It’s shaping up to be one of the biggest weekends of the year across Poole, with Upton Country Park preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary with a huge weekend of live entertainment, regency dancing, circus workshops, food stalls and family activities across the park.

We’re also looking at the return of Poole’s historic Beating of the Bounds ceremony, as the Mayor cycles the town boundary ahead of a civic parade on the Quay. We’ve got a closer look at the fascinating history behind the centuries-old tradition too.

Elsewhere this week, we’ve got details on the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride taking over Poole Quay, a huge charity motor show at Lulworth Castle, changes proposed to parking charges around Sandbanks, all the latest from the town council elections, plus live music, comedy, theatre and events happening across Poole and beyond.

Enjoy!

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A huge weekend of celebrations is coming to Upton Country Park as the much-loved park marks 50 years since opening to the public in 1976.

Across Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May, visitors will be able to step back through the ages with themed activities, live entertainment, historical displays and family fun spread throughout the grounds.

The celebrations will take place across the South Lawn, Walled Garden and inside Upton House itself, with opportunities to learn about the families who lived there between 1818 and 1957. Visitors can expect everything from Regency dancing and circus workshops to inflatables, live music, craft stalls and garden games.

Characters in period dress will be wandering around the grounds, while the AUB Historic Costume Society will help bring the estate’s history to life. There will also be afternoon tea picnics, wildlife groups, food stalls and plenty of opportunities to simply relax on the lawn overlooking Poole.

Highlights across the weekend include performances from the Hampshire Regency Dancers, circus skills workshops, a 70s disco, live DJs, dance displays and community stalls featuring local makers, artists and food vendors.

Visitors are also being encouraged to dress up in clothing from their favourite era and bring a picnic along to join in the celebrations.

If you fancy making the occasion extra special, afternoon tea picnic boxes for two are also available to pre-order.

Find out more and book afternoon tea boxes here: Upton Country Park

A centuries-old Poole tradition is being revived this weekend as the new Poole Town Council hosts a special Beating of the Bounds event on Saturday 16 May.

The historic ceremony is being held to celebrate Poole’s heritage and mark the boundary of the newly created town council area.

As part of the event, the Mayor of Poole, Councillor Mark Howell, will cycle around the town boundary, stopping at Upton Country Park, Canford Suspension Bridge and Branksome Dene Chine for traditional boundary ceremonies and community activities.

The event will finish with a civic parade along Poole Quay led by the Sheriff of Poole, Councillor Karen Rampton, followed by a mock Piepowder Court, live music and community stalls.

Beating of the Bounds dates back to Tudor times and was traditionally used to help communities remember their boundaries before detailed maps existed. In Poole, the ceremony has long included local children accompanying the Mayor during the boundary marking.

This year’s celebrations will also include wellbeing-themed activities at each stop, including a free Tai Chi session at Upton Country Park, arts and music performances from Canford School students and Royal Life Saving Society activities on Branksome Dene beach.

Residents are also invited to join the final section of the Mayor’s cycle ride from Whitecliff before the procession reaches the Quay in the afternoon.

The ride begins at 9.15am from Poole Quay and finishes there at around 3pm, with community stalls and live music continuing throughout the afternoon.

Full schedule for the day

Read more about the history of the Beating of the Bounds Ceremony in our article below!

The political make-up of the brand new town councils for Poole, Bournemouth and Broadstone has now been confirmed following last week’s elections.

A total of 50 councillors were elected across the three new authorities, with Poole and Bournemouth each electing 21 councillors and Broadstone electing eight.

More than 91,000 residents headed to polling stations across the area on Thursday 7 May, with votes counted at the Bournemouth International Centre on Friday.

Reform UK emerged with the largest number of councillors on both Poole Town Council and Bournemouth Town Council, while the Liberal Democrats secured the largest number on Broadstone Town Council.

Turnout was highest in Broadstone at just under 50%, with Poole recording 37.35% and Bournemouth 34.13%.

The councils will now begin holding their first annual meetings, where key positions such as Mayor and committee roles will be decided before work begins on setting priorities and local projects.

Full election results can be found here: BCP Council Elections Results

The RNLI has announced that its East Cowes manufacturing site on the Isle of Wight will close by the end of 2027, with production transferring to its modern Lifeboat Centre in Poole.

The move means Poole will become home to both all-weather and inshore lifeboat manufacturing, further strengthening the town’s long-standing connection with the RNLI.

