It’s Bonfire Night this Thursday, and whether you’re heading down to the Quay or prefer a smaller school display, we’ve rounded up as many as we can from across Poole and beyond in the events listings.

We also return to our series on the history of trams in Poole by looking across the channel to see how tram systems are run successfully in towns smaller than BCP.

In the news, the Government has confirmed Poole is getting a Wessex mayor, and we’ve looked at what you told us in last week’s poll (spoiler: you’re not convinced). Seafood and Sounds has confirmed its dates for next year, the Sandbanks Ferry is off for seven weeks just as the Bakers Arms roundabout gets roadworks, and we ask whether trams could ever work here, taking a look at how Le Havre did it.

With Remembrance Sunday this weekend, this week’s quiz is all about Poole’s war history.

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!

Last week we asked whether you would back a Mayor of Wessex. The next day, the Government confirmed it is going ahead.

In the Autumn Budget on Wednesday 28 October, the Chancellor confirmed plans for a Wessex Mayoral Strategic Authority covering BCP, Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire. It would take on powers over transport, housing, skills, regeneration and economic growth. BCP Council would carry on running local services.

Mid Dorset and North Poole MP Vikki Slade said the first mayor is due to be elected in 2028. What has not been announced yet is how much money comes with it, exactly which powers are handed over, or what it will cost to run.

The four council leaders called it "a significant vote of confidence in our region". Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes is asking the Government for safeguards, including guaranteed fair funding for BCP. Poole MP Neil Duncan-Jordan remains opposed.

What you told us

48 per cent of you said no, 42 per cent said you would need more details before deciding, and just 10 per cent said yes. The comments were really interesting:

Cost was the biggest theme by far, coming up in around half of all comments. Many of you described it as another layer of bureaucracy, and council tax was the main worry. Mayors elsewhere can add their own charge to council tax bills, known as a precept. Nothing has been said yet about whether a Wessex mayor would.

The 2019 merger that created BCP came up again and again. One reader called the Wessex plan "BCP's bigger, and even uglier, brother".

Others questioned whether a mostly rural region and a busy coastal town belong together, although readers did not agree on who would lose out. Some worried the countryside would get the money, others that the big towns would.

Those who were undecided mostly wanted to know the same things: how it will be funded, what powers the mayor will have and what Poole gets out of it.

A couple of you asked about the Mayor of Poole. A Wessex mayor would be a separate, directly elected political role, more like the Mayor of Greater Manchester. Nothing announced so far suggests any change to the Mayor of Poole.

The four councils will now negotiate the details with the Government. We will keep you posted.

Get the date in your diary: Seafood and Sounds will return on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 September 2027, marking five years of the festival.

This year's event was the biggest yet. More than 9,000 people visited over the weekend, with the festival spreading across the Quay, the Dolphin Centre, Falkland Square and outside the Brewhouse and Old Orchard.

There were seafood sellers along the waterside, more than 60 stallholders selling gifts, artwork and handmade products, and live music across nine different spots in town.

The festival is organised by a group of local businesses: Truly Scrumptious, Coastal Cruises, the Poole Arms, St Tropez and the Customs House. It couldn’t run each year without the sponsors and volunteers who make it possible.

Details of traders, music and activities for 2027 will be announced in the coming months.

Find out more about Seafood and Sounds

If you are heading to Studland or Swanage any time soon, you will be going the long way. The Sandbanks Ferry made its last crossing on Sunday night and is now out of action for about seven weeks for a major refit.

The work is being carried out at Poole Quay and in Falmouth, and the timetable depends on the weather and sea conditions. The ferry has a refit every two years, alternating between major and minor work, and its last big overhaul was in 2022.

That road journey goes through the Bakers Arms roundabout near Lytchett Minster, where the A35 meets the A351, and Dorset Council is carrying out drainage maintenance there throughout November. The roundabout stays open, but as anyone that ventured near there yesterday can confirm the lane closures on the approaches are causing long queues of traffic and serious delays.

Dorset Council's Cllr Jack Jeanes acknowledged the timing clashes with the ferry closure, but said the work needs doing before winter. Allow extra time if you are heading anywhere near the Bakers Arms roundabout.

