Seafood and Sounds Festival

Seafood & Sounds is back for 2026 – bigger, tastier, and more tuneful than ever!

Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September

Seafood & Sounds 2026 is set to bring a vibrant, town-wide celebration of seafood, music and community to Poole this September, transforming Poole Quay, Old Town Poole and the High Street into a lively festival atmosphere for a full weekend of free entertainment.
Building on the success of previous years, the festival will expand its footprint even further in 2026, extending activity up the High Street to include Old Orchard, the area outside White Pepper Chef Academy and Falkland Square. The expansion, supported by Poole BID, will spread activity across a wider stretch of the town centre, encouraging visitors to explore more of Poole.
“Seafood & Sounds has grown into something really special for Poole,” said Jeanette Walsh, one of the organisers of Seafood & Sounds.
“What started as a celebration of our seafood and music has become a true town-wide event that brings people together and showcases the character, creativity and hospitality of the town. Expanding the festival further in 2026 allows us to involve more local businesses and create new experiences for visitors while celebrating Poole’s maritime heritage in a fun and inclusive way.”
Festivities will begin at 11am on Saturday with a colourful seafood-themed opening parade, starting at Slug & Lettuce and travelling along the High Street and through Old Town before culminating on Poole Quay. The parade will provide a strong visual launch to the weekend.
A curated artisan market will be spread across multiple locations throughout the town, encouraging visitors to explore different areas rather than remaining in a single space. The dispersed layout is designed to maximise dwell time and support independent businesses.
Live music will form the heartbeat of the festival, with performances programmed across nine locations including Poole Quay, Old Town, the High Street and Falkland Square, as well as The Dolphin Centre who are headline sponsor, creating a consistent festival atmosphere throughout the weekend.
Seafood remains at the heart of the event, with local restaurants and vendors showcasing special dishes using the area’s renowned coastal produce. The programme will also include food demonstrations inside The Dolphin Centre and culinary workshops for local students at White Pepper Chef Academy on Saturday.


Designed as a free, family-friendly weekend, Seafood & Sounds will feature children’s entertainment and activity zones across multiple locations, alongside community partnerships including Poole Town FC.
To help visitors make the most of the expanded festival, a dedicated complimentary event programme will be available, outlining performance times, locations and activities across the weekend and helping audiences easily plan their visit.
Jacqui Rock, CEO of Poole BID, said:
“Seafood & Sounds is a fantastic example of how events can animate the town centre, support local businesses and encourage people to explore more of Poole. By extending the festival footprint and activating key areas such as the High Street and Falkland Square, the event will help drive footfall and reinforce Poole’s reputation as a lively and welcoming destination.”
To further connect the festival areas, themed walking routes including the Oyster Trail and Cockle Trail will guide visitors across the town, alongside ‘Walk & Talks with Hattie’ on Sunday.
Seafood & Sounds 2026 promises a dynamic celebration of Poole’s heritage, hospitality and creative spirit, bringing residents, visitors and businesses together for a weekend that showcases the very best of the town.

Event Website:
Seafood and Sounds Festival