BCP Local

What's On Weekend, Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch.
𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟏 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥
Poetry Reading Group, Poole Library, 8am to 5pm
A relaxed shared reading session for poetry lovers to listen, discuss and connect.
Funny Boiler Kidz Comedy Show, Poole Museum, 11am to 11.45am
A fun, family-friendly comedy show with interactive jokes and plenty of laughs.
Exhibition on Screen Turner and Constable, Lighthouse Poole, 12.30pm
A documentary exploring the lives and rivalry of two of Britain’s greatest painters.
Time Hop, Lighthouse Poole, 2.30pm and 7pm
A vibrant dance showcase from talented local performers.
Build Float Save A Family Lifeboat Adventure, Poole Museum, 10.30am to 11.30am and 1pm to 2pm
Hands-on family workshop exploring the science behind lifeboats. £7.50 per child.
The Music of John Williams vs Hans Zimmer, St Peter’s Church, Poole, 6.45pm and 9.15pm
A live orchestral performance featuring iconic film scores from two legendary composers.
Guns 2 Roses Live, The Swan Inn, Poole Quay, evening
A top tribute act performing classic Guns N’ Roses hits with support from local band Glory Box. Get tickets from the venue
Coastal Comedy April 2026, Lighthouse Poole, 8pm
A triple bill of stand-up comedy featuring headline act Jake Lambert.
Live Music Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Goods Yard, 9pm to 11pm
Part of the Yard Party series bringing great live music and atmosphere.
𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟐 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥
Swing Squad Bournemouth Bandstand Jazz Session, Lower Gardens Bournemouth, 2pm to 3.45pm
A fresh and energetic teen jazz band bringing live music to the bandstand.
Mark Randlesome, The Tap & Grape, Broadstone, from 6pm
Mark performs a fantastic mix of classic rock and modern favourites perfect for a Sunday night out.

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Come Celebrate Valentine's With Us https://www.poolecommunity.com/come-celebrate-valentines-with-us The Seven Stars; (Freehouse) East Burton Road Nr Wool, Wareham, Dorset DT2 8RL (Sat Nav: BH20 6HL)

Tel: 01929 462292

'Disabled Friendly' Access

Place your free local ad on the Poole Community website. https://www.poolecommunity.com/free-ads

Bringing empty shops back to life in Bournemouth

Finally, Bournemouth town centre is set to benefit from a new scheme aimed at tackling long-empty shops. BCP Council has agreed to use a new power called High Street Rental Auctions, introduced under the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023.

This allows councils to work with landlords to bring vacant properties back into use, helping to create livelier and more attractive high streets. The decision was unanimously approved by the council’s cabinet in December.

Local businesses looking for premises, and landlords seeking new tenants, are encouraged to contact the council for more information.

Hamworthy Fire Station facing possible closure

One issue that has understandably caused concern is the potential closure of Hamworthy Fire Station. It is one of eight stations across Dorset and Wiltshire that could close under proposals being considered by the local fire authority.

The plans are due to be discussed at a meeting on 10 February. If approved at that stage, a 13-week public consultation would follow, allowing residents to share their views before a final decision is made on 30 June.

Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole has acknowledged how upsetting this news may be for local communities, recognising the strong connection people feel to their fire station. The Fire Brigades Union has strongly criticised the proposals and is urging the authority to reject them. Residents will have the opportunity to have their say if the consultation goes ahead.

Planning for the future of Poole town centre

Important conversations are also taking place about the long-term future of Poole town centre. On 22 January, representatives from several key organisations met for the first of a series of workshops to discuss ideas and challenges facing the area.

Those involved included Network Rail, the owners of the Dolphin Centre, the RNLI, Dorset FA and BCP Council, among others. Rather than producing a traditional masterplan, the group is working towards a shared vision — focusing on practical steps and cooperation to improve the town centre over time.

More organisations will be joining these discussions in the coming months, with the aim of making sure Poole remains a lively, useful and welcoming place for residents, businesses and visitors in the years ahead.

Local Updates: Greener Spaces, Community Decisions and Good News Across Poole and Bournemouth

There are several important and encouraging developments happening across Poole, Hamworthy and Bournemouth this spring. From improvements to public spaces and transport facilities, to discussions about the future of our town centres, as well as some concerns and some very positive community news, here is a clear and simple overview of what’s going on locally.

A greener and more welcoming Poole Bus Station

The area around Poole Bus Station is about to look very different — and much greener. Work has already started on improvements that will continue through February and March, with the aim of making the space more pleasant, safer and easier to use for everyone.

An underused tarmac area near the Seldown Car Park end of the station will be turned into a small garden space. This will include seating, playful stepping stones and even a simple Noughts and Crosses game that people of all ages can enjoy. New trees will be planted to provide shade in the summer months, while special “rain gardens” will help soak up rainwater and reduce surface flooding.

There will also be a sheltered seating area, secure cycle parking pods, Beryl hire bikes, and a new pathway linking the bus station directly to the car park and coach station. Inside the bus station, passengers can expect fresh decoration, improved flooring, better lighting, clearer signage and more comfortable seating. These changes build on the electronic information boards and CCTV cameras that are already in place at each bus stand.

The project is paid for using government funding linked to BCP Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan and is being delivered in partnership with Morebus. Overall, the aim is to create a safer, greener and more welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.