Stir! Events

2026 Lineup

> 16/05 Southbourne Food & Fun Festival
> 27-28/06 Shake & Stir Armed Forces Weekender
> 5-6/09 Cliff Top Music Festival

> Update on Poole Goes Vintage
> Volunteering with stir events cic
> about stir events cic
> trading & contact

Southbourne Food & Fun Festival’26

Location: Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne, UK, BH6 3SQ
Date & Time: Saturday 16th may, 11am to 6pm
Entry: Free Entry
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The Southbourne Food & Fun Festival is a brand-new celebration of local food, drink, and community spirit - brought to you by Stir Events CIC.

Set in the beautiful surroundings of Fisherman’s Walk, this free one-day festival will be packed with flavours, creativity, and family fun. Visitors can explore a bustling market of local food and drink producers, meet the people behind Southbourne’s favourite cafés and restaurants, and discover handmade goods from Dorset and Hampshire artisans.

Alongside fabulous food experiences, the festival will inspire greener living with “grow your own” and “cook your own” workshops, led by local chefs, gardeners, and community groups. There’ll be plenty to entertain the whole family - from live music by The Hush Club, to cake baking competitions, food bingo, and a fancy-dress parade for anyone who loves to get creative!

The day will also shine a spotlight on local food banks, eco-projects, and good causes, reminding us how food connects us all and how small actions can make a big difference.

Join us for a day of flavour, fun, and community - celebrating the very best of Southbourne’s food culture and the people who make it thrive.

Free entry • Family friendly • Everyone welcome!

Shake & Stir Armed Forces Weekender

Shake & Stir Vintage Music Festival
Location: Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne, UK, BH6 3SQ
Dates & Times:
Saturday 27th June > 10:30am – 7:00pm
Sunday 28th June > 11:00am – 5:00pm
Entry:Free entry – donations appreciated
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The much-loved Shake & Stir Vintage Festival returns in 2026 as something even more meaningful… the Shake & Stir Vintage Armed Forces Weekender, a two-day celebration honouring service, heritage, and community spirit!

Building on over a decade of award-winning events, this special Armed Forces weekend brings together everything that makes Shake & Stir so distinctive - live music, vintage culture, dance, and local flavour - with a renewed focus on recognising the Armed Forces, veterans, and the stories that connect our community to service at home and overseas.

We’re proud to confirm that Shake & Stir Armed Forces Weekender 2026 is officially approved and featured on the Armed Forces Day website:

https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/event/shake-and-stir-armed-forces-weekend-2026

What to Expect?

Across two vibrant days at Fisherman’s Walk, visitors can enjoy a rich mix of music, heritage, ceremony, and family-friendly entertainment.

Live Music & Dance

  • Vintage live music from the 1940s–1960s, including swing, big band, rock ’n’ roll , rockabilly and smooth

  • Dance displays and workshops including Lindy Hop, Jive, Swing and strolling

  • Opportunities for public participation throughout the weekend

Military Heritage & History Hub

  • History Hub exhibition featuring:

    • Local and regional military history

    • Stories of service at home and overseas

    • Indian Army contributions, delivered in partnership with the BCP Indian Community

    • Historic photographs, artefacts, and press cuttings

  • Military Village Featuring:

    • Representatives from all three-armed forces

    • Information and awareness stalls

    • Veterans’ organisations and Armed Forces charities offering welfare, information, and meet-and-greet opportunities

    • Reservists showcase highlighting how civilian careers combine with military service

Family, Food & Festival Atmosphere

  • Children’s vintage games and interactive learning activities

  • Vintage traders and artisan stalls

  • Food and drink traders offering a varied, family-friendly selection

  • Community fundraising activities including raffles

  • Volunteer-led stewarding and welcome teams, creating a friendly, inclusive atmosphere throughout the weekend

Armed Forces parade & march-past

08:30 – 09:30 Veterans Breakfast – free to the first 100, £2 thereafter. Sponsored by PS Catering. Served in Fisherman’s Walk.