Check the Sandbanks Ferry website for updates

Weekly food waste collections reached every home in Poole in April, and it is making a real difference.

Residents across BCP recycled more than 3,500 tonnes of food waste in six months. That is 1,420 tonnes more than the same period last year, and roughly the weight of 300 double decker buses.

It all goes to a specialist plant at Hurn, where it is turned into renewable energy and a soil improver for farmland. In the first six months it generated enough energy to power around 3,900 homes for a year.

If you run your own business, work for yourself or are building something on the side, You Are The Media's Lunch Club is back in Poole this Thursday.

You Are The Media (YATM) is a learning community for small businesses and creators. Its Lunch Clubs now run around the UK, but Poole has always been their home.

November's theme is "Do It Your Way": a panel of people who have taken their own route will talk about what gave them the confidence to stop following the usual advice and trust their own judgement.

The format is simple: a theme, a panel, not much tech and pizza. It is hosted by Laura Trapnell from law firm Trethowans.

It is on Thursday 5 November, 12.30pm to 2pm, at Pi Pizza, 2 High Street, Poole. Tickets are £40, or £30 for YATM Club members.

Book your place

If your business is thinking of hiring, the Government will pay you up to £3,000 for each eligible young person you take on.

The Youth Jobs Grant is for employers who recruit someone aged 18 to 24 who has been on Universal Credit and looking for work for six months or more.

Businesses of any size can apply, including sole traders who are taking on their first employee.

Applications are made online through the Government's Find a Grant service. Jobcentre Plus can also help you find candidates, with free vacancy advertising and recruitment support.

Find out more and apply

Poole's last tram ran in 1936. Across the Channel, though, trams are anything but a nostalgia project. Every French urban area with more than 150,000 people now has a tram or metro, and some of them are a good deal smaller than us.

Le Havre: a port and a beach, just like us

Le Havre is a working port on the Normandy coast with a long seafront. Around 270,000 people live in the wider Le Havre area, about two thirds of the 406,000 who live across BCP.

In December 2012 it opened a 13 km tram network with 23 stops. Both lines start at the beach, run past the town hall and the railway station, then climb through a new 500 metre tunnel to the neighbourhoods on the hill above. The whole thing cost €395 million, roughly £340 million at today's exchange rate.

Ten years on, the trams carry 45,000 journeys a day, or 45% of all public transport trips in the area. Overall use of public transport is up 30% since the trams arrived, and they run on time 93% of the time, against 82% for the buses. Le Havre liked the result so much it is building more: a 14 km extension is under way and due to open at the end of 2027.

Brest: smaller still

Brest, the naval port at the tip of Brittany, has around 215,000 people in its wider area. Its first tram line opened in 2012, crossing the river on the Recouvrance bridge, and was carrying 10.5 million passengers a year by 2018. A second line opened this February.

Montpellier and Bournemouth

The Tram Network campaign, set up by Create Streets and the Campaign for Better Transport, pairs British towns with French "siblings". Our match is Montpellier. Both are seaside places that closed their tram networks in the middle of the last century.

The difference is that Montpellier brought them back. Its first new line opened in 2000, 51 years after the old trams stopped. Giving trams their own lanes and priority at traffic lights made them the fastest way to get around the city, and there are now five lines and 60 km of track. Since December 2023 public transport has been free for residents, and use has risen by a third.

Meanwhile, the campaign points out that rush hour drivers in BCP lose two and a half days a year sitting in traffic.

So why not here?

The campaign's research shows French trams cost about half as much per mile to build as British ones, thanks to standard designs and simpler approvals, and French towns can pay for them through a dedicated local transport tax on larger employers. Those are things the UK can learn from.

We should be realistic, too. A tram here would need to serve the whole conurbation, not just Poole, linking the places people actually travel between. BCP Council has already said it hopes to have mass transit in place by 2041. If Le Havre and Brest can make it work, there is no obvious reason BCP can't.

Coming up: in a future issue we will set out a vision for what a tram network across BCP could look like, where it could run and what it could connect.

Alongside being Mayor, which honorary title does the Mayor of Poole still hold?
Admiral of the Port. Poole had its own Admiralty Court for centuries, separate from the Admiralty of England, and the Mayor presided over it as Admiral. The court dealt with crimes on board ships, piracy, illegal fishing and goods salvaged from the sea. In the 1820s it even issued licences to oyster dredgers to stop the harbour being over-fished. The court was abolished in 1835, but the Mayor kept the title.