Royal National Lifeboat Institution opened its state-of-the-art Lifeboat Centre in Poole in 2015 and says the facility is better suited to meet future manufacturing demands.

The move is expected to further cement Poole’s reputation as one of the UK’s most important maritime and lifesaving hubs, with the town already home to the RNLI’s headquarters and major operational facilities.

This week I’ve gone for a house that I always wanted to have back when I used to do a paper round! 👉 View the property

This weekend's Beating of the Bounds ceremony continues a tradition that has shaped Poole's fortunes for over 660 years. But behind the celebrations lies a tale of medieval rivalry, royal intervention, and one crucial piece of parchment that transformed a fishing village into one of England's wealthiest ports.

The story begins in 1364, when Poole and Wareham were locked in bitter conflict over who controlled the lucrative harbour waters. Wareham, once a mighty Saxon port for the Kingdom of Wessex, had watched its fortunes decline as the River Frome silted up, whilst upstart Poole flourished. The dispute grew so serious that King Edward III called in arbitrators from Winchelsea, one of the prestigious Cinque Ports, to settle the matter.

The verdict transformed Poole's destiny. The "Winchelsea Certificate" awarded the town control of the harbour from Redcliff Attwell in the west to North Haven Point at Sandbanks in the east. The ruling meant Poole could collect revenues from all goods imported and landed at the quay, laying the foundation for centuries of prosperity. For Wareham, it was devastating. By the Tudor period, the once-great port had declined so severely that one visitor described it as "fallen doun and made into gardins for garlike."

But Wareham proved a grudging loser. In 1600, its fishermen were still accused of driving fish from the harbour and fined ten shillings. Disputes over exact boundary points rumbled on for decades. This is why Poole began ceremonially "beating" its bounds, literally travelling to each boundary marker whilst the Winchelsea Certificate was read aloud, cementing the claims for new generations in an age before maps were commonplace.

By 1661, the ceremony had evolved from serious territorial assertion into raucous celebration. Twenty boats set out "with drums beating and colours flying," whilst participants made merry with "good liquors and provisions." By the 19th century, thousands attended, with 21-gun salutes from Brownsea Island, town bands, and fireworks lighting up the harbour.

The ceremony lapsed in 1834 but was revived in 1921 following legal action against harbour trespassers. The Society for Poole began providing jurors to escort the Mayor on his journey, visiting five locations where the Winchelsea Certificate was read aloud to reinforce Poole's jurisdiction.

This Saturday's ceremony marks a new chapter. For the first time in generations, Poole will beat its land bounds rather than its sea bounds, celebrating the creation of Poole Town Council and its newly defined boundaries. It's a fitting evolution for a tradition that has always been about asserting Poole's identity and bringing the community together. Not bad for a dispute that started over 660 years ago.

Proposals to extend parking charges across the Sandbanks peninsula are causing concern among local businesses and regular visitors.

BCP Council is considering changes that would introduce parking charges all year round on several roads around Sandbanks, while also extending charging hours until 10pm.

Currently, roadside parking charges only apply between 15 March and 31 October from 8am until 6pm, with free parking available during the winter months and in the evenings.

Under the proposals, charges would apply from 8am until 10pm during winter, while summer charges would also be extended later into the evening. Overnight charges are also being proposed for the first time.

The affected roads include Salter Road, Panorama Road, Brownsea Road, Haven Road, Brudenell Road and several other roads around the peninsula.

Some local businesses have already raised concerns about the potential impact on trade, particularly during quieter winter months.

Haven Ferry Cafe and Takeaway has urged residents and customers who value free winter parking to submit objections to the proposals.

The café said the changes could affect people visiting the peninsula during the off-season and discourage evening visitors.

To comment on, support or object to this proposal you can email [email protected].

You must quote the reference P136.

Upton Through the Ages 50th Anniversary Bash, Upton Country Park, Saturday 16 May 11am-7pm and Sunday 17 May 11am-6pm
Celebrate 50 years since Upton Country Park opened to the public with live entertainment, 70s music, regency dancing, circus workshops, inflatables, garden games, food stalls and more across the South Lawn and Walled Garden. Free entry and plenty for all ages to enjoy.

Wednesday 13 May

BSO: Innocence Lost, Lighthouse, 7:30pm
The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra performs works by Copland and Tippett, including Appalachian Spring and A Child of Our Time.

