It's a big one this week. The Music & Food Festival is back at Upton Country Park this weekend, bringing live music, street food and family entertainment across Saturday and Sunday. And if that's not enough, Wimborne Folk Festival is also on, with hundreds of musicians, dancers and performers taking over the town. Alongside those two highlights, there's charity events, live gigs, exhibitions, comedy and plenty for families across Poole and beyond.

But first, we look at proposals to build 1,200 new homes in Poole, a £1 bus travel trial, how to have your say on anti-social behaviour, and an update from the Barking Cat Brewery.

Dive in and enjoy!

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Plans for a major new development between Bear Cross and Canford Magna have prompted strong reactions from both supporters and opponents.

Developers are seeking outline permission for ‘Canford Garden Village’, a proposed development of up to 1,200 homes on green belt land. The plans also include a primary school, healthcare facilities, shops, community spaces, sports facilities and extensive green infrastructure. Half of the homes would be classed as “affordable housing”.

Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade has voiced concerns about the proposal, saying the area has already accommodated significant housing growth and warning that local infrastructure could be overwhelmed by a further 1,200 homes.

Developers argue the scheme would create a sustainable "20-minute neighbourhood" where residents could access many everyday services close to home. Their design documents describe the project as a fully integrated community rather than simply a housing estate.

There’s a huge number of documents in the application, if you’re interested in looking at the plans I recommend looking specifically at the three appendix documents titled “Design Code”. These documents clearly layout the map and vision for the area. You can read and respond to the application yourself here.

Poole Town Council is exploring whether it can retain part of the former Poole Civic Centre after BCP Council approved the sale of the Grade II listed building.

The building, which has stood empty since 2022, is being sold to Manchester-based MCR Property Group for an expected £5.25 million. The wider redevelopment is expected to help support BCP Council's housing targets while generating annual savings for the authority.

Discussions are taking place over a section of the building known as the "vertical slice", which includes the council chamber, mayor's parlour and Cattistock Room. Poole Town Council is considering whether this area could be retained for meetings, community events and civic functions.

One challenge may be the cost. A document from 2025 suggested annual rent for the space could exceed £450,000.

Disabled bus pass holders across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole can now travel earlier in the day and later at night for just £1 as part of a new trial launched by BCP Council and Morebus.

The scheme, which began on 1 June, allows holders of a Disabled Person's English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS) pass to travel before 9.30am and after 11pm on weekdays for £1 per journey. Travel between 9.30am and 11pm remains free, while weekends and bank holidays continue to be free at all times.

The trial is designed to help people access work, education and training, particularly those whose schedules fall outside standard concessionary travel hours. Night bus journeys are included too.

There are around 6,500 disabled bus pass holders in the BCP area, and the scheme will be monitored to see whether it could become a permanent feature in future. The trial does not apply to older persons' bus passes.

Barking Cat Brewing Company has submitted a fresh planning application as it continues its efforts to open a tap room at its brewery on West Quay Road.

PooleNow previously reported how the original application was refused by planning officers in March due to concerns about pedestrian safety within the industrial yard and questions surrounding flood risk.

The brewery has now returned with a revised application supported by additional technical reports and proposed improvements to the site. These include changes to access arrangements, improved signage, pedestrian refuge areas and measures designed to slow vehicle movements within the yard.

The planning documents argue that the increase in visitor numbers would be modest and that the site already operates as a shared environment where vehicles and pedestrians coexist safely. The application also states that the tap room would simply not open during any flood event, with advance warning systems providing sufficient notice.

Brewery owners Mark and Michael have described the application as a "make or break moment" and are encouraging supporters to submit comments in favour of the proposal.

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I’d like this one just for the garden. It’s worth scrolling through all the pictures to see it. 👉 View the property

Last week we reported on the £20 million Pride in Place funding awarded to Hamworthy West and Turlin Moor. Now local residents are being invited to a free community event to find out more about what the programme could mean for the area.

The event takes place at HonkyTonk Collective in Hamworthy on Saturday 13 June from 11am to 2pm and is open to all residents of Hamworthy West and Turlin Moor.

Visitors can enjoy free food and drinks, a free line dancing lesson and live music from local band Snap Ambush, while also learning more about how local people can help shape plans for the area's £20 million investment programme.

There is no need to book. Residents can simply turn up and join in.

Have your say on anti-social behaviour across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

The Safer BCP Partnership has launched a public survey as it prepares a new Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy for the area. The partnership wants to hear about residents' experiences and perceptions of issues such as nuisance behaviour, harassment, vandalism, littering and other problems that affect communities.

Officials say anti-social behaviour reports have fallen by 18% over the past year, but they want to better understand what issues matter most to residents and where people still feel unsafe.

The survey is open until 12 July and is available to residents, businesses, workers, students and visitors across the BCP area. Responses will help shape future priorities and action plans.

Whether you've experienced anti-social behaviour yourself or simply have views on how it is handled locally, this is an opportunity to help influence future policy. Take part.

The Upton House Food & Music Festival returns to Upton Country Park from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 June, bringing three days of live music, street food, family entertainment and festival atmosphere to Poole.

This year's lineup includes tribute acts celebrating Queen, Oasis, Foo Fighters, Elton John, Amy Winehouse, Robbie Williams and Bon Jovi, alongside the new Ibiza Classics Terrace featuring DJs Brandon Block, Paul Moss, Jon Langford, Mark Rush Palmer and Vicky Sax.

There will also be plenty for families, with performances from Krazy Kev, Jamie Jambo, Mr Merlin and Okey Dokey Dragon, plus giant garden games, bubble shows, animal encounters and craft activities.

