LOCAL EVENTS - Dorset Coast Radio

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Upcoming Events...

Monday 10th August

Swanage Lifeboat Week - Around Swanage and the Prince Albert Gardens
The annual Swanage Lifeboat Week returns this summer for eight days of RNLI festival fun, running until Sunday 16th. Tonight there's an outdoor theatre performance of 'The Pickwick Papers' at Prince Albert Gardens starting at 7pm, and also a Darts Trophy competition at the Swanage Royal British Legion from 7pm.

Pottery At The Pub - The Woolpack, Sopley
A fun and relaxing evening of pottery. They'll bring everything you need, so that you can get your hands dirty and create your very own masterpiece. At the end of the event, they'll take your finished creations back to their studio to fire them, and they'll then be ready for you to collect in a few weeks time. Search for 'Woolpack Pottery' for more details. From 7pm.

The Tempest - Canford School, Wimborne
Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT) will stage Shakespeare’s magical tale of betrayal, power and redemption. On various nights until 15th August, search for 'The Tempest Canford School' for ticket details. Starts at 7:30pm

Tuesday 11th August

Bournemouth Natural Science Society Open Days - Christchurch Road, Bournemouth
Every Tuesday and Wednesday during August, there's the chance to see their exhibitions and collections. From 10am. https://bnss.org.uk/

Swanage Lifeboat Week - Around Swanage and the Prince Albert Gardens
The annual Swanage Lifeboat Week returns this summer for eight days of RNLI festival fun, both on the water and on land at Prince Albert Gardens and around town, until this Sunday. Search for 'Swanage Lifeboat Week' to get the full programme of events. Today there's a crabbing competition from 10am, and also a fun sailing competition starting at the Mowlem from 6:30pm.

The Walled Garden Bug And Exotic Animal Experiences - Station Road, Moreton
Meet their cute and exotic residents in this hands-on educational experience. https://walledgardenmoreton.co.uk/events/summer-bug-experience/

Wednesday 12th August

Wareham Wednesdays - Wareham Quay
A fun theme night with musical guests, stalls and lots of family entertainment - happening every Wednesday during August. All events end with a fantastic fireworks displays near the Quay at 10pm. They're going Retro Nostalgia this week so expect music to send you back to the 'good old days'! They'll also be bringing back the Tug of War competition where they'll be testing your strength, teamwork, and determination, whilst being cheered on from the crowds! If you're feeling strong why not pull a team together and battle it out for the coveted Tug of War trophy. https://www.warehamwednesdays.com/

RNLI Swanage Lighthouse Loop Run - RNLI Swanage Lifeboat Station
The Lighthouse Loop is a highlight of Swanage Lifeboat Week, which runs until Sunday. It is also one of the 6 races in the Purbeck Trail Series. A multi terrain, but mainly trail 5k run from Peveril Point (near Swanage Lifeboat Station) following the Jurassic coast, through Durlston Country park leading to Anvil Point Lighthouse and back into Swanage. For ticket details, search for 'Swanage Lighthouse Loop Run'. Sign in from 6pm.

Meet The Reptiles At Compton Acres - Canford Cliffs Road, Poole
You'll be able to get up close to some snakes, lizards and creepy crawlies with the experts from Hilltop Herpetology. First session is from 10:30am. Free with garden admission. https://www.comptonacres.co.uk/

Lobster Dig - Avon Beach, Christchurch
The Noisy Lobster team have hidden 100 Lobster Sand-Shapers on the beach, and they need children from the ages of 2 to 12 to help find them. From 10:30am on Avon Beach, opposite the occasion huts, it's a free community event supporting Mind Dorset.

Thursday 13th August

The Courtyard Summer Sessions - The Courtyard, Huntick Road, Lytchett Minster
Join them for an evening of live music, cocktails, craft stalls, workshops, children's activities and more. Every Thursday until the 27th August. From 5pm until 9pm.

Poole Quay Summer Fireworks
Evening entertainment on Poole Quay, which includes live music, children’s entertainment and family fun. The evening ends with a dazzling firework display over the harbour at 10pm every Thursday during August.

