Poole Speedway

Poole Speedway will return to Poole in March 2009 with the Pirates having a new team line up. Check out the Poole Speedway website for up to date information on the Poole Castle Cover Pirates and further fixtures.

Fireworks on the Quay

Summer Breeze with fireworks on the Quay Summer Breeze on the Quay, sponsored by Breeze Volkswagen took place EVERY THURSDAY on Poole Quay in June and July 2008 and will return in 2009. Every Thursday in June, July and 31st May the crowds flocked to Poole Quay to join in the fun and excitement. Entertainment ranged from Live Music, Street Entertainment and family fun. Local promoter Mr Kyps supported Summer Breeze.....on the Quay by providing and sponsoring a stage outside Oyster Quays for extra live music, featuring bands such as Rockin The Joint, Acoustic Showcase, The Ju-Ju Men and Bafaana.

Bournemouth Theatres

This year sees a wide variety of events taking place at two of the top venues in Bournemouth. " The Bournemouth International Centre (BIC) is one of the most prestigious venues for conferences, exhibitions, entertainment and leisure activities. The BIC operates alongside its sister venues The Pavilion Theatre and Ballroom and The Pier Theatre. Situated in the heart of Bournemouth, the venues host events from Rock & Pop Concerts to Opera. For a more up to date list of events and details of times and ticket prices, check out the link below to the BIC and Pavilion website.

Bournemouth Eye

See for miles as the Bournemouth Eye takes you up to 500ft above Bournemouth and experience amazing panoramic views over the English channel and surrounding countryside for up to 20 miles." The giant helium balloon takes flight from Bournemouth Lower Gardens. Children and adults will enjoy the breath-taking sights by day or by night with illuminated night flights – creating a unique romantic atmosphere. Opening hours To be confirmed Ticket Price Adults £10.00 Senior £7.50 Child £6.00 Student £7.50 Under 2’s FREE

www.bournemouthballoon.com

Russel Cotes Art Gallery and Museum

There's plenty of art, culture and exhibitions taking place at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. Whilst you are there, why not stop for a light lunch or refreshment in the calm surroundings of the coffee shop....with free admission there's no reason why not!

Admission to all exhibitions and workshops and entry to the house is free. For more information log on to www.russell-cotes.bournemouth.gov.uk

Cruise Ships

The Dorset Belles have been a familiar sight around the Dorset coastal waters since 1975. Every year thousands of passengers enjoy a chartered cruise with us, and see the beauty of our coastline and local landmarks from a different angle. The open forward and aft decks are perfect for bird watching, dolphin spotting or simply admiring the rugged scenery of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast with a glass of wine in your hand! Inside, the Belles have comfortable and cosy centrally heated saloons, so you can enjoy your cruise at any time of the day, all year round. On board we offer a fully licensed bar, refreshments, and menus which can be tailored to suit your special occasion - such as barbecues, spit roasts and Chinese banquets. We can also arrange discos or live music to create the party atmosphere of your choice. Just contact us to discuss your event and we will put together all the ingredients for a very special occasion!

Poole Theatre

Lighthouse. It's an amazing fact that Poole has the largest arts centre outside London. In Spring 2008 Lighthouse, Poole's Centre for the Arts celebrated its 30th birthday. Built in 1978 it was recently refurbished and modernised and is expecting to sell its 10 millonth ticket this year! Home to the internationally renowned Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and boasting two theatres, a concert hall, a gallery, a cafe and luxury cinema. Lighthouse is an airy, attractive venue with beautiful contemporary art works and plenty of bars, toilets and comfy sofas. Visitors and residents are welcome to look around without having to buy a ticket to the show. It's a relaxing place to meet friends or family for a coffee or find a bit of stylish peace and quiet away from the bustling town centre. Children (or the young at heart!) can pick up a free Love Lighthouse map from the Ticket Office which asks some interesting questions and keeps inquiring minds busy finding the answers around the building. Cheif Executive, Alistair Wilkinson, strives to create a programme of events where every taste can be catered for. Music, dance, theatre, film, comedy and the spoken word are offered every week and there is also a strong programme of community events and workshops. Top national dance, opera and theatre companies are visiting in 2009. There is a full season of quality shows for family audiences. The cinema shows independent, foreign and popular movies. Many of the concerts are unique events exclusive to Lighthouse. World class musicians enjoy playing at Poole because facilities are so good. For more information check out www.lighthousepoole.co.uk Festivals 2009 There are a variety of festivals in and around Poole during 2009 including Battle of the Bands and the Youth Dance Festival. For more information about Festivals in Poole call 01202 633972

Surfing

The Marine and Fisheries Agency has granted Bournemouth Borough Council a special environment licence to begin construction of the project. The Council is on course to start construction in spring 2008, with the reef anticipated to be completed in time for the October 2009 swell.

