Hello Poole!

We’ve got the results! After BCP Council sold off the Civic Centre for £5.25 million, we asked what you think that money should be spent on. We'll get into the full breakdown – and some of your brilliant suggestions – below.

Plus: So many events are coming to town this weekend. Sip and explore at the South Coast Wine Festival, or browse handmade gems at the Summer Makers Market. Here's everything you need to know.

Let’s get stuck in 👇

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🗳 Poole Speaks: The Bus Station Tops Civic Centre Poll

Last week, we asked what BCP Council should do with the £5.25 million from the sale of Poole Civic Centre – and your verdict was loud and clear.

🚍 Top of the list? Redeveloping the bus station.
Dozens of you called out its poor condition and the bad first impression it gives visitors.
One reader described it as “an absolute eyesore” another suggested “relocating it closer to the train station and connecting it to the Dolphin Centre with a monorail.” (We love the ambition!)

💧 In second place: replacing the Dolphin Swimming Pool, a long-discussed but still undelivered project. From accessibility to wellbeing, many of you said a new pool would bring real value to local families.

🌳 The Harbourside Park Masterplan also attracted strong support, with residents pushing for better use of Poole’s green and coastal spaces. If you haven’t seen the plans put together for Harbourside Park following the consultation that took place in 2022 you really should have a look. There’s a PDF of the plans and the following video:

We also had passionate write-ins, from “MORE POLICE” to calls for resurfacing every road in Poole and tidying up the power station site.

It’s clear Poole has no shortage of ideas and we’ll keep sharing them, reply to this email and let us know if you have more. Stay tuned to PooleNow for updates on where the money goes next!

🍷 Sip, savour, and celebrate at the South Coast Wine Festival

This weekend, Highcliffe Castle plays host to the return of the South Coast Wine Festival – and it’s bigger than ever.

Running from 8–10 August, the festival combines top-tier wine tasting with live music, food, and fun for all ages. If you’re into your reds and whites, don’t miss the Wine Tasting Experience inside the castle (Saturday only, £25), where you can try over 300 wines from around the world.

For serious wine lovers, expert-led masterclasses (£10) offer a deep dive into flavour profiles and food pairings.

Bringing the family? No problem. Outside in the castle grounds, tickets are just £5 and under-12s go free. Expect giant garden games, a real boat to explore, sleek sports cars, and plenty of live music. And yes, there’s an outdoor wine bar for the grown-ups.

There’s only a few tickets left, get the full details here: southcoastwinefestival.co.uk

🚗 Higher Fines for Seafront Parking This August

Got plans to visit Sandbanks or Branksome this summer? Make sure you're parking legally – or you could face a hefty fine.

From 1 to 31 August, BCP Council is trialling increased fines for anyone parking illegally near the seafront. It’s part of a push to keep access routes clear and protect public safety, especially after concerns about emergency vehicles being blocked.

The fine for higher-level offences (like double yellow lines) will rise to £160. Even the standard £70 fine could double during the trial. So if you're heading beachward, choose a proper space and enjoy your day – no penalties, no stress.

Full details, including which roads are affected and a consultation are available on the BCP Council website.

🎤 School Bangers Star Returns to Dorset Roots

From school halls to Glastonbury – Poole’s James B Partridge has taken his Primary School Assembly Bangers from classroom nostalgia to full-on festival fame.

Now a viral hit and a regular at top events like Edinburgh Fringe, James credits his early days in Poole – from Stanley Green, Oakdale Middle and Poole Grammar to Lighthouse performances – as his musical spark.

Last weekend, James returned to Dorset to perform at Bestival. His show brings the classics ("He's Got the Whole World", "This Little Light") to life with a crowd of singing, dancing adults reliving their childhood.

If you haven’t seen him live yet, keep your eyes peeled for future dates – and check out his new podcast ‘Notes from School’, now climbing the Spotify charts.

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🏡 PooleNow Property Pick

Do you want to live in one of the most historically significant properties in Poole? You will definitely want to look at The Old Rectory👉 Check out the Grade 2 listed property

🎶Live music, soul and disco in church?! Welcome to Warm In the Nave

There’s a new live music series lighting up Ashley Cross this summer and it’s taking place in one of the area's most atmospheric spaces. Warm in the Nave is the brainchild of seasoned music promoter Ali Tillett, who’s known for his work with Warm and years of experience in the club scene. Now, he’s bringing an ambitious new programme of live shows to St Peter’s Church in Parkstone.

After focusing on electronic music and DJ-led events for most of his career, Ali has recently found himself inspired by live acts again. “More and more of the artists I was listening to were bands and singers performing live,” he told us. “The idea for Warm in the Nave slowly started taking shape from there.”

He chose St Peter’s not just for its striking acoustics and beautiful architecture, but because of its potential to become a long-term home. “It’s close to our office and where I live, which makes running events much easier, but more importantly it felt like the right fit. Reverend Mike was really open to the idea, and we share a vision for making the church a hub of cultural activity.”

While the venue is a place of worship, Ali is clear that the concerts are not religious events. “It’s more about celebrating music in a space that feels special. There’s a natural calm when you enter a church, and that shapes the whole experience.”

Production is another major part of the vision. Ali is working with a hand-picked team of engineers who have worked with the likes of Celeste, Beth Orton, and Gabriels. “Sound quality really matters. It’s one of the reasons I felt confident launching this series.”

Affordability is also a key priority. “Everyone should have the chance to enjoy live music. Especially now, when the cost of everything is going up, it felt important to make this accessible.”

The first Warm in the Nave concert takes place on Tuesday 12 August, featuring Mississippi gospel-soul band Annie & The Caldwells and a live debut from Catherine. DJs Luke from Horse Meat Disco and Ryan from Gabriels will be on the decks between sets.

Follow @warminthenave on Instagram and Facebook or sign up at inthenave.gigantic.com to stay updated.

📸 Poole Pic Picks!

Every week we’re pick one amazing Poole photo to showcase as our header image in the newsletter and across our social media. It could be a stunning view, quirky local detail, or a slice of everyday life in Poole.

This week’s was taken by Jenny Kaye who took the photo whilst aboard a Harbour Lights Cruise.

Want to see your snap featured in front of 1,400+ readers? Upload your best Poole pic here

3 Local stories you might have missed

1. Camp Bestival: Energy and calm at family festival - BBC News

2. Bournemouth Airport sold as part of £200m deal - BBC News

3. Paddle board adventurer explores Dorset coastline entirely by bus – Bournemouth One

🚢 Steamship Shieldhall Cruises Return to Poole

Step aboard a floating piece of history! The legendary Steamship Shieldhall returns to Poole Quay this August for a special anniversary season.

Now celebrating her 70th year, the largest operational steamship in Europe offers two unforgettable cruises from Poole:
📅 Sat 9 August: To The Needles
📅 Sun 10 August: Along the Jurassic Coast (with sea shanties!)

Explore the engine room, chat with the volunteer crew, and enjoy traditional refreshments on deck as you sail past historic landmarks.

Shieldhall is run by passionate volunteers and offers a truly nostalgic experience for all ages. Booking is essential.

🎟 Tickets: www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk
📞 023 8155 0242

🎨 Wild Art Wonders: A creative summer camp for kids

This summer, Poole’s Lighthouse Gallery is hosting Wild Art Wonders – a hands-on, eco-inspired art camp for ages 7–12. Led by a team of artists, kids will dive into drawing, sculpture, movement and more, all while helping build a collaborative, environmentally conscious installation.

It runs Wednesday to Friday, 10am–4pm, with optional wraparound care from 9–10am and 4–5pm (£5/hour).

🎟️ Book and info: lighthousepoole.co.uk

What’s on this week in (and around) Poole

Tuesday

Open Mic Night, Portsmouth Hoy, Poole Quay, from 8pm
Poole Plugged and Unplugged returns – whether you’re mellow or electric, all styles welcome. Free drink for performers.

Wild Art Wonders Summer Camp, Lighthouse Poole, 10am–4pm
A creative summer camp for 7–12 year olds exploring drawing, sculpture, movement and mindful making.

Bike Night, Poole Quay, from 6pm
See the winner of Bike of the Night, plus live music and entertainment.

The Good Quiz, The Goods Yard
Put on your thinking caps, gather your teammates and take part in the no pen, no paper, NO CHEATING, speed quiz!

