The Seafood & Sounds Festival was born out of a profound love for Poole’s incredible maritime history. What started as a modest local gathering has rapidly grown into a town-wide phenomenon, drawing thousands of visitors to the Dorset coast every September.
Unlike a traditional festival trapped inside a fenced-off field, this event spills out into the actual streets, pubs, and restaurants of Poole. It is designed to encourage visitors to wander, explore the historic alleyways of the Old Town, and discover independent businesses they might have otherwise missed.
The sheer quality of the food is what puts this festival on the map. Benefiting from its position right on the harbour, the seafood on offer is as fresh as it gets. Local chefs go out of their way to create bespoke “Festival Specials,” ranging from classic, piping-hot fish and chips to sophisticated crab and oyster dishes.
Alongside the hot food vendors, a curated artisan market stretches through the town. Here, you can stock up on locally made produce, coastal-inspired arts and crafts, and incredible bakes to take back to your holiday accommodation.
You won’t have to look hard to find the “Sounds” part of the festival. With stages and performance areas spread strategically from Falkland Square all the way down to The Fish Shambles on the Quay, the air is constantly filled with music. Best of all, because the performances are scattered throughout the town’s existing venues and streets, the entire musical lineup is completely free to enjoy!
If you are looking for the perfect blend of incredible local food, fantastic live entertainment, and a stunning natural setting, the Upton House Food & Music Festival is an absolute must-visit.
Located just a short drive from the center of Poole and Sandbanks, the festival completely transforms the peaceful lawns of Upton Country Park into a vibrant, bustling foodie haven. It is renowned for its incredibly welcoming, community-focused atmosphere, making it a massive hit with both Dorset locals and holidaymakers alike.
The heart and soul of the festival is, of course, the food. The organizers pride themselves on hand-picking a massive variety of street food traders. Whether you are craving slow-cooked BBQ meats, fresh local seafood, or delicious vegan and vegetarian treats, the sheer variety is spectacular.
You can pair your meals with drinks from independent local breweries, meaning you get to taste some of the finest craft ales and ciders Dorset has to offer while lounging in the sunshine.
While the days are perfect for relaxed grazing and exploring the stalls, the energy shifts as the sun goes down. The main stage features world-class tribute bands that are guaranteed to get the crowd on their feet.
Because the tickets are incredibly affordable (often starting from just a few pounds for early birds), it offers an unbeatable way to experience the thrill of a live outdoor music festival without the premium price tag. Bring a picnic blanket, soak up the atmosphere, and dance the night away under the stars!
Since its launch in 2008, the Bournemouth 7s Festival has grown into a global phenomenon. Drawing university students, sports clubs, & music lovers from all over the UK to the Dorset coast, it has firmly established itself as the undisputed king of the late May Bank Holiday.
What makes Bournemouth 7s so unique is the daytime atmosphere. Instead of just waiting by a stage for a band to come on, the festival site is completely alive with action. You can sit pitch-side with a pint of cider, cheering on a dodgeball team dressed as superheroes, before wandering over to a massive beer tent to catch an afternoon acoustic set.
Fancy dress is a massive part of the Bournemouth 7s culture. Every year features a specific festival theme, & thousands of attendees go all-out with their outfits on the Saturday. It creates a vibrant, hilarious, & incredibly friendly atmosphere across the entire site.
Alongside the sports & music, the festival village is packed with fairground rides, immersive brand activations, & a huge array of artisan street food vendors to keep you fuelled up for the weekend.
As the sun goes down, Bournemouth 7s transforms into a full-scale music festival. The site boasts 12 unique arenas, each with its own distinct musical flavour. Whether you want to sing along to 90s anthems, jump to heavy drum & bass, or enjoy an exclusive VIP DJ set, the energy is electric.
Because the festival completely sells out of its 30,000 capacity every single year, the atmosphere in the Big Top arenas is comparable to some of the biggest music festivals in Europe!
