We’re helping towns and communities attract visitors through live events and marketing - increasing foot flow, celebrating culture and granting opportunities for trade!

Awarded ‘best event of the year’ 2022 & 2023 - Dorset tourism awards! > Learn more

 

We’re helping towns and communities attract visitors through live events and marketing - increasing foot flow, celebrating culture and granting opportunities for trade!

 
 

Discover the Shake & Stir Festival

Join us for an unforgettable vintage experience at Southbourne's cherished Shake & Stir 2023 festival. Celebrating the vibrant music of the 1920s to the 1970s, this lively event also features dazzling dance performances, classic automobiles, stunning vintage fashion, enlightening workshops, and displays of local artists' talent.

Moreover, indulge in a mouthwatering variety of handpicked food, drink, and artisanal goods from our top vendors. Mark your calendars for June 24th and 25th, as Shake & Stir 2023 promises to be an engaging, community-focused festival.

 
 
 

Poole Goes Vintage

In the summer of 2022, BCP Council asked for Stir! Events support... returning the beloved 'Poole Goes Vintage' festival to Poole Quay, UK. The successful event, held in July, saw thousands flock to Poole for a weekend of music, fashion, entertainment and classic cars - with a 1940-60s theme!

We've since been preparing for PGV'23, sourcing traders and new lineups. However, our team are deeply saddened to announce that due to circumstances outside our control, the festival has been cancelled this year. A press release is due from BCP Council in due course.

 

LATEST NEWS & insights

 

the high street isn’t dead… if we adapt to save it

Our mission at Stir! Events is to support the rejuvenation of local high streets through the creation of live events that encourage greater foot flow and grant opportunities for small business; working in collaboration with local communities, government bodies and existing town growth and improvement initiatives.

The ‘Great British High Street’ is seeing a revival across the country, where its occupants are adapting to change. Once, streets were monopolised by large corporate chains and measured by the movement of people and vehicles. Now, vacant stores are being taken over by local independents, businesses are collaborating to build locations people love visiting, and spaces are becoming more creative, sociable and enjoyable to experience!

 
 

Subscribe to the STIR! EVENTS newsletter

For the latest news and updates related to our live events, festivals, markets and trade opportunities. Sent monthly, we’ll update you on all that’s going on and coming up, along with our insights on what’s happening across Dorset!

 
 

Partnered events

Stir! Events manage a collection of collaborative happenings across Dorset, working with landowners and local councils to deliver seasonal, promotional and market/trade-led occasions. This has included the Bournemouth Arcade Artisan Market along with numerous events in Saxon Square, Christchurch. Our services range from complete event delivery to healthy & safety, mystery shopping and even equipment rental.

 
 

Trade with Stir!

We’re accepting applications for traders to join us at our 2023 events, with highlights including the Shake & Stir vintage festival, Poole Goes Vintage and other partnered events.

If you’ve traded with us previously or are interested in bringing your business to one of our festivals in the future, get in touch via our contact form.

 
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Want to perform with Stir!?

From regulars such as Little Dave and the Sun Sessions or The Junco Shakers - to headliners including Mungo Jerry or Earl Jackson & Stompin’ Dave, our festivalgoers enjoy performances from incredible musicians!

We handpick bands and artists each year to ensure we create an incredible atmosphere and lineup. Applications are open for this year’s events - contact us to be considered for 2023.

 
 
 

media galleries

Want to re-live 2020’s ‘Home Edition’ of the Shake & Stir Festival and enjoy hours of video content? Looking for photography taken at one of our previous events, or perhaps that one photo of you from S&S years ago?

Check out our media galleries and join our communities on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and/or Twitter!

 
 

- Sponsors & Partners 2023 -

Having engaged partners and a community around a business like Stir! Events, is crucial for our growth and sustainability, as it enables us to leverage the expertise, resources, and capabilities of our supporters, partners, and sponsors. This empowers us to deliver high-quality events, build brand awareness, and foster long-term relationships with all our audiences. In 2023 our tribe includes: