New seafood and music festival created for Poole Quay

Following the loss of several annual events at Poole Quay, five businesses have collaborated to create Seafood & Sounds – a free to attend festival scheduled for September.

The owners of City Cruises, Custom House, the Poole Arms, St Tropez Restaurant and Truly Scrumptious sweet shop came together after the Poole Seafood Festival and Poole Goes Vintage were axed amid financial constraints.

It has also been reported that the Folk On The Quay music and dancing festival has too been cancelled.

Folk on the Quay

Seafood & Sounds will take place on Saturday, September 16, and Sunday 17, at Poole Quay and the Lower High Street.

Truly Scrumptious owner and event organiser Jeanette Walsh said: “Events are an important part of the attraction of Poole Quay especially during the shoulder season of September.

“When we heard that key events were being cancelled, a group of businesses decided to join together and organise our own.

“We have been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and commitment to make a success of this inaugural event.”

Jeanette Walsh, owner of Truly Scrumptious (Image: Poole BID)

The event will feature local musicians, while participating pubs and restaurants will offer special seafood dishes throughout the weekend.

There are plans for a fish market and stalls within Hennings restaurant.

BCP Council is now providing financial support previously earmarked for Poole Goes Vintage, which was cancelled for being financially unviable due to issues obtaining traders.

The council’s head of events, Jon Weaver, said: “We recognise that it has been a challenging year for event organisers but there is still a comprehensive summer events programme on Poole Quay and we are looking forward to a new event being developed by the local businesses in September.”

Poole BID is also supporting the event with administrative support and sponsorship funds.

BID lead Jacqui Rock said: “Economic pressures are affecting all of us in one way or another and it’s how we respond that will always win the day in the end.

“The spirit shown by the businesses involved in this project is really second to none and is the hallmark of the community that we have here in Poole.”

Jeanette added: “The traders along Poole Quay have always worked together, but funding cuts and wider financial business pressures in 2023 has made us all determined to join together to create what we hope will be an annual community event.”