Festivals & Events Events in Dorset

Romance Writing Festival

The Romance Writing Festival in Bournemouth is back for 2026 with talks, panels, masterclasses and literary agent 121s. Expect bestselling authors, award-winning writers and writing professionals giving advice and guidance to writers at all levels - whether you are just starting out or ready to get your words out into the world.

Sat 3 OctThe Promenade

via The PromenadeLocal gem

Festivals & Events

Romance Writing Festival

The Romance Writing Festival in Bournemouth is back for 2026 with talks, panels, masterclasses and literary agent 121s. Expect bestselling authors, award-winning writers and writing professionals giving advice and guidance to writers at all levels - whether you are just starting out or ready to get your words out into the world.

Sat 3 Oct10:00The Promenade

via The PromenadeLocal gem

Festivals & Events

Bournemouth International Film Festival

9–10 October 2026 The theme of BIFF 2026 is Social Realism — Real Stories. Real Cinema. This year, we celebrate films that tell the truth of lived experience — stories rooted in community, work, identity, and belonging. From the struggles to the small victories, BIFF 2026 shines a light on the beauty, humour, and humanity of everyday life.

Fri 9 OctThe Promenade

via The PromenadeLocal gem

Festivals & Events

Bournemouth International Film Festival

9–10 October 2026 The theme of BIFF 2026 is Social Realism — Real Stories. Real Cinema. This year, we celebrate films that tell the truth of lived experience — stories rooted in community, work, identity, and belonging. From the struggles to the small victories, BIFF 2026 shines a light on the beauty, humour, and humanity of everyday life.

Fri 9 Oct11:30The Promenade

via The PromenadeLocal gem

Festivals & Events

Poole Fireworks Cruise

Join us for the best seats in the house as you sail through Europe’s largest natural harbour past Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Peninsula, Studland Bay and more.Enjoy panoramic views of sky, sea and sand from our open deck seating before positioning yourself to watch the magnificent firework display with the glowing night lights of Poole Quay in the background.

Thu 5 NovThe Promenade

via The PromenadeLocal gem

Festivals & Events

Poole Fireworks Cruise

Join us for the best seats in the house as you sail through Europe’s largest natural harbour past Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Peninsula, Studland Bay and more.

Thu 5 NovPoole Town Centre

via Poole Town CentreLocal gem

Likely freeFestivals & Events

November 5th Fireworks

Remember, remember the 5th of November - FREE Firework Night on Poole Quay! No better way to spend bonfire night. The firework display will start at 8pm but the party atmosphere starts from 5pm on one of the biggest nights of the year. There will be live music, family entertainment and activities to delight the crowds and keep the fun going until the big firework finale.

Thu 5 NovPoole Town Centre

via Poole Town CentreLocal gem

Likely freeFestivals & EventsLive Music

November 5th Fireworks

Remember, remember the 5th of November - FREE Firework Night on Poole Quay! No better way to spend bonfire night. The firework display will start at 8pm but the party atmosphere starts from 5pm on one of the biggest nights of the year. There will be live music, family entertainment and activities to delight the crowds and keep the fun going until the big firework finale.

Thu 5 Nov17:00Poole Town Centre

via Poole Town CentreLocal gem

Festivals & Events

Poole Fireworks Cruise

Join us for the best seats in the house as you sail through Europe’s largest natural harbour past Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Peninsula, Studland Bay and more.Enjoy panoramic views of sky, sea and sand from our open deck seating before positioning yourself to watch the magnificent firework display with the glowing night lights of Poole Quay in the background.

Thu 5 Nov19:00The Promenade

via The PromenadeLocal gem

Festivals & Events

Poole Fireworks Cruise

Join us for the best seats in the house as you sail through Europe’s largest natural harbour past Brownsea Island, Sandbanks Peninsula, Studland Bay and more.

Thu 5 Nov19:00Poole Town Centre

via Poole Town CentreLocal gem

Festivals & Events

Gala Ball

Kindly sponsored by Franses Jewellers, this glamourous evening will start with a glittering drinks reception in the foyer, before we head into the Concert Hall for the main event of the evening.

Sat 21 NovCoping With Chaos

via Coping With ChaosLocal gem

Hounds of Love - The Kate Bush Celebration

DanceFestivals & EventsLive Music

Around £30

Hounds of Love - The Kate Bush Celebration

Hounds of Love - The Kate Bush Celebration Sunday 22 November 2026, 7:30pm - Theatre All tickets £30 Step into the ethereal world of Hounds Of Love – The Kate Bush Celebration, a tribute that faithfully recreates the artistry, passion, and magic of one of music’s most iconic and enigmatic performers. This stunning production brings to life Kate Bush’s groundbreaking Tour of Life, the visionary 1979 tour that revolutionised live music with its fusion of theatre, dance, and multimedia storytelling. From her breathtaking vocals to the intricate choreography and spellbinding visuals, every element is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, capturing the spirit, drama, and innovation that made Kate’s performances legendary. Featuring a phenomenal live band and a performer who embodies Kate’s unmistakable voice, Hounds Of Love delivers authentic and heartfelt renditions of her timeless hits, spanning from The Kick Inside to Hounds of Love and beyond. Expect to be transported by unforgettable classics such as Wuthering Heights, The Man with the Child in His Eyes, Babooshka, Running Up That Hill, and of course, Hounds of Love. But this is more than just a celebration of her most famous songs—it’s also a chance to experience the deeper cuts and musical treasures that never had their moment on stage.

Sun 22 Nov19:30Pavilion Theatre Stage

via Pavilion Theatre Stage

Festivals & Events

Around £20

BSO: New Year Viennese Gala

BSO New Year Viennese Gala Saturday 9 January 2027, 7:30pm - Theatre All tickets £20 - £32 Members presale: Friday 22nd May, 10am General sale: Monday 25th May, 10am Johann Strauss Favourites The swirling majesty and joyous sounds of the traditional Viennese Gala will see you spinning into the New Year with a flourish! Merry waltzes, polkas and marches from Johann Strauss II, his family and contemporaries fill this sparkling concert that will transport you from your seat in the concert hall all the way into the traditional gala halls of Vienna. This evening of joyous music includes all of Strauss’ greats such as the Fledermaus Overture, Thunder and Lightning Polka, Radetzky March and, of course, The Blue Danube! This beguiling performance that will ensure a glamorous start to your New Year! Tom Fetherstonhaugh Conductor Claudia Boyle Soprano Programme: Franz von Suppé Light Cavalry Overture Johann Strauss II Annen-Polka Josef Strauss Friedenspalmen Waltzer (Palms of Peace) Johann Strauss II Mein Herr Marquis from Die Fledermaus Johann Strauss II Emperor Waltz Josef Strauss Village Swallows from Austria Waltz Lehár Vilja’s Lied from Merry Widow Johann Strauss II Wiener Blut (Vocal Version) Offenbach Can-Can from Orpheus in the Underworld Johann Strauss II Tik-Tak Polka Josef Strauss Ohne Sorgen! (No Worries!), Polka Schnell Pre-show meals are available for this show. Served in the Piano Bar from 5pm. Booking is highly recommended.

Sat 9 Jan19:30Pavilion Theatre Stage

via Pavilion Theatre Stage