Wednesday

Beach Tennis Mid-Season Tournament, Poole Beach, from 6pm
A fun evening of mixed doubles on the sand – no partner needed, just turn up and play.
Book your place

Live Music: The Harry Skinner Band, Bermuda Triangle Pub, Ashley Cross, 8:30–10:30pm
Blues-infused live set from a local favourite.

Wild Art Wonders Summer Camp, Lighthouse Poole, 10am–4pm
Creative hands-on fun for children aged 7–12.

Poole Pirates v Plymouth Gladiators, Poole Stadium, gates 6:30pm
Speedway action under the lights in the Cab Direct Championship.
Buy tickets

Thursday

Summer Makers Market, Upton Country Park, 10:30am–4pm
Browse handmade crafts and enjoy the Walled Garden and splash fountain.

Wild Art Wonders Summer Camp, Lighthouse Poole, 10am–4pm
Kids explore eco-conscious creativity with local artists.

Friday

Summer Makers Market, Upton Country Park, 10:30am–4pm
Your second chance to discover unique local crafts in the park’s Walled Garden.

South Coast Wine Festival (Day 1), Highcliffe Castle
Explore regional wines and enjoy live entertainment in stunning castle grounds.
See article above to book tickets.

Proms in the Park: Classical Extravaganza, Meyrick Park, Bournemouth
An open-air night of classical and film favourites with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
See details

Wild Art Wonders Summer Camp, Lighthouse Poole, 10am–4pm
Hands-on creative exploration continues for 7–12 year olds.

Weekly Smoke Series, The Goods Yard, Broadstone, 4.00pm
BBQ food from guest grillers

Car Nights, Poole Quay, 6:00pm–9:00pm
This week’s theme: TVRs and Jaguar cars. Perfect for car enthusiasts and a sunset stroll.

Live Music: Cutting Edge, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9–11pm
Local rock and covers band bringing the Friday energy.

DJ Set: DJ Garphie, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9pm–1am
A Friday night session upstairs at BT with house and hip hop beats.

Saturday

South Coast Wine Festival (Day 2), Highcliffe Castle
Don’t miss the popular Wine Tasting Experience or Masterclasses (18+ only).

Summer Sounds on the Quay, from 2pm
Enjoy live music at venues across Poole Quay.
Full schedule

Dorset Darts Shop Grand Opening, 33 Blandford Road, from 10am
A brand new darts retail shop opens its doors – come along and check it out.

Shieldhall Cruise to The Needles, departs Poole Quay
Step aboard the historic steamship for a scenic cruise along the south coast.

RNLI College Celebration Weekend, RNLI College, 11am–4pm
Enjoy food, live music, kids’ activities, and tours of the college. Free entry.

Broadstone Summer Show, from 1pm
A showcase of local talent in baking, crafts, photography and gardening, with a visit from the Mayor of Poole.

Magic Wand Workshop (ages 4+), Upton Country Park, 2pm
A fun and imaginative activity for little ones to craft their own magical wand.

Peak of Summer Silent Disco, Sobo Beach, 6:30–9pm
Dance with headphones on the sand to three channels of music, with food and drink nearby.
Get tickets

Proms in the Park: Symphonic Smash Hits, Meyrick Park, Bournemouth
A night of 80s pop hits reimagined by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
See details

Live Music: Skint, Bermuda Triangle Pub, 9–11pm
Expect indie anthems and energetic covers.

Sunday

South Coast Wine Festival (Final Day), Highcliffe Castle
Wrap up your weekend with wine, music and summer vibes.

Summer Sounds on the Quay, from 1pm
Enjoy live music at venues across Poole Quay.

Shieldhall Cruise to St Aldhelm’s Head, departs Poole Quay
A scenic steamship journey along the Jurassic Coast, with live shanty music from the Dorset Mutineers.

RNLI College Celebration Weekend, RNLI College, 11am–4pm
Live music, food and fun for all the family at the RNLI HQ.

Magic Wand Workshop (ages 4+), Upton Country Park, 2pm
Back for a second day of enchanting fun for young wand-makers.

Live Music: Millie Watson, Portsmouth Hoy, from 4:30pm
Enjoy soulful folk ballads and storytelling songs with a view of the Quay. Booking for lunch advised on 01202 673517.

Monday

Pub Quiz Night – Bermuda Triangle Pub, 7.30–10.30pm
£3 entry includes quiz and bar snacks. Friendly fun to start the week.

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That’s it! See you next week!