LIVE MUSIC: Paul Holman & Julie Staines, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 8:30pm-10:30pm
Live music at the popular Ashley Cross pub with an evening of acoustic favourites and crowd-pleasing covers.

Thursday 14 May

You Are The Media Creator Day 2026, Lighthouse, from 9am
A full day for creators, business owners and marketers featuring talks, workshops, networking and hands-on creative sessions. Lunch and refreshments included.

John Smith, Lighthouse, 8pm
Acclaimed British folk guitarist and songwriter John Smith performs live with support from Will McNicol.

Stevie Wonder Tribute Evening, Isabel’s Brasserie, Penn Hill, 7pm-10:30pm
Enjoy an evening celebrating the music of Stevie Wonder alongside a two-course meal in the cosy surroundings of Isabel’s. Book your table now.

Enjoyable Listens + Powdered Cows, Bear Cave, Bournemouth, 7pm
A night of indie music from touring act Enjoyable Listens and local favourites Powdered Cows. PooleNow readers can get 2-for-1 tickets using code PEEROFPIER at checkout.

Portsmouth Hoy Vinyl Night, Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, from 8pm
Bring your favourite records or simply sit back and enjoy full albums played on a vintage turntable. Booking advised on 01202 673517.

Friday 15 May

Believe in Bingo with Shell Suit Cher, Lighthouse, 7pm
A musical comedy bingo night packed with Cher classics, outrageous prizes and plenty of audience participation.

Locomotive for Murder: The Improvised Whodunnit, Lighthouse, 7:45pm
A hilarious improvised murder mystery where the audience helps solve the crime aboard a suspicious train journey.

Nick Mulvey - DARK HARVEST (Pt. 2), St. Peter’s Church, Poole, doors 7pm
The acclaimed singer-songwriter performs songs from his latest albums in the atmospheric setting of St Peter’s.

Crash Bang Wallop (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 9pm-11pm
Live rock covers and party favourites from the energetic local band.

Stompin’ Dave, Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, from 9pm
American roots, blues and folk music from the acclaimed multi-instrumentalist. Booking recommended on 01202 673517.

Saturday 16 May

Beating of the Land Bounds, Poole Quay and across Poole, from 9:15am
Join the Mayor of Poole as he cycles the new town boundary with ceremonies, music, Tai Chi, beach activities, a civic parade and community stalls throughout the day.

Summer Social and H2O Launch Day, Watersports Academy, Sandbanks, 10am-4pm
Free windsurfing and winging taster sessions, BBQ, demo equipment and the launch of the UK’s first DUOTONE Test Centre. Call 01202 708283 to book lessons.

Skinshape, Lighthouse, 7:45pm
British producer and musician William Dorey brings his genre-blending psychedelic sound to Poole.

The Charlotte Carrivick Band, Lighthouse, 8pm
Award-winning bluegrass musicians perform an evening of modern and traditional Americana-inspired music.

The Devout, St. Peter’s Church, Poole, doors 7pm
A powerful live tribute celebrating the music and legacy of Depeche Mode.

Life In The Past Lane (Live Music), Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 9pm-11pm
Live music and classic favourites at the Bermuda Triangle.

The Alibi Rock Band, King Charles Pub, Poole, from 9pm
Rock covers from across the decades from this popular Bournemouth-based band.

Sunday 17 May

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, Poole Quay, from 7:30am
Hundreds of stylish motorcyclists gather on Poole Quay before riding in support of men’s mental health and prostate cancer research. Find out more and register at The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride

Dorset Blind Association Motor Show, Lulworth Castle, 10:30am-4pm
A huge family day out celebrating the event’s 10th anniversary with hundreds of display vehicles, live entertainment, food stalls, circus performers, rides and more. Free entry with donations welcomed.

Max Cooper - 3D/AV Live, Lighthouse, 7:30pm
An immersive audio-visual live experience blending music, theatre and digital art from electronic artist Max Cooper.

Rockwater Quiz Night, Rockwater Branksome, 7pm-9pm
Quiz master Andy hosts an entertaining evening of trivia, prizes and pizza on the roof terrace. Reserve your table

Outlandish, Tap & Grape, Broadstone, from 6pm
Original folk, funk and world music from the talented multi-instrumentalist trio.

Monday 18 May

Monday Speed Quizzing, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 7:30pm-10:30pm
Fast-paced quiz night with Quiz Master Johnny, cash jackpot prizes and plenty of competition. £3 per person.

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