As it’s Remembrance Sunday this weekend, let’s look back at Poole’s part in the Second World War.

The 20mph limit we told you about last month has now been approved.

BCP's cabinet unanimously backed the plan for 14 roads in the Bourne Valley area, between Alder Road and Coy Pond. It is designed to create a quieter, safer walking and cycling route towards Bournemouth town centre, mainly along Sheringham Road, with better crossings, pavements and traffic calming.

The consultation drew 54 responses: 30 objections and 21 in support. The council said people living in the BH12 postcode area were more likely to back the lower limit than oppose it.

No start date has been announced yet.

Horrible Histories: Terrible Tudors and Awful Egyptians, Lighthouse, Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 November

Two family shows bringing the gory bits of history to the stage, one on the Tudors and one on the Egyptians. Book at Lighthouse

Professor Brian Cox: Emergence World Tour, Bournemouth International Centre, Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November

The physicist's arena tour stops at the BIC for two nights. More at the BIC

Upton House and Basement Tours, Upton Country Park, Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 November

Guided tours of Upton House and its basement, with daylight and candlelight options. Booking essential. More at Upton Country Park

Craftaholics Makers Market, the Dolphin, Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 November

A makers market inside the Dolphin Centre. More at the Dolphin

Ferndown Art Society Exhibition, The Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park, Thursday 5 to Monday 9 November, 10am to 4pm

Paintings and crafts by members of Ferndown Art Society. Free admission. The gallery is above the Tea Rooms, with stairs or a lift. More at Upton Country Park

Beyond Brushes by Annie: Travel Print Pop-up Shop, the Dolphin, from Thursday 5 November

A pop-up shop of travel prints, running into the following week. More at the Dolphin

The Big Glow Show, Shelley Park, Boscombe, Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November, 5pm to 9pm

A laser light show, billed as an alternative to fireworks. More at Bournemouth.co.uk

Lunchtime Concert: Harold Gordon-Smith, Lighthouse, 1.05pm

A lunchtime classical guitar recital.

Lush Bath Bomb Workshop for Diverse Abilities, LUSH Green Hub, Waterloo Road, 6pm to 8pm

Make your own bath bombs and fabric knot wraps with the LUSH Bournemouth team, then tour the Green Hub, raising money for Diverse Abilities. Suitable for beginners. Book with Diverse Abilities

Avon Beach Fireworks, Avon Beach, Mudeford, 6.30pm

Free fireworks over the beach at Mudeford. CHECK: one listing gives Thursday 12 November instead. More on Facebook

Juliet and Romeo, Lighthouse, 7.45pm

A dance retelling of the famous love story. Book at Lighthouse

Broadstone Unplugged, Tap and Grape, Broadstone, 7pm to 10pm

After ten years in Ringwood, Ringwood Unplugged has moved to its new home upstairs at the Tap and Grape. An intimate evening of unplugged local talent. Entry by £7 donation on the door, cash preferred.

BSO: Sunshine Symphonies, Lighthouse, 7.30pm

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra in the Concert Hall. Book at Lighthouse

Thomas Green: Brainstorm, Lighthouse, 8pm

A live show in the Studio. Book at Lighthouse

Live Music: Saurus, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 8.30pm to 10.30pm

Midweek live music at the Parr Street pub. More at the Bermuda Triangle

Weymouth Bonfire and Fireworks, Weymouth Beach, from 4pm

A free seafront Bonfire Night, with a funfair from 4pm, food and traders from 5pm, the beach bonfire at 7.40pm and fireworks at 8pm.

Lytchett Matravers Primary School Fireworks, Lytchett Matravers, gates 4.45pm

A school fireworks night, with the display at 6.30pm. More details

Talbot Primary School Fireworks, Talbot Primary School, gates 5.30pm

A school fireworks night, with the display at 7pm. More on Facebook

Bonfire Night Fireworks, Poole Quay, from 5pm

Poole's free Bonfire Night celebration, with live music and family entertainment along the Quay from 5pm and the fireworks at 8pm. Free. More details

Firework Cruise, Coastal Cruises Poole, 7pm

Watch the display from the water. Leaves from the Blue Ticket Kiosk on the Quay at 7pm and returns after the fireworks. Bar on board. Book the cruise

Knats, St Peter's, Parkstone, doors 7pm

The Newcastle jazz quintet play In The Nave at St Peter's. Book at St Peter's

Los Endos: Ultimate Genesis, Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne, 7.30pm

A Genesis tribute show.

