28/08/2026
*SEAFOOD AND SOUNDS FESTIVAL SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER*
Come and find me outside the Thai Restaurant (Nusara Courtyard) at the bottom of Poole High Street !
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
