet & Wacky swim sessions and inflatable fun to holiday camps and family fitness activities, BH Live has a packed programme. You'll also find family favourites including Bluey's Big Play, MAMMA MIA!, Waitress and more at Lighthouse, Bournemouth Pavilion and the BIC.
Throughout the summer | Various venues

• Kingston Lacy Summer of Play
The National Trust has transformed Kingston Lacy's Kitchen Garden into a giant play space packed with games, activities and adventures. Families can also enjoy new Pokémon themed activity zones, bubble play, crafts and plenty of picnic space.
Throughout the summer holidays | Kingston Lacy

• Pokémon Mega Evolution Trail
Explore the gardens while searching for Pokémon, completing challenges and collecting Mega Evolution stickers.
Throughout the summer holidays | Kingston Lacy

• Tractor Trailer Rides
Hop aboard a trailer ride into the parkland to meet Kingston Lacy's beautiful Red Devon cattle and hear more about the estate.
1 and 29 August, 12pm and 2pm | Kingston Lacy

• Illyria presents Pinocchio
Bring a picnic and enjoy an evening of open air theatre as Illyria performs the classic family story of Pinocchio.
7 August | Kingston Lacy

• Summer of Play on Brownsea Island
The National Trust's Brownsea Island is hosting a packed programme of family activities including a Wild Adventure Trail, Minibeast Mondays, botanical printing workshops, storytelling sessions and Bee Circus performances. It's a brilliant excuse to explore one of Dorset's most beautiful islands.
25 July to 6 September | Brownsea Island

• Discounted Days Out
Take advantage of reduced admission through the Great British Summer Savings Scheme at attractions including Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum and Highcliffe Castle. Morebus is also offering weekend child dayrider tickets for just £2 for under 19s.
Throughout the summer | Various locations

Life in Full Colour Exhibition, Poole Museum, Daily
Tuesday 21 July to Tuesday 28 July
Step into a colourful, immersive world created by acclaimed artist Jason Wilsher-Mills. Featuring sculptures, inflatables, digital artworks and interactive displays inspired by Poole's maritime heritage, this family-friendly exhibition is suitable for all ages.

Summer of Play, Brownsea Island, 10am to 5pm
Saturday 25 July to Sunday 6 September
Enjoy a free Wild Adventure Trail every day, plus Minibeast Mondays, botanical printing Tuesdays, Wild Wednesdays, storytelling sessions and Bee Circus performances throughout August. Normal admission charges apply.

Bournemouth Reggae Weekender, Kings Park, Bournemouth
Friday 24 July to Sunday 26 July
One of the South Coast's biggest reggae festivals returns with Maxi Priest, Hollie Cook, The Dualers, Channel One Sound System and more, alongside Caribbean food, family activities and a fantastic festival atmosphere. Book tickets via the Bournemouth Reggae Weekender website.

In the Nave First Birthday Weekend, St Peter's Church, Ashley Cross
Friday 24 July from 6pm and Saturday 25 July
Celebrate the first birthday of In the Nave with two nights of live music. Friday features Katy J Pearson, while Saturday welcomes acclaimed indie band Divorce.

Bike Night, Poole Quay, 5.30pm to 9pm
A popular evening for motorcycle enthusiasts with a fantastic display of bikes along Poole Quay, plus great pubs, restaurants and harbour views.

SBomb Bike Night, SBomb, Poole Harbour, 6pm to Midnight
Relax by the harbour with fellow bikers, food, drinks and a friendly atmosphere. Free entry with food truck and full bar available.

Soul & Motown Evening, Brownsea Island, 5.45pm to 9.30pm
Enjoy a scenic harbour cruise aboard the Dorset Queen before an evening of live soul and Motown from the Susie Kimber Trio, together with a delicious Salt Pig meal. Book via the National Trust Brownsea Island events page.

Tempered Silence Live, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 8.30pm to 10.30pm
Enjoy an evening of live music from Tempered Silence at this popular Ashley Cross pub.

Reptile & Amphibian Discovery Table, Upton Country Park, 10am to 4pm
A free family drop-in event where children can discover Britain's reptiles and amphibians through interactive displays, crafts and hands-on activities. No booking required.

The Music of George Michael: Candlelight Concert, St Peter's Church, Poole, 7.30pm
A spectacular tribute to George Michael performed by four world-class singers and a live band in the beautiful candlelit surroundings of St Peter's Church. Book tickets: https://boxoffice.xperiencelive.co.uk/events/xperiencelive/1958597?trackingConsent=1

SBomb Blue Light Night, SBomb, Poole Harbour, 6pm to Midnight
Blue light and public service workers can enjoy discounted drinks, with food truck, full bar and free entry.

Car Night: British Classic Cars, Poole Quay, 6pm to 9pm
This week's popular themed Car Night celebrates British classic cars against the stunning backdrop of Poole Quay.

BBQ Evening Cruise, Coastal Cruises, Poole Quay, 7pm
Cruise around beautiful Poole Harbour while enjoying a freshly prepared BBQ, live commentary and spectacular sunset views. Book via Coastal Cruises Poole.

Jon Bailey Live, The Grasshopper, Parkstone, 7pm
Enjoy an evening of live acoustic favourites from the 90s and 00s with popular local musician Jon Bailey.

PMB Street Kitchen Summer Pop-Up, St Peter's Church, Ashley Cross, from 5pm
Sample European-inspired street food including artisan bratwurst, schnitzel rolls and steak baguettes from Mark Bennett's exciting new street food venture.

Pamphill Nights BBQ Pop-Up, Butcher's Dog, Ashley Cross, 5.30pm to 9pm
The Pamphill Butchery team brings its renowned farm-to-table burgers and loaded fries to the Butcher's Dog beer garden for one weekend only.

Beyond Broadway, Lighthouse Poole, 2pm and 7pm
Strictly Stage Theatre School returns with its spectacular annual summer production featuring talented performers of all ages performing songs from hit musicals including Wicked, SpongeBob, Singing in the Rain and Starlight Express.

Summer Sundown, Cobbs Bar & Kitchen, Cobbs Quay Marina, from 4pm
An evening of cocktails, tacos, live DJ, saxophone and waterfront summer vibes. Tickets are £10 and include two tacos. Contact Cobbs Bar & Kitchen to book.

Pamphill Nights BBQ Pop-Up, Butcher's Dog, Ashley Cross, 5.30pm to 9pm
Missed Friday? The Pamphill team returns for a second evening of premium burgers and BBQ favourites.

PMB Street Kitchen Summer Pop-Up, St Peter's Church, Ashley Cross, from 5pm
A second chance to enjoy Mark Bennett's delicious European-inspired street food alongside the Ashley Cross festivities.

Live Acoustic Sunday Sessions, Rockwater Branksome, 2pm to 4pm
Relax on the Roof Terrace with live music from Sophie May while enjoying seasonal dishes and cocktails overlooking the coast.

Nicole McNally Live, Bank by Nicholas James, Penn Hill, 4pm to 6pm
Spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon with smooth jazz vocals in the stylish surroundings of Bank by Nicholas James.

Family Show in the Event Dome, Upton Country Park, 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm
Jamie Jigsaw and DJ Phil bring comedy, magic, music, juggling, competitions and a disco party to kick off the summer holidays. Children £7.50, adults £3.50. Book Tickets

Line Dance Social with Funky Soul, HonkyTonk Collective, 7pm
An evening of line dancing with Funky Soul Line Dance Club. Pre-booked ticket holders only.

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