10am: Veterans and Armed Forces representatives to muster in Stourwood Road. Seating will be placed near the raised dais on Southbourne Grove for Veterans who are unable to march in the Parade.

10:30am: The Parade, led by the Christchurch band of the Royal British Legion shall march along Southbourne Road, Southbourne Grove, Wentworth Avenue and Portman Crescent before entering Fisherman’s Walk and coming to a halt in front of the Bandstand.

Salute: The Deputy Lord Lieutenant shall take the salute from a raised dais on Southbourne Grove. Supporting him will be:

  • Millie Earl – BCP Council Leader

  • Lesley Dedman – Chairman of BCP Council

  • MP Tom Hayes

  • Tobias Ellwood, Rifles Colonel for Dorset

  • Councillor George Farquhar - BCP Council’s Armed Forces Champion

  • Bournemouth Mayor Roberto Rocca

11am - The Address will be given at the Bandstand in Fisherman’s Walk

Welcome: Mrs Mandy Polkey – Stir Events CIC Managing Director

Welcome: Councillor Millie Earl – BCP Council Leader

Address: Deputy Lord Lieutenant

Flag Raising: The Union Jack and the Armed Forces Day flag will be raised to pronounce the start of the Armed Forces Day celebrations

Merchandise Available

Visit Shop

  • Welcome to Shake & Stir Armed Forces Weekender at Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne. This is a free community event delivered by Stir Events CIC. By attending the event, visitors agree to the following terms and conditions:

  • Entry to the event is FREE of charge.

    Donations will be welcomed throughout the weekend to help support the running costs of the event and future community festivals.

  • Random bag searches will be carried out on entry to the event site.

    Low-level event fencing will be in place for safety and security purposes. Please respect all fencing, signage, stewards, and event staff instructions.

    Anyone behaving in an unsafe, abusive, threatening, or anti-social manner may be refused entry or asked to leave the event site.

  • No alcohol may be brought into the event site.

    No glass bottles, glasses, or containers are permitted on site.

    Event staff reserve the right to confiscate prohibited items.

  • Well-behaved dogs are welcome at the event.

    Dogs must remain on a lead at all times.

    Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs.

  • Picnics are welcome.

    Visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnic chairs or blankets.

    Small tents, gazebos, windbreaks, and large umbrellas are not permitted as they obstruct views and create safety concerns.

  • Please note there will be no dance floor at this year’s event.

    Fairground rides and attractions may have their own operational rules and restrictions.

  • Photography and filming may take place during the event for promotional and marketing purposes. By attending, visitors consent to being included in event photography or filming unless they advise the organisers otherwise.

  • Visitors attend the event at their own risk.

    Stir Events CIC accepts no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to personal property.

    Event timings and programme details may be subject to change.

    Please help us keep Fisherman’s Walk clean and tidy by using the bins provided and respecting the surrounding environment.

    Thank you for supporting Shake & Stir Armed Forces Weekender 2026. We hope you have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable weekend celebrating our Armed Forces and community spirit by the sea.

    • The Commodore Hotel, our dedicated Artist Sponsor!

    • Southbourne Overcliffe Drive, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH6 3TD

    • 18:00 till late!

    • Featuring DJ Mr D! Dave Norrell and The Memphis Cruisers!

Cliff Top Music Festival

Location: Cliff Top Overspill car park, Wharncliffe Rd, Highcliffe, BH23 5DF
Dates & Times:
Saturday 5th September > 11:00am – 7:00pm
Sunday 6th September > 11:00am – 5:00pm
Entry: Ticketed, get yours - CLICK here
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Back by popular demand - and now bigger than ever! The award-nominated Cliff Top Music Festival returns to the stunning seafront at Highcliffe for two unforgettable days of live music, community spirit, and seaside celebration.

Two Days. Two Headliners. One Iconic Setting. Soul Saturday brings powerhouse vocals and feel-good energy, headlined by none other than Robert Arkins & The Commitments Live - the original star of the legendary film, performing all the hits that made you fall in love with soul.