The Furrow Collective: Cantastoria Tour, Lighthouse, 8pm

The folk group bring their Cantastoria tour to Poole. Book at Lighthouse

Sparks in the Dark Fireworks, Haymoor Junior School, gates 6pm

A school fireworks night, with the display at 7.45pm. Tickets

Bonfire and Fireworks, Wareham Recreation Ground, gates 6pm

A big bonfire and fireworks night in Wareham, with the display at 8.30pm. More details

Studio Jazz: Claire Martin and Jim Mullen Group, Lighthouse, 7.45pm

One of Britain's best loved jazz singers alongside the legendary guitarist. Book at Lighthouse

Live Music: Peter Cooley, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9pm to 11pm

Friday night live music. More at the Bermuda Triangle

George Michael: The Faith Tour, Lighthouse cinema, Friday 6 to Sunday 8 November

A big screen concert film from the Faith era. Book at Lighthouse

WiFi Wars, Lighthouse

The giant live gaming show where the whole audience plays along on their phones. Book at Lighthouse

Avonwood Primary School Fireworks, Avonwood Primary School, Bournemouth, gates 4pm

A school fireworks night, with the display at 7.15pm. Ticketed. Get tickets

Butchers Coppice Fireworks, Bear Cross, gates 4.30pm

Fireworks at the Scout camp, with the bonfire lit at 6pm and the display at 7.30pm. More details

Fireworks at the Littledown Centre, Bournemouth, 5pm to 10pm

A big family fireworks night, with displays at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm. More details

Wool Royal British Legion Fireworks, Wool, gates 6pm

Bonfire Night fireworks at the Legion in Wool.

Ringwood Raceway Big Bang, Ringwood Raceway, gates 6pm

Fireworks night at the raceway. Details

Rockwater Village: The Launch Party, Rockwater, Branksome, 7pm to midnight

A launch party at Rockwater by Branksome beach. More at Rockwater

Singalong ABBA Night, St Peter's, Parkstone, doors 7.15pm

An ABBA singalong raising money for Forest Holme Hospice. Book at St Peter's

BSO: Elvis: Viva Las Vegas!, Lighthouse, 7.30pm

Lee Memphis King and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra take on the King's Vegas years. Book at Lighthouse

The Feeling: Twenty Years and Home Pt. 2, O2 Academy Bournemouth, 7pm

The band celebrate 20 years since Twelve Stops and Home, with all the hits including Fill My Little World. More at O2 Academy Bournemouth

Live Music: Brother Bots, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 9pm to 11pm

Saturday night live music. More at the Bermuda Triangle

The Alibi, The King Charles, Poole, 9pm

Live rock from The Alibi at the King Charles pub.

Remembrance Sunday, Poole Park War Memorial, morning

Poole's annual parade and service of remembrance. 2026 times have not been published yet. In previous years the parade has set off from the cricket pavilion at around 10.20am, with the service at the War Memorial at 10.50am. Check the BCP Council website before you go.

Swing Unlimited Dance Band: Remembrance Sunday Concert, St Peter's, Parkstone, doors 6.30pm

A Remembrance Sunday concert of swing and big band music. Book at St Peter's

Becky Hill: Intimate Album Release Show, O2 Academy Bournemouth, 7pm

A rare chance to see Becky Hill in an intimate venue, marking the release of her new album. More at O2 Academy Bournemouth

Richard Ayoade: Afterthoughts, Lighthouse, 7.30pm

The comedian, presenter and IT Crowd star brings his live show to Poole. Book at Lighthouse

Monday Speed Quizzing, Bermuda Triangle, Ashley Cross, 7.30pm to 10.30pm

The weekly quiz with Quiz Master Johnny. £3 per person, with a jackpot prize. More at the Bermuda Triangle

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