Four free fireworks nights set for Poole and Bournemouth

Four free firework displays will take place at Poole Quay and Bournemouth beach between Thursday 27 August and Friday 4 September 2026. Each display starts at 10pm, admission is free and no booking is required. The events are open to residents and visitors.

BCP Council confirmed the programme following discussions with partners, including emergency services, and a reduction in the wildfire risk across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. The announcement restores displays across two consecutive weeks and includes a rearranged event that had previously been cancelled.

Firework dates at Poole Quay and Bournemouth beach

The pattern is the same in both weeks: Poole Quay hosts a Thursday display, followed by Bournemouth beach on Friday. That gives spectators four separate opportunities to attend, split evenly between the quay and beach locations.

The September events extend the programme into the following week. Councillor Richard Herrett, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for destination, leisure and commercial operations, said the council had been able to rearrange the previously cancelled display. The additional events will take place at no extra cost to the council.

Live music and family entertainment at Poole Quay

The two locations do not have identical published programmes. At Poole Quay, live music and family entertainment will lead into the 10pm fireworks finale. These extra activities have been confirmed specifically for the Poole events.

For Bournemouth beach, the council’s notice confirms the firework displays and their 10pm start but does not list an accompanying entertainment programme. Anyone choosing between the venues should therefore note that the additional pre-fireworks activities are announced only for Poole Quay.

Entry details and information still to be confirmed

No advance reservation is needed for any of the four dates, and there is no admission charge. BCP Council has asked spectators to enjoy the events responsibly.

The council’s published announcement does not give a street address, transport instructions or accessibility arrangements for either venue. It also does not provide further timing for the live music and family entertainment at Poole Quay. Visitors requiring those details should check the BCP Council event announcement for any updates before attending.

Source: Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council