Bournemouth and Poole Beaches

It’s official; Bournemouth and Poole Beaches are still among the best in the world. " Eight beaches along Bournemouth and Poole’s twelve-mile coast have again been bestowed the prestigious Blue Flag beach awards for having litter-free sands and clean swimming waters. The winning beaches, Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Southbourne and Fisherman’s Walk, Branksome Chine, Canford Cliffs Chine, Sandbanks Peninsular and Shore Road were awarded based on 28 imperative criteria and other guideline criteria of the strictest standard relating to water quality, environmental education, environmental management and safety and services. Mark Smith, Head of Tourism in Bournemouth, said, “This is of the highest honour to our seafront staff who maintain the beaches to a tremendous standard. It’s this hard work that keep visitors returning year on year. The eight Blue Flag awards are recognition of the fact that our beautiful beaches are among the best in the world.” Cllr Michael Filer, Cabinet Member for Economy and Tourism, says, “I am delighted with the ENCAMS news. Bournemouth beaches have never failed to be clean and safe and it is fantastic that we have been recognised and awarded for all the hard work that goes into offering a world-class beach to residents and visitors alike.” Tim Stokes, South West Director of ENCAMS (the charity responsible for Blue Flag in England) said: “The awards have been running for 20 years now. It is testament to the growing popularity and credibility of the awards. But also the hard work that those who look after our beaches across the region have put in to make these stretches of coast spotless.”

Compton Acres

Compton Acres - invites you to escape to a different world in the South's finest privately owned gardens. See - our beautiful gardens themed from around the world Marvel - at the spectacular views across Poole Harbour and beyond Shop - for gifts, crafts, plants and garden products Eat - at the Italian restaurant - Sorridi, teamroom or Harbourview Cafe Now at the forefront of the South's garden attractions, the privately owned, grade 2 listed Compton Acres has 10 acres of magnificent themed gardens from around the world each individual from the next. Experience Japanese, Italian and Roman horticulture along with rock and water gardens and our wooded valley including spectacular views across Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills. Exciting shopping opportunities are offered in our craft and gift shops and there's also a model railway for enthusiasts and the kids! Compton Acres is one of the South Coast's 'must see' visitor attractions - with events throughout the year - check the website for latest details. There's something for all the family whatever the weather. A visit to Compton Acres promises surprise, drama, romance and delight at every turn.

Oceanarium

Discover life beneath the waves and come down to the Oceanarium at Bournemouth Seafront. Explore the secrets of the ocean in an adventure that will take you to some of the world’s most amazing waters. " The Oceanarium Bournemouth, brings you face to face with marine life from the furthest reaches of the globe – more than just an aquarium, a vibrant experience through the oasis of water.

SPECIAL EVENTS 2009

April
Classic Cars on the Prom Every Sunday from 5th April – 13th September (excluding 23rd August) West Overcliff Promenade – Bournemouth Seafront www.ccotp.co.uk

French Market Thursday 2nd – Sunday 5th April Bournemouth Town Centre

Spring Hullabaloo – Arts Event Saturday 4th April Bournemouth Lower Gardens

Fitness First Bournemouth Bay Run Sunday 5th April Bournemouth Seafront

Mayors Charity Duck Race Saturday 11th April Bournemouth Lower Gardens www.bournemouth.gov.uk

Mayor of Bournemouth Charity Easter Fair Saturday 11th Mayor of Bournemouth Charity Easter Fair www.bournemouth.gov.uk

Boscombe Family Easter Event Saturday 11th April Boscombe Gardens

Help for Heroes Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th April Meyrick Park www.h4h-rugby-dorset09.co.uk

ESCAPE – Skating Event Saturday 18th April Kings Park – Skate Park

Arts Institute – Gardens Project Friday 24th April – Sunday 3rd May Bournemouth Lower Gardens


May
Pinewalk Art Exhibition Saturday 23rd May – Sunday 6th September Pinewalk – next to Tourist Information centre

June
Sports Festival Saturday 13th June Sir David English Sports Centre

Race for Life Sunday 21st June Bournemouth Seafront www.raceforlife.org

Winton Carnival Saturday 27th June Winton Recreation Ground www.wintonforum.co.uk


July
French Market Thursday 2nd – Sunday 5th July Bournemouth Town Centre

Bournemouth Triathlon Sunday 5th July Bournemouth Seafront www.conceptsport.co.uk

Bourne Free Friday 10th – Sunday 12th July Bandstand and Triangle www.bournefree.co.uk

British Heart Foundation Pier to Pier Swim Sunday 19th July Bournemouth to Boscombe Pier www.bhf.org.uk

02 Scrum on the Beach Saturday 25th July Bournemouth Beach www.rfu.co.uk


August
Thai Festival Sunday 2nd August Kings Park www.bournemouth.gov.uk

Funderworld 7th – 31st August Kings Park, Bournemouth www.funderworld.com

Friday Family Fiesta Friday 31st July, 7th, 14th & 28th August Bournemouth Seafront & Lower Gardens www.bournemouth.co.uk

Bournemouth Carnival Week Monday 2nd – 9th Sunday August Various Location www.bournemouthcarnival.org.uk

Flowers by Candlelight Wednesday 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th August Bournemouth Lower Gardens

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Concerts Friday 7th and Saturday 8th August Meyrick Park, Bournemouth www.bsolive.co.uk

Bournemouth Air Festival Thursday 20th – Sunday 23rd August Bournemouth Seafront www.bournemouthair.co.uk

September
Boscombe Community Fair Friday 11th – Sunday 13th September Kings Park www.myspace.com/boscombecommunityfairuk

Stour Valley Festival Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September Stour Valley

French Market Thursday 17th – Sunday 20th September Bournemouth Town Centre


October
Cancer Research 10k Sunday 18th October Bournemouth Seafront www.cancerresearchuk.org/10k

Halloween Saturday 31st October Bournemouth Lower Gardens


November
Littledown Fireworks Saturday 7th November Littledown Centre, Bournemouth www.bournemouthfireworks.co.uk

French Market Thursday 12th – Sunday 15th November Bournemouth Town Centre

Christmas Lights Switch On Sunday 29th November Bournemouth Town Centre