Food lovers can enjoy everything from Thai cuisine and cowboy-style barbecue to churros, local spirits and a wide range of street food vendors.

Find out more and book tickets at https://uptonhousefoodandmusicfestival.com/

Acosta Danza Yunior: Next Generation, Lighthouse Poole, Tuesday 9 June & Wednesday 10 June, 7:30pm
Carlos Acosta presents the latest graduates from his Cuban Dance Academy in a vibrant showcase of Cuban dance, energy and passion.

Upton House Food & Music Festival, Upton Country Park, Friday 12 June to Sunday 14 June
Three days of live music, street food, family entertainment and festival fun featuring tribute acts, DJs, local performers and plenty of food and drink.

Wimborne Minster Folk Festival, Wimborne, Friday 12 June to Sunday 14 June
A packed weekend of folk music, concerts, workshops, dancing and community celebrations. Saturday highlights include Will Pound & Jenn Butterworth, The Lost Trades and the popular Banter Ceilidh. Book tickets.

World Cup Weekends, The Dolphin Shopping Centre, Saturday 13 June to Sunday 28 June
Interactive football challenges, live big-screen matches and family activities across three weekends as World Cup fever arrives in Poole.

Nimsdai Foundation 24 Hour Challenge, GATHER at The Dolphin, Saturday 13 June to Sunday 14 June
Take part in or support this epic fundraising challenge inspired by record-breaking mountaineer Nims Purja. Includes interactive activities, Everest equipment displays and charity fundraising.

Poole Leisure Painters Exhibition, Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park, Thursday 11 June to Monday 22 June, 10am-4:30pm daily
Celebrating 45 years of creativity with an exhibition of members' artwork. Free admission.

Bike Night, Poole Quay, 5:30pm
Classic and modern motorcycles line the Quay for a family-friendly evening beside the harbour, with plenty of places to eat and drink along the waterfront.

Craftaholics Makers Market, GATHER at The Dolphin, 10am-3pm
Browse handmade gifts, jewellery, artwork, cards, cushions and crafts from talented local makers. Free entry.

LIVE MUSIC: Hugh Budden & Ed Fox, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 8:30pm
Enjoy an evening of live music from local favourites Hugh Budden and Ed Fox.

Poole in Bloom, GATHER at The Dolphin, 10am-4pm
Meet the Poole in Bloom team and Parkstone Gardeners Society, pick up gardening advice and discover how volunteers help keep Poole blooming.

Jenkins & Sons World Cup Opening Party, Jenkins & Sons, Penn Hill, from 4pm
Celebrate the start of the World Cup with happy hour, live music from Lee Rasdall-Dove and the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.

Whitney Houston Tribute Night, Isabel's Brasserie, Penn Hill, from 6:30pm
Enjoy a two-course meal alongside a live tribute to one of the greatest voices in music.

Botanicals By The Sea: An Evening With Salcombe Distilling Co., Rockwater, Sandbanks, 7pm-10pm
An evening of gin tasting, live distilling demonstrations and seasonal sharing plates hosted by Salcombe Distilling Co.

The Bob Ross Effect, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
A heartfelt and humorous theatrical celebration of the much-loved artist and television presenter Bob Ross.

Tim Young Live, The Bricklayers, Poole, from 8:30pm
Acoustic covers and popular favourites performed live.

All On Trial, Sandbanks Brewery, 7pm-9pm
Kick off the weekend with live music and locally brewed craft beer. Free entry.

Mahler Symphony No. 8, Lighthouse Poole, 7:30pm
A spectacular performance of Mahler's monumental "Symphony of a Thousand" featuring orchestra, choirs and soloists.

SMOKE + You Are Loved Panel, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
A powerful contemporary theatre production followed by a discussion exploring mental health, community and LGBTQ+ issues.

LIVE MUSIC: Jemima & The Five, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9pm
Live music and weekend vibes at one of Ashley Cross's most popular pubs.

Poole Fire Station Charity Car Wash, Poole Fire Station, 9am-12pm
Get your car cleaned while supporting The Fire Fighters Charity and The Grand Appeal. Donations welcome.

Bournemouth University Undergraduate Open Day, Bournemouth University, 10am-4pm
Explore courses, meet academic staff, tour facilities and discover student life. Book your place.

Tie A Yellow Ribbon, Poole Park, 12pm-3pm
A special community event organised by Forest Holme Hospice Charity to remember and celebrate loved ones, with live performances, family activities and memorial ribbons.

Pride in Place Community Celebration, HonkyTonk Collective, Hamworthy, 11am-2pm
Free line dancing lessons, live music from Snap Ambush, free food and drinks, and information about the Pride in Place programme.

Electric Film Festival 2026, Lighthouse Poole, 5:30pm
A showcase of emerging filmmaking talent featuring short films, guest speakers, industry panels and audience awards.

Botanical Pottery Painting Workshop, Wild Roots Greenery, Poole, 1pm-3pm
Create and paint your own pottery piece with expert guidance, refreshments and cake included. Book your place.

Coastal Comedy: June 2026, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
A triple bill of stand-up comedy featuring Harriet Dyer, David Arnold and Graeme Collard.

Buck Wild Country, HonkyTonk Collective, Hamworthy, from 8pm
Country music, dancing and good times at Hamworthy's home of country music.

LIVE MUSIC: Cherry Bomb, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9pm
Live rock and pop covers to keep the weekend going.

Upton House Open Day, Upton Country Park, 12pm-4:30pm
Explore the historic house, browse gifts and souvenirs, or join a guided tour of the ground floor rooms. No booking required.

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