Seafood and Sounds Festival: 12th - 13th September

Seafood & Sounds Festival 2026 | Dorset Events 2026 | Dorset Lifestyle

Dates: Saturday 12 - Sunday 13 September 2026

Location: Poole Quay, Poole Old Town, the High Street and participating venues across Poole

Admission: Free

Seafood & Sounds Festival returns to Poole for a town-wide weekend celebrating the area’s maritime heritage, independent businesses, local seafood and live music.

Created by five local business owners rather than an external events company, the festival was established to encourage visitors to explore Poole Old Town and the Quay, stay longer and support local hospitality and retail businesses. In 2026, the event expands further along the High Street, helping connect the town centre, Dolphin Centre, Old Town and waterfront through music, food and family activities.

Visitors can wander between seafood stalls, artisan markets and performance spaces, with music appearing outside pubs, restaurants, churches and landmarks across the town. Fresh seafood, paella, oysters and special festival dishes will be served around the Quay, while local artists, choirs and bands provide the soundtrack throughout the weekend.

Seafood & Sounds Festival is free to attend, with no general admission ticket required.

Food, drinks, crafts and other products can be purchased directly from participating traders and local businesses. Some evening concerts or separately organised experiences may require individual tickets.

• Free seafood and music festival across Poole
• Live performances at locations throughout the Quay, Old Town and High Street
• Fresh seafood, oysters, paella and festival dishes
• Artisan markets featuring local makers and independent traders
• Colourful opening parade at 11am on Saturday
• Free Oyster Trail through Poole Old Town
• Face painting, crafts and circus workshops
• Free children’s music workshops
• Choirs, acoustic musicians, bands and sea-shanty performers
• Evening entertainment at participating pubs and venues
• Accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities available at selected locations
• Visitors encouraged to travel by bus, train or bicycle where possible

The live programme includes performers such as Poole Me Hearties, The Quayside Choir, State of Undress, The Real Deal, Rock Choir and Captain Crusty & The Pickled Herrings, with music spread across numerous indoor and outdoor locations.