Swanage Lifeboat Week - Around Swanage and the Prince Albert Gardens
The annual Swanage Lifeboat Week returns this summer for eight days of RNLI festival fun, both on the water and on land at Prince Albert Gardens and around town, until this Sunday. Search for 'Swanage Lifeboat Week' to get the full programme of events. Tonight there's a lifeboat launch at 6:15pm, and Swanage Sailing Club are holding a senior race from 6:30pm. Plus there's a fun quiz at the Royal British Legion from 8pm.

West Howe Paint, Props And Pantomime - The Henry Brown Centre, Cunningham Crescent
You'll be able to create and paint pantomime scenery and backdrops, design the front cover of a pantomime, as well as getting involved in prop and costume making, and also dressing up in panto costumes for photos. From 11am.

Friday 14th August

Dancing Terraces - Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road
Dancing Terraces is back every Friday and Saturday through the summer! Pavilion Dance South can't wait to get back out on the outdoor Garden Terrace to bring you fun, summer dance sessions by the sea! Fun for all the family, they'll be bringing a range of dance styles for you to join in with, from Hip Hop to Bollywood, Vintage Jazz to Latin Fusion and much more. There's no need to book and no experience needed. Just pop along and follow the moves. On Friday 14th it's Ballroom and Latin with Lawrence James. From 7pm until 9pm.

Bournemouth Friday Fireworks - Bournemouth Seafront
The summer firework displays can be seen over the water near Bournemouth Pier at 10pm every Friday until 28th August. Pull up a chair at your favourite spot on our beautiful coastline and watch the gorgeous pyrotechnic delights. This free event will kick off your weekend with a bang!

Swanage Lifeboat Week - Around Swanage and the Prince Albert Gardens
The annual Swanage Lifeboat Week returns this summer for eight days of RNLI festival fun, both on the water and on land at Prince Albert Gardens and around town, until this Sunday. Search for 'Swanage Lifeboat Week' to get the full programme of events. Tonight there's the 'Rescue the damsel raft race' on the main beach from 6pm. There's also live music at the Prince Albert Gardens all evening, with free entry.

Christchurch Carnival Weekend - Christchurch Quay
Christchurch Carnival is a free community event for you and your loved ones to come together. Their purpose is to raise money for local non-profit organisations and charities, including Julia's House Children's Hospice and the Christchurch Community Partnership. Your contribution makes a real impact to the lives of those in need living locally.

South Coast Wine Festival - Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive
Get ready for three unforgettable days of wine, entertainment, and discovery as the South Coast Wine Festival returns to the stunning Highcliffe Castle. Featuring wine tasting, from standout producers and passionate winemakers, and new for 2026, you can also upgrade your experience with access to the Entertainment Garden. This vibrant outdoor space will feature live music, street food, artisan market stalls, luxury vehicle displays, bars, and a lively festival atmosphere throughout the weekend. The South Coast Wine Festival supports local charitable causes including MyTime Young Carers and The Woodlands Trust. For ticket details, search for 'South Coast Wine Festival'. From 11:30am.

Saturday 15th August

Bovington Community Summer - Memorial Hall, King George V Road
With teddies and Paddington picnics, from 12pm.

Dancing Terraces - Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road
Dancing Terraces is back every Friday and Saturday for 2026! Pavilion Dance South can't wait to get back out on the outdoor Garden Terrace to bring you fun, summer dance sessions by the sea! Fun for all the family, they'll be bringing a range of dance styles for you to join in with, from Hip Hop to Bollywood, Vintage Jazz to Latin Fusion and much more. There's no need to book and no experience needed. Just pop along and follow the moves. On Saturday 15th it's Vintage Jazz with Ruby Adams. From 7pm until 9pm.

Lifeboat Fayre and Build-A-Boat Competition (part of Swanage Lifeboat Week) - Prince Albert Gardens
The Lifeboat Fayre starts at 11am, with the Build-A-Boat competition from midday. There's also live music, a bar and BBQ, a raffle draw and the Build-A-Boat race at the Stone Quay between 4 and 5pm. Search for 'Swanage Lifeboat Week' for more.

