Local Updates and Seafood & Sounds Festival returns this September

Seafood & Sounds Festival returns this September

The popular Seafood & Sounds Festival will return on 12 and 13 September 2026.

This year the event will be bigger than ever. It will take place not only on Poole Quay, but also in The Dolphin Centre and along the High Street.

The festival is supported by Poole BID. The expansion will help connect more areas of the town and give visitors even more to enjoy.

Last year’s festival was very popular with both residents and visitors. It offered great live music, delicious food and a wonderful atmosphere.

Local businesses are invited to support or sponsor the event. This is a good opportunity to promote your business and be part of a well-loved community festival.

To find out more, contact Jeanette Walsh at Truly Scrumptious.

Beach hut bookings for 2026

Bookings for beach huts and pods for the 2026 season open this week. Huts will be given on a first come, first served basis.

Bookings open at 10am on Wednesday 18 February for:

• Winter hire (25 weeks)

• Full spring and summer hire (26 weeks)

• Peak summer hire (10 weeks)

Bookings for all other hire periods of one week or more open at 10am on Thursday 19 February.

You can book online using the council website.

Parking charges to increase across BCP

Parking charges in council car parks across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will increase from 16 March.

Overall, prices will rise by an average of 4%.

• Town centre parking: up by 2%

• Seafront and busy areas: up by 6%

• Resident permits: up by 2%

• Non-resident permits and season tickets: up by 10%

All free parking options will stay the same.

The council says the increase is in line with inflation and will help meet its 2026/27 budget savings.

Share your views on Sandbanks sand dunes

BCP Council is asking residents, businesses and visitors for their views on plans to manage the sand dunes at Sandbanks.

The consultation runs from 16 February to 29 March 2026.

The plans include:

• Keeping public paths clear for beach access

• Growing new dune plants in a local nursery

• Creating a community Sand Dune Management Group

• Offering native plants to local homeowners

• Managing sand levels and setting a maximum dune height

• Re-using sand within the dune system

You can take part in the survey online.

The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 29 March 2026.