The latest news from the city.
Brownsea Island, the National Trust property in Poole Harbour and birthplace of Scouting, is hosting a free community open day. A guide to getting there by ferry from Poole Quay, what to see on the island, and how it's managed.
Bournevaria Oktoberfest 2026 takes over the BIC's Purbeck Hall on 26 and 27 September with three sessions, over-18s entry, German beer in steins, Oompah music from The Bavarian Strollers and activities like axe throwing.
Bournemouth's free Arts by the Sea Festival returns on 25-26 September 2026 with the theme ELEMENTAL, filling Bournemouth Gardens and the town centre with installations, music, dance and street theatre. The 16th edition is part-funded by BCP Council and Arts Council England.
A practical look at The Mysterious Bookcase, an independent fiction bookshop in Westbourne, Bournemouth. It covers the shop’s design, genres, Blind Date With a Book service, prices, opening hours and customer feedback.
The Red Arrows fly over Lyme Bay at 15:00 today as part of the Sidmouth Regatta Airshow, with the best viewing points and parking listed. The post also covers the cancelled Lyme Regis flypast and the rest of the airshow programme.
A guide to Bodega Tapas in Bournemouth and Christchurch, covering the tapas and small-plates menu, the 90-minute bottomless brunch and its upcoming themed sessions, opening hours for both sites, and a balanced look at customer reviews.
The UK's longest-running rock and pop show, That'll Be The Day, plays the Bournemouth Pavilion on 4 and 5 September for its 40th anniversary, with a festive return to the BIC on 20 December. Tickets are on the Pavilion website.
Waitress makes its Bournemouth Pavilion debut from 24 to 29 August, with Emma Lucia and Evelyn Hoskins returning to the cast. A guide to the performance times, the creative team, ticket prices and how to book.
The inaugural Bournemouth Town to Trail, an eight-mile beginner trail run, took place on 23 August, looping from Bournemouth Square through Meyrick Park, Coy Pond and Pug's Hole. The next edition is set for 22 August 2027, with entries opening soon.
The South Coast Wine Festival took over Highcliffe Castle from 14 to 16 August 2026, with more than 300 wines, a revamped outdoor area and a daily line-up of music and talks. The 2027 edition is already set for 13 to 15 August, and the castle itself is open year-round.
