Check In Chill Out - Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole

26/06/2026

26/06/2026

Another tropical night!

We didn't get the storm - but there was a spectacular light show across the bay.

If you're heading to the coast this weekend please check you've got your hotel booked as it's been a VERY busy week!

Check In. Chill Out.

Cracking shot from photo.graphy_with_mel

25/06/2026

Keep cool out there 🍦

24/06/2026

Stay safe!

EXTREME HEAT | Dorset Police is issuing advice to residents and visitors to ensure they can stay safe and have a good safe summer as temperatures soar in the county.

A red heat-health warning has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency covering Dorset, which means the severe heatwave could have impacts beyond health and social care.

The Force is working with partners to ensure you stay safe and is issuing the following advice:

🐶 Dogs can die in hot cars. Even at just 22 degrees Celsius outside, the inside of the car could reach an unbearable 47 degrees within an hour. If you’ve got concerns for a hot dog in a car that is showing signs of distress, call 999. Be mindful of walking dogs on hot surfaces such as tarmac and sand as paws can burn easily.

🚘 Remember to carry extra water in your vehicle in case of breakdowns and be aware that road conditions may be different in extreme heat. Take extra care to avoid being involved in a road traffic collision and putting additional pressure on emergency services.

🏊‍♀️ Cold water shock can affect even the strongest of swimmers and our coastal waters have not warmed up in line with the air temperature. Only swim at designated, supervised locations and keep a close eye on children near open water. If you get into trouble, remember RNLI advice – float to live.

👦 Children or vulnerable people often get separated from their loved ones on our beaches and are reported missing. Agree a designated meeting point with loved ones and take a photo on a phone of what people are wearing that day to help them be identified faster if you’re separated.

🔥 Don’t have barbecues or campfires on heaths or in open spaces – the risk of a fire starting is too great. Barbecues and campfires are actually banned in many country parks, campsites and open spaces, so make sure you check you’re following the rules.

🪟 While it is important to keep windows and doors open to circulate air and keep cool, remember not to make your property or vehicle vulnerable to theft or burglary. Around one in three burglaries and thefts from vehicles are caused by a criminal spotting an open door or window.

📞 Calls to emergency services increase significantly during warm weather. Over the late May bank holiday weekend, Dorset Police saw a 69 per cent increase in calls to 999 versus the previous year. Please make sensible choices and only call 999 if a crime is in progress or there is danger to life. Use the Force website for anything else or call 101.

Chief Superintendent Gavin Dudfield, of Dorset Police, said: “As we welcome residents and visitors to Dorset to enjoy our open spaces and coastline, we see a significant increase in demand on our services and it is vital that we do all we can to ensure everyone can have a good safe summer.

“Our teams are working tirelessly around the clock, having answered over 3,000 calls to 999 and attending over 1,000 incidents in the past seven days alone, ensuring we can protect vulnerable people and bring offenders to justice.

“We’re asking members of the public to play their part and reduce pressure on emergency services by making sensible choices and follow official advice.”

24/06/2026

Temperatures soaring today - with UK recording its hottest June day, beating highs from 1957 and 1976 ☀️🤯 Another busy day at the beach - BUT PLEASE STAY SAFE!

23/06/2026

A few pointers if you're heading to Southbourne's Shake n Stir Armed Forces Weekend.

Before You Visit Shake & Stir Armed Forces Weekender… 🇬🇧

We can't wait to welcome you to Fisherman's Walk on 27th & 28th June for what promises to be an amazing weekend celebrating our Armed Forces, veterans and community.

To help everyone enjoy the event safely, here are a few useful things to know before you arrive…

❤️ FREE ENTRY
Thanks to the incredible support of our sponsors and volunteers, the event is completely FREE to attend this year. Everyone is welcome!

🚶 The park remains open to everyone
You'll notice some low-level fencing around parts of the event. This isn't like last year's tall fencing – it's simply there to mark the licensed area for our music and bar. Our licence limits the number of people within this area at any one time, so there may occasionally be short pauses while people move around. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

🛡️ Security
For everyone's safety there will be random bag checks at the North and South entrances.

🍷 Please don't bring alcohol or glass
Think of the event like visiting a pub – alcohol cannot be brought into the licensed area. Picnics are very welcome, but please leave any alcohol and glass bottles at home.

🐶 Dogs are very welcome
Please keep dogs on a lead at all times and remember to clean up after them.

💃 No dance floors this year
To help keep costs down, we've returned to our traditional setting on the pathways and grass. Please wear suitable footwear if you're planning to dance the day away!

☀️ It's looking warm!
Don't forget:
🧴 Sