The latest news from the city.
The Steam and Vintage Festival returns to Fordingbridge from 28 to 30 August, with pre-1970s machinery, steam engines, livestock displays and fairground rides. Gates open at 9:00 am, adult day tickets are £20 and under-12s go free.
The Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show runs on 19 and 20 August at the Turnpike Showground in Motcombe, with the main ring programme from 9.30am to 7pm. Expect over 2,000 animals, horseboarding, rural displays, a food hall, trade stands and hands-on activities for children.
A practical look at Bicycle Repair Man Bournemouth in Ensbury Park, covering its repair, suspension and eBike services. The post also includes prices, opening hours, booking details and customer feedback.
A look at Moka Pot, the Sicilian-inspired café at 44 Seamoor Road in Westbourne, Bournemouth, known for its homemade pastries, breakfast and lunch, and the way it kept trading after a difficult corporate chapter.
Bongo’s Bingo is bringing its Halloween-themed “Ghouls Just Wanna Have Fun” shows to O2 Academy Bournemouth on 24 and 30 October. Expect bingo, dancing, audience participation, costumes and unusual prizes, with further themed dates in November.
Drum & Bass on the Bike returned to Bournemouth for its fifth year on Sunday 9 August, with thousands of riders gathering at Kings Park and riding through Pokesdown and Southbourne to Boscombe. Dom Whiting led the event, and riders spoke about the community spirit behind it.
The South Coast Swim debuts in Bournemouth on 19 September 2026, with distances from 250m to a 10km Olympic distance. Entry is £29.00, bookings are fully refundable within 14 days, and wetsuits are optional but recommended.
A review of the fourth Bournemouth Writing Festival, held 24-26 April 2026 at Pavilion Dance South West, with its 100-plus sessions, free beach activities and Write Move Showcase finale. It also covers the Bournemouth Writing Prize, open for entries until 15 August.
Bournemouth's free Arts by the Sea festival returns on 25-26 September with the theme ELEMENTAL, centred on the gardens and seafront. Includes the Bitesized neighbourhood days, the Artist in Residence Rhea Hanlon and the Fringe running into October.
The New Forest Fairy Festival returns to Burley Park in Burley, Hampshire, on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August for its 14th year. With gates opening at 10am, it packs in over 120 workshops, tribute acts, circus and theatre, and a costume contest.