If there is one day of the year that perfectly captures the rebellious, fun-loving spirit of Poole, it is Harry Paye Day. Organised tirelessly by the local charity group The Pirates of Poole, this brilliant annual event draws massive crowds to the historic waterfront to celebrate the town’s legendary seafaring past.
Whether you are a local resident or visiting the South Coast for a summer holiday, this is an incredibly fun, highly interactive community event that offers something for all ages.
While dressing up isn’t mandatory, it is highly encouraged! You will see everyone from toddlers to grandparents donning tricorn hats, eye patches, and striped shirts. The atmosphere is fantastic, with everyone practicing their best “arrrs!” as they explore the quayside.
A thrilling highlight of the day is the historic cannon firing. Every hour on the hour, the pirate crew load up and fire authentic muskets and cannons out over the harbour. It is spectacular to watch, but cover your ears—it is incredibly loud!
Because the event takes place right on Poole Quay, you are perfectly positioned to enjoy the area’s fantastic pubs and seafood restaurants. Many of the local landlords get into the spirit, offering pirate-themed drinks and outdoor seating so you can soak up the live music.
Best of all, Harry Paye Day is a charity event. While the festival is completely free to attend, the Pirates of Poole will be rattling their treasure chests all afternoon, collecting vital funds for local good causes. Bring some loose change and support the local community while you enjoy the festivities!
In just a few short years, Sandfest has evolved from a local beach party into one of the most anticipated dates in the UK’s social calendar. Hosted on the pristine, Blue Flag-awarded sands of Sandbanks, this one-day event is an intoxicating mix of brilliant music, beautiful surroundings, and an unbeatable summer crowd.
With thousands of attendees gathering to celebrate, and a history of selling out well in advance, it is a truly spectacular celebration of South Coast living.
The heart of the festival is the legendary Sandfest main stage, strategically positioned so you can dance with the ocean as your backdrop. The organizers consistently secure massive international talent, focusing heavily on uplifting house, garage, and dance anthems.
The music starts as soon as the gates open at midday, building in energy throughout the afternoon as the sun beats down. As evening approaches, the headline acts take the stage, culminating in an unforgettable, hands-in-the-air finale as the sun sets over the spectacular Purbeck Hills.
Sandfest is an over-18s event, and the crowd brings a distinctly glamorous, “Ibiza-meets-Dorset” energy to the beach. Glitter, vibrant summer festival wear, and sunglasses are the uniform of the day. Because of its unique location and premium vibe, the festival attracts visitors from all over the country who make an entire weekend out of their trip, often booking local holiday homes and exploring the wider Poole area before and after the event.
The British Beach Polo Championships—affectionately known as Sandpolo—is the undisputed highlight of the Dorset summer calendar. Drawing thousands of spectators, celebrities, and VIP guests to the golden shores of Sandbanks every July, it is officially the largest beach polo event in the world.
Combining the thrill of gladiatorial equestrian sports with the laid-back luxury of the South Coast, Sandpolo delivers an intoxicating mix of sun, sea, and serious entertainment.
The gates typically open at 1:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to explore the vibrant Food and Drink Village, grab a summer spritz, and find your spot by the arena. The afternoon is packed with high-octane entertainment. Alongside the main professional polo matches—where an oversized orange ball is struck at speeds of up to 100mph—spectators are treated to thrilling stunt shows, charity races (such as a polo pony racing a 4×4 car!), and the glitz of the official prize-giving ceremonies.
Whether you are a seasoned polo aficionado or have never watched a match in your life, the relaxed rules and expert commentary make it an incredibly fun, accessible day out for everyone.
As the sun begins to set over Old Harry Rocks, the atmosphere shifts from sporting event to exclusive beach club. The Sandpolo closing parties are the most sought-after tickets of the summer.
With multiple bars serving premium drinks, the grand marquees transform into a spectacular dancefloor. Previous years have seen headline sets from world-renowned acts like Soul II Soul, Gok Wan, and a host of legendary Motown, disco, and house DJs. It is the perfect opportunity to mingle with the players, celebrate the summer, and party right on the beach until 1:00 AM.