Pop & Glam Sunday ramps up the sparkle with glittering costumes, big voices and timeless classics - closing with a show-stopping performance by the Fleetwood Mac Experience.

What to Expect:

  • Full live music programme across both days

  • Artisan food and drink stalls

  • Park & Ride service

  • Family entertainment: , face painting & street theatre

  • Big screens with sponsor features & artist visuals

  • VIP area, bar zones, and a vibrant community vibe

Set against panoramic views of the Isle of Wight, this truly is one of Dorset’s most scenic and spirited festivals. Tickets on sale soon – stay tuned for early bird offers!

More info at: https://www.highcliffevillage.com/music-festival

Cliff Top Music Festival!

5th & 6th September 2026

Poole Goes Vintage, 2026 Update

The team behind Poole Goes Vintage has made the decision to take a planned pause in 2026, with the intention of returning in 2027.

Delivered by Stir Events CIC, Poole Goes Vintage has become a much-loved highlight of Poole’s summer calendar, bringing thousands of people into the town centre and Quay to enjoy vintage music, style, classic vehicles, markets, and community celebration.

Despite extensive efforts throughout 2025 to secure funding, the 2026 event has been postponed due to a lack of confirmed sponsorship support. Like many community events, Poole Goes Vintage relies on sponsorship to remain free and accessible, and ongoing economic pressures have made commitments more challenging this year.

We’re incredibly grateful to Poole BID for their support in recent years, which has helped us deliver some truly memorable events and a significant boost to local footfall and town-centre vibrancy. This pause allows us to regroup, refocus, and plan for a strong return in 2027, with a refreshed approach to sponsorship and community involvement.

This isn’t goodbye… just a pause with purpose. If you’re a business, organisation, or individual who’d like to be part of Poole Goes Vintage 2027, we’d love to hear from you.

Volunteer with Stir Events CIC

Love bringing people together? Got a spark for creativity and community? Join the Stir Events CIC volunteer team and help us make magic happen across Dorset.

Whether you’re hands-on at one of our festivals, supporting behind the scenes, or welcoming visitors with a friendly face, your time, energy, and passion make a real difference. Volunteering with Stir isn’t just about giving back - it’s about gaining new skills, meeting brilliant people, and playing a key role in events that uplift and inspire.

Many of our events, including commemorative weekends like the Shake & Stir Vintage Armed Forces Weekender, rely on volunteers to help keep them free, inclusive, and accessible to all. From stewarding and visitor support to helping with community fundraising and engagement, there are lots of ways to get involved.

Be part of something unforgettable - and help us bring people together through music, heritage, and community spirit.

Get in Touch

About Stir Events CIC:

Stir Events CIC is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to creating inclusive, high-quality, community-focused events across Dorset. From lively vintage festivals to meaningful commemorative gatherings, we bring people together through music, heritage, and shared experiences, while supporting local businesses, charities, and volunteers.

We’re proud to work collaboratively with a wide range of partners to ensure our events are welcoming, educational, and impactful. This includes working alongside: Helping Homeless Veterans UK, Royal British Legion, Rotary, BCP Indian Association, Local cadet units, A BCP Council funding officer, supporting grant and sponsorship activity.

To keep our events (including the Shake & Stir Vintage Armed Forces Weekender) free and accessible for everyone, we welcome support from businesses, community groups, and individuals. There are many ways to get involved:

  • Sponsorship or donations

  • Volunteering your time and skills

  • Fundraising activities or raffle prizes

Every contribution helps us honour service, celebrate heritage, and create events that strengthen community spirit across Dorset.

Trading with Stir Events CIC:

We love working with traders who add colour, character, and quality to our events. If you’re a vintage trader, artisan, food vendor, or local business interested in trading at one of our festivals or community gatherings, we’d love to hear from you

General trading, Sponsorship, and participation enquiries: 📧 mandy@eventsbystir.com