The Big Beach Sing - Sobo Beach, Southbourne Promenade, Bournemouth
A feel-good beachside choir festival with big voices, summer vibes and live music for all ages - including performances from Funky Little Choir and Chicken Soup Choir. The event is raising money for Julia's House Children's Hospice. From 2pm.

The Tempest - Canford School, Wimborne
One of the South’s largest theatrical productions, Brownsea Open Air Theatre (BOAT) will stage Shakespeare’s magical tale of betrayal, power and redemption.. Audiences will be invited to experience open-air theatre in a unique setting, combining Shakespeare’s timeless storytelling with a spectacular outdoor backdrop. Search for 'The Tempest Canford School' for ticket details. There's a matinee performance at 2pm, with the evening performance at 8pm. Last day of the production.

South Coast Wine Festival - Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive
Featuring live music, street food, artisan market stalls, luxury vehicle displays, bars, and a lively festival atmosphere throughout the weekend. The South Coast Wine Festival supports local charitable causes including MyTime Young Carers and The Woodlands Trust. For ticket details, search for 'South Coast Wine Festival'. From 11:30am.

Purbeck Film Festival 'Cinema Under The Stars'
Tonight it's 'The Blues Brothers' (Rated 15) at the Langham Wine Estate in Crawthorne, starting at 8:55pm. https://purbeckfilm.com/

Canford School Summer Fair - Canford Magna, Wimborne
On both the Saturday and Sunday from 10am until 5pm. Over 100 stalls, with live music and kids entertainers. https://www.thewessexeventcompany.co.uk/canford-summer-fair

Sunday 16th August

Lifeboat Church Service (as part of Swanage Lifeboat Week) - Swanage Pier
The Swanage Lifeboat Week ends with their annual lifeboat church service on Swanage Pier, with access opening at 5:15pm.

Monday 17th August

The Branksome Centre Family Fun Day - Recreation Road, Poole
From 11am, featuring a Pavilion Dance Workshop, crafts, soft play, a café and raffle.

Tuesday 18th August

Wednesday 19th August

Wareham Wednesdays - Wareham Quay
A fun theme night with musical guests, stalls and lots of family entertainment - happening every Wednesday during August. All events end with a fantastic fireworks displays near the Quay at 10pm. This week they're stock pilling the ammo ready for when the Pirates return to invade Wareham Quay! The mighty Muddlecombe Men will be on hand to help defend the town, and they have The Wimborne Militia at the ready on the bridge to blast the Pirates away! Pirate dress is optional but don't forget to bring your super soakers! https://www.warehamwednesdays.com/

Thursday 20th August

Purbeck Valley Folk Festival - Purbeck Valley Farm, Harman's Cross
Featuring a good variety of local music, workshops, a children’s area, crafts, and food and drink. Camping options and day tickets are available, and children 3 and under go free. The first of four days. https://www.purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk/

Friday 21st August

VDub At The Pub - Julians Field, Julians Road, Wimborne
With live music and DJ’s, stalls, food and drink, sports games, children’s activities and most importantly VW’s. Camping options and day tickets are available. Children 12 and under get entry for only £1. The first of three days. https://www.vdubatthepub.com/events/vdub-at-the-pub-2026

Purbeck Film Festival 'Cinema Under The Stars'
Tonight it's 'The Magic Faraway Tree' (Rated U) at Careys Secret Garden in Wareham, starting at 8:45pm. https://purbeckfilm.com/

Dancing Terraces - Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road
Dancing Terraces is back every Friday and Saturday for 2026! Pavilion Dance South can't wait to get back out on the outdoor Garden Terrace to bring you fun, summer dance sessions by the sea! Fun for all the family, they'll be bringing a range of dance styles for you to join in with, from Hip Hop to Bollywood, Vintage Jazz to Latin Fusion and much more. There's no need to book and no experience needed. Just pop along and follow the moves. On Friday 21st it's Hip Hop and House with Rich Smith and DJ. From 7pm until 9pm.

