Poole comes alive with Seafood and Sounds this September!
Poole is getting ready for a spectacular weekend of seafood, live music, heritage and community as Seafood & Sounds 2026 returns on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September.
With now long to go, excitement is building for an event that promises to showcase Poole at its very best – from its historic Old Town and cobbled streets to the stunning waterfront of Poole Quay.
Seafood & Sounds is no ordinary food festival. It is a town-wide celebration designed to encourage visitors to explore, discover and experience Poole in a completely different way, bringing together outstanding seafood, 40 live music acts each day, independent traders, family entertainment, local creativity and the town’s rich maritime heritage.
A spectacular start with the Opening Parade
The weekend gets underway in spectacular style on Saturday morning with the Seafood & Sounds Opening Parade at 11am.
Setting off near the old Slug & Lettuce pub, the colourful procession will wind its way through the characterful streets of Poole’s Old Town before arriving at Poole Quay, creating an energetic and entertaining start to the weekend.
Discover more than 60 independent traders
One of the festival’s most unique features is its town-wide artisan market.
Rather than concentrating everything in one location, Seafood & Sounds encourages visitors to wander through Poole and discover traders and activities in some of the town’s most interesting and historic locations.
From Sarum Street and Paradise Street to the Fortuna boat, Nusara Courtyard, St James’ Church, Old Orchard and Falkland Square, more than 60 stallholders will be showcasing handcrafted gifts, local produce, artisan food and unique products.
The result is a festival where the journey through Poole becomes just as exciting as the destination.
40 live music acts every day
Music will provide the soundtrack throughout the weekend, with nine live performance spaces creating an ever-changing atmosphere across the town.
Visitors can expect everything from intimate acoustic performances to energetic live music, with venues and spaces including the Fish Shambles, Poole Arms, Sea Music Sculpture and St James’ Church hosting performances.
With 40 live music acts performing each day, there will be plenty of opportunities to stop, listen and enjoy live music as you explore.
A feast of Dorset's finest seafood
Food lovers are firmly at the heart of Seafood & Sounds.
Along Poole Quay, seafood stalls will serve freshly prepared local produce alongside popular favourites such as authentic paella.
Inside the Dolphin Centre, talented chefs will take to the stage for live cookery demonstrations, sharing recipes, techniques and inspiration while showcasing some of the finest seafood and produce from the region.
A weekend for all the family
Seafood & Sounds has been created with families firmly in mind, with a packed programme of free activities taking place across the Quay, Old Town, High Street, Hotel du Vin and St James’ Church.
The much-loved Free Oyster Trail will turn exploring Poole’s historic streets into an interactive adventure, while Falkland Square will host circus skills workshops, giving younger visitors the chance to learn new skills and have plenty of fun along the way.
And for those who have always fancied making music themselves, The Absolute Music Trust will host free interactive music workshops at St James’ Church on Sunday. Open to complete beginners and experienced musicians alike, the sessions will give visitors the chance to pick up instruments, have a go and make music with experienced tutors.
Celebrating Poole's maritime heritage
Seafood & Sounds will also celebrate the remarkable maritime history that makes Poole so special.
In partnership with the National Trust, the festival coincides with the Brownsea Island Community Open Day on Saturday, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy free access to Brownsea Island. Around 900 people are expected to take advantage of this special opportunity.
Throughout the weekend, the National Trust will also be sharing information about Brownsea Island and its fascinating history from an information point near Greenslade’s Kiosk.
History will also come alive at Scaplen’s Court, where the popular Meet the Cast – Celebrate History performances will take audiences on a journey through Poole’s fascinating past.
Taking place at 1pm and 3pm on both Saturday and Sunday in the Upper Hall, the performances will combine traditional sea shanties, historical storytelling and lively performances inspired by Poole’s seafaring heritage.
One town. One weekend. Endless discoveries
What makes Seafood & Sounds different is its ability to connect the whole town.
It isn’t simply an event that visitors come to and leave. It is an invitation to explore Poole.
Every street, courtyard and venue offers the possibility of another performance, another local maker, another delicious dish or another unexpected discovery.
Whether visitors come for the seafood, stay for the music, bring the family for the free entertainment or simply want to soak up the atmosphere, Seafood & Sounds offers an opportunity to see and experience Poole from a fresh perspective.
A festival created by local businesses, for Poole
Seafood & Sounds has been brought to life by five local business owners, who share a passion for Poole and a desire to showcase everything that makes the town such a special place to live, work and visit.
Their vision is to create a festival that supports local businesses, celebrates independent traders, brings people into the town centre and shines a spotlight on Poole’s unique combination of food, music, history, creativity and community.
As summer begins to give way to autumn, Seafood & Sounds 2026 promises to be one unforgettable weekend, bringing the town together against the spectacular backdrop of Europe’s largest natural harbour.
Seafood & Sounds takes place on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026.
For the latest programme, participating venues and event information, visit seafoodandsounds.co.uk or look out for the official programmes being distributed across the area over the coming weeks.
