Poole Town Book Festival 2026

Thu Mar 05 2026 at 10:00 am to 05:00 pm UTC+00:00

Poole Dorset | Poole

Poole BID
Publisher/HostPoole BID
Poole Town Book Festival 2026
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📚 Welcome to the very first Poole Town Book Festival.

Proudly sponsored by Poole BID.

Visit Poole, everyone welcome to attend the FREE activities and join in the fun.

Are you a budding writer, illustrator or poet? Do you love books?


Programme…


📕 Thursday 5th March - World Book Day.

✍️ Poole Library will be hosting a variety of events for local schools introducing them to the services and opportunities at the library.

🎩 Will your little ones be in fancy-dress at school/pre-school on World Book Day? Come along in your favourite book character costume to Kaspa’s Desserts for a FREE scoop of ice-cream with a topping or sauce. No need to book, simply turn up in your outfit. Located just outside the Dolphin Shopping Centre (Bus Station side).

AVAILABLE NOW: If you are looking for fancy-dress costumes, visit Hollywood Fancy Dress & Party Store also just outside the Dolphin Shopping Centre (near Primark) plus the Salvation Army Charity Shop on Poole’s High Street who have a selection of pre-loved outfits for 50p!

📕 Saturday 7th March.

✍️ 11am until 12noon
POOLE LIBRARY - Storytelling
Dolphin Shopping Centre, Kingland Road, Poole BH15 1QE.

Established author Catherine Sabatina will be storytelling in Poole Library from her latest books…The Magical Ice Skating Dress and The Magical Bobsleigh. Ideal for ages 7 to 10 (yet all ages welcome).

Both books are from the ‘Magical Presents’ series…a child finds a magical gift that helps face fears, unlock talents and believe in themselves. Full of adventure, courage and exciting competitions! There will be time to meet Catherine and ask her about top tips on developing your writing skills.

No need to book, simply turn up (upstairs in the Dolphin Shopping Centre).


✍️ 1pm until 3pm
SALVATION ARMY CHARITY SHOP - Live Book Illustrating
78 High St, Poole BH15 1DB.

Meet book illustrator Lee Dixon and watch him draw and create. You are welcome to ask questions about his career and enjoy him drawing live.

shorturl.at/cCBJm

No need to book, simply turn up.

✍️ 2pm until 4pm
EVOLVE - Poetry Workshop
3 Winchester Place, Poole BH15 1NX.
Award winning poet Steve Biddle will be hosting a free poetry workshop for grown ups. The 2 hours include building your poem using imagination and structure. A fun and informal afternoon with refreshments.

To book, please email [email protected] or call/message 07866 489 585 by Weds 4th March (places are limited, please book early).

✍️ 3pm until 5pm
OXFAM BOOKSHOP - Reading & Book Signing
136 High St, Poole BH15 1DN.

Meet author Ray Wills. Writer of poetry and history of Traveller communities and culture in the UK, but particularly in Dorset. He was born in 1945 on Ringwood Road, Poole. Both sides of his family come from the Traveller communities around Dorset, particularly the New Forest, Canford Heath and the Purbecks. He has edited and published several books including The Gypsy Storyteller, Heather for You Luck, My Dear, Where the River Bends and The Gypsy Camp.

Ray will be in the store signing books plus reading. There will be refreshments kindly hosted by Jenni and her team at Oxfam Bookshop on Poole’s High Street.

shorturl.at/UKh8i

Jenni initiated Poole Town Book Festival, and the shop is home to over 1,000 books of all genres. So far Oxfam Bookshop in Poole has raised £65,000 for the charity thanks to all of their customers. A must to visit for any book worms.

No need to book for this event, simply turn up.

✍️ 4pm until 5pm
THE CROWN HOTEL - Interview with Comic Book Author
23 Market St, Poole BH15 1NB.

Listen to published comic book writer Grant Mace being interviewed about how he started his creative journey, how to get published and so much more. There is an opportunity for questions and answers plus see his work and meet the man himself.
No need to book, simply turn up at 4pm.

Do you love comic books? Visit Andy at Paradox Comics in Poole’s Old Town. Discover an Aladdin’s cave of comics covering all genres. www.paradoxcomics.co.uk

🍬 An extra treat, on Saturday 7th March you can collect a FREE lolly with every purchase at Truly Scrumptious Traditional Sweet Shop in the Old Town.



Please come along and support the events. If you have ideas for the future of Poole Town Book Festival or would like more information, please email Suzy at [email protected]
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Poole Dorset, Poole, United Kingdom

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