What’s In Store

What's in store

The Outline So Far

Poole is set to come alive this September with Seafood & Sounds 2026, a vibrant, town-wide celebration of seafood, live music and community spirit. Spanning the Quay, Old Town and surrounding areas, the festival promises a full weekend of activity, flavour and entertainment for all ages.

The weekend begins in style with a lively Opening Parade at 11am on Saturday. Starting at Slug & Lettuce, the procession will wind its way through the Old Town before arriving at the Quay, creating a colourful and energetic launch to the festivities.

At the heart of the event is a dispersed artisan market, carefully curated to encourage exploration throughout the town. Rather than being confined to one location, stalls will be spread across key areas including Sarum Street, Paradise Street, the Fortuna boat, The Quay Pub, Nusara Courtyard, St James’ Church, Old Orchard, Falkland Square and beyond. This town-wide layout invites visitors to wander, discover and support local traders at every turn.

Music will play a central role, with nine live performance areas bringing a constant soundtrack to the weekend. From the Fish Shambles and Poole Arms to the Sea Music Sculpture and St James’ Church, performances will be programmed across multiple locations to maintain a lively atmosphere throughout the town.

Food lovers can look forward to a strong culinary programme, including live food demonstrations inside the Dolphin Centre, celebrating local seafood and engaging visitors with expert tips and inspiration. Along the waterside of the Quay, dedicated fish stalls will offer a tempting selection of dishes, from freshly prepared seafood to flavourful paella, creating a true taste of the coast.

The festival also places a strong emphasis on family and community activities, with free children’s entertainment available at locations across the Quay, Old Town, White Pepper area, Hotel du Vin and St James’ Church. Families can also take part in the Free Oyster Trail, running through the Old Town and offering a fun, interactive way to explore the festival. In Falkland Square, visitors can enjoy hands-on circus skills activities, adding an extra layer of excitement and creativity for younger audiences.

A special highlight of the weekend is the partnership with The Absolute Music Trust, delivering free, hands-on music workshops at St James’ Church on Sunday 13th September. Open to all ages and abilities, these sessions offer a fun and welcoming opportunity to try out musical instruments with expert guidance.

Whether you’re a food enthusiast, music lover or simply looking for a great day out, Seafood & Sounds 2026 promises a dynamic and memorable experience that showcases the very best of Poole’s culture, creativity and community.

Don’t forget the grand raffle, tickets are available prior to the event at Truly Scrumptious, The Customs House, Poole Arms, Coast Cruises Blue & White Kiosk and St Tropez. During the event tickets will be on sale at the Control Centre by the Sea Sculpture or from our Volunteers

Click here for Raffle Prize List

Entertainment

For The Whole Family

Free Children’s Entertainment

Join us for a weekend full of fun for all the family!

Make a stop at Hotel du Vin, where children can enjoy free cookie decorating in the hidden garden/terrace, while adults relax with a glass of wine.

You’ll also find more free family activities at St James’ Church, including creative crafts, Music workshops, and refreshments served throughout the day, plus music and stalls outside.

The Oyster Trail is kindly sponsored by Hotel du Vin.

Have fun and good luck!

Enjoy roaming children’s entertainment throughout the town:

• Saturday: 11:30 AM – 4 PM
• Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM

In the event of wet weather, children’s activities will be located inside The Quay Pub.

Get creative at the Arts & Crafts tent outside Ginali’s, where children can make beautiful items to take home, with face painting available throughout the day.

Circus Skills
Join in the fun at Falkland Square, running 11 AM – 4 PM on both days.

Music Workshops

We are delighted to announce that Seafood & Sounds is partnering with The Absolute Music Trust to provide free music workshops during the festival.

at St James Church, Church Street, Poole.

On Sunday 13th September 2026

Workshop 1: 1pm until 2pm

Workshop 2: 3pm until 4pm.

Free to attend, everyone welcome to try musical instruments with guidance and a fun workshop.

All ages and abilities are encouraged to make music.

Perfect for beginners or those returning to music!

No need to book, simply drop in during the session.

Award winning, The Absolute Music Trust deliver amazing work. To find out more, please visit absolutemusictrust.org

Meet & Greet

Meet the characters from Be Enchanted on the Quay following Saturday’s parade.

Missed them? Catch them on Sunday between 12 PM – 1 PM outside Truly Scrumptious Sweet Shop.

Look Out on the Quay for

Poole Town Football Club – visit their stalls and find out about all their work in the Community.

On the Quay you will also find a children’s carousel, trampolines, and a variety of fun games.

Keep an eye open for Dorset Coastal Radio who will be roaming about during the event

Entertainment

Scaplen’s Community Players is a local, historical theatre group that focuses on storytelling, drama and music.

Meet the cast as they celebrate history

Saturday 12th September

Scaplens Court – First Floor – Upper Hall

1pm & 3pm

• A selection of sea shanties performed by the singers.
• Two storytellers:
  • Robert will tell a story set in 1621, recounting his first voyage to Newfoundland.
  • Jane will share a story set in 1632, describing her experiences growing up and living in Poole.
• A performance of the play Mayhem at the Inn.

Sunday 13^th September

Scaplens Court – First Floor – Upper Hall

1pm & 3pm

• A selection of sea shanties performed by the singers.
• Two storytellers:
  • Robert will tell a story set in 1621, recounting his first voyage to Newfoundland.
  • Jane will share a story set in 1632, describing her experiences growing up and living in Poole.
• A performance of the play Mayhem at the Inn.

www.scaplenscommunityplayers.com