Saturday 22nd August

The Great Duck Race - Lower Gardens, Bournemouth
Bringing together supporters of Plants & Minds and Macmillan Caring Locally, thousands of brightly coloured toy ducks will float down the Bourne Stream in a series of races throughout the day. You can sponsor a duck and be in with a chance of winning a cash prize, plus there are other activities and competitions including the popular 'Name That Duck'. From 10am.

Dancing Terraces - Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road
Dancing Terraces is back every Friday and Saturday through the summer! Pavilion Dance South can't wait to get back out on the outdoor Garden Terrace to bring you fun, summer dance sessions by the sea! Fun for all the family, they'll be bringing a range of dance styles for you to join in with, from Hip Hop to Bollywood, Vintage Jazz to Latin Fusion and much more. There's no need to book and no experience needed. Just pop along and follow the moves. On Saturday 22nd it's Bollywood with Kamalesh Borkar. From 7pm until 9pm.

RNLI College Food And Drink Festival - West Quay Road, Poole
Starting at 11am, with local produce and live music. There's free entry and parking.

Wareham And Swanage RFC Family Fun Day - Bestwall Road, Wareham
With bouncy castles, food stalls and fancy dress rugby. Starts at 12 noon.

Purbeck Film Festival 'Cinema Under The Stars'
Tonight it's 'Jaws' (Rated 12A) at the Knoll House Hotel in Studland, starting at 8:45pm. https://purbeckfilm.com/

VDub At The Pub - Julians Field, Julians Road, Wimborne
With live music and DJ’s, stalls, food and drink, sports games, children’s activities and most importantly VW’s. Camping options and day tickets are available. Children 12 and under get entry for only £1. https://www.vdubatthepub.com/events/vdub-at-the-pub-2026

Sunday 23rd August

VDub At The Pub - Julians Field, Julians Road, Wimborne
With live music and DJ’s, stalls, food and drink, sports games, children’s activities and most importantly VW’s. Camping options and day tickets are available. Children 12 and under get entry for only £1. https://www.vdubatthepub.com/events/vdub-at-the-pub-2026

Holme Bush Inn Summer Fair - Old Wareham Road, Corfe Mullen
With over 60 stalls, a dog show, a climbing wall, live music, a BBQ and much more. There's free entry with donations for Dorset Air Ambulance. From 11am.

Tuesday 25th August

Wednesday 26th August

Wareham Wednesdays - Wareham Quay
A fun theme night with musical guests, stalls and lots of family entertainment - happening every Wednesday during August. All events end with a fantastic fireworks displays near the Quay at 10pm. For the final week they're heading to the 'Wild West' with a raft race starting from 7pm. Don’t miss out – start planning your raft today and let the fun begin! https://www.warehamwednesdays.com/

Thursday 27th August

Friday 28th August

Purbeck Film Festival 'Cinema Under The Stars'
Tonight it's 'Paddington 2' (Rated PG) at Corfe Castle, starting at 8:30pm. https://purbeckfilm.com/

Dancing Terraces - Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road
Dancing Terraces is back every Friday and Saturday for 2026! Pavilion Dance South can't wait to get back out on the outdoor Garden Terrace to bring you fun, summer dance sessions by the sea! Fun for all the family, they'll be bringing a range of dance styles for you to join in with, from Hip Hop to Bollywood, Vintage Jazz to Latin Fusion and much more. There's no need to book and no experience needed. Just pop along and follow the moves. On Friday 28th it's a Ceilidh with Murphys Lore Ceilidh Band. From 7pm until 9pm.

Saturday 29th August

Dancing Terraces - Bournemouth Pavilion, Westover Road
Dancing Terraces is back every Friday and Saturday through the summer! Pavilion Dance South can't wait to get back out on the outdoor Garden Terrace to bring you fun, summer dance sessions by the sea! Fun for all the family, they'll be bringing a range of dance styles for you to join in with, from Hip Hop to Bollywood, Vintage Jazz to Latin Fusion and much more. There's no need to book and no experience needed. Just pop along and follow the moves. On Saturday 29th it's a Salsa Party with Clare Nicholas. From 7pm until 9pm.

Purbeck Film Festival 'Cinema Under The Stars'
Tonight it's 'Wicked: For Good' (Rated PG) at Corfe Castle, starting at 8:30pm. https://purbeckfilm.com/

Poole Flower Show - Victoria School Sports Hall, Lindsay Road, Poole
Floral exhibits, homecraft, plants for sale and much more. From 1pm.

The Monmouth Ash Fun Fest - Manor Road, Verwood
Live music all day, with kids entertainment, food and drink and much more. They're supporting Dorset Mind, and it's from 12 noon until late, with donation entry.

Sunday 30th August

Poole Flower Show - Victoria School Sports Hall, Lindsay Road, Poole
Floral exhibits, homecraft, plants for sale and much more. From 10am.

Lytchett Minster Rugby Club Family Fun Day - Old Watery Lane
With stalls, vehicles, bouncy castles, live entertainment and more. From 10am.

Monday 31st August

Dorset Plane Pull - Aviation Business Park, Bournemouth International Airport
It’s a simple concept, but a monumental challenge: there's 20 teammates, 1 Boeing 737, and 50 metres of tarmac. The Plane Pull helps to raise valuable funds, and to date they've raised over £400,000 for their beneficiary charities. Search for 'Dorset Plane Pull' to find out more. Gates open at 10am, with the event finishing at around 5:30pm.

Friday 4th September

Purbeck Film Festival 'Cinema Under The Stars'
Tonight it's 'Labyrinth' (Rated PG) at the Blue Pool in Wareham, starting at 8pm. https://purbeckfilm.com/

Saturday 5th September

In The Night Garden Live! - Lighthouse Poole, Kingland Road
You’ll see all your favourite characters beautifully brought to life with full-size costumes, magical puppets, and enchanting music. The show is one for just under an hour, and with also feature a very special visit from the amazing flying Pinky Ponk. Search for 'Lighthouse Poole In The Night Garden' for ticket details. Performances at 12pm and 3pm, with more tomorrow.

Purbeck Film Festival 'Cinema Under The Stars'
Tonight it's 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' (Rated 12A) at the Blue Pool in Wareham, starting at 8pm. https://purbeckfilm.com/

Sunday 6th September

Canford Heath Jumble Trail - Canford Heath
If you have items to sell, don't fancy a car boot sale and you live on Canford Heath you could run a sale in your own front garden. It's free to take part, so you keep all the money you make. The event is organised by the Association of Residents of Canford Heath. To be added to the sale map, register by 4th September via canfordheath.jumbletrails@outlook.com. From 10am until 2pm.

Friday 11th September

Swanage Folk Festival - Across Swanage
A weekend of music, dance, stalls, and children’s activities around the Swanage, with the majority of events free, however some concerts are ticketed, and search for 'Swanage Folk Festival' for more. The first of three days.

Saturday 12th September

Poole Military Tattoo - Poole Stadium, Wimborne Road
'Salute to the Services' will celebrate the dedication, service, and sacrifice of our Armed Forces, uniformed services and veterans, while raising awareness and support for two highly respected charities: The Royal British Legion and Lewis Manning Hospice Care. Highlights will include large-scale marching bands, massed pipes and drums, a display of military vehicles and a classic aircraft flypast (subject to weather and availability). To ensure maximum accessibility, there will be two performances on the day. For ticket details, search for 'Poole Military Tattoo'.

Seafood And Sounds - Poole Old Town And Quay
Poole will once again come alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of the coast. The event celebrates Poole’s rich maritime heritage, combining live music, outstanding local seafood and family friendly entertainment. It's a free event, and for more details search for 'Poole Seafood And Sounds'. The first of two days.

Sunday 13th September

Family Dog Show And Fun Day - The Horns Inn, Burtshill, Wimborne
Returning for its third year including prizes for best veteran, best rescue and best catch a ball! Registration is from 1.30 to 2.30pm, with the show starting at 3pm.

Wednesday 18th November

Banff Mountain Film Festival - Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne
Big-screen adventure - incoming! The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is bringing a night of inspirational adventure films to venues around Dorset. There's climbing in Patagonia, mountain biking in Nepal and much more. The Banff Mountain Film Festival features cutting-edge expeditions from remote corners of the globe. Search for 'Banff Film Festival' for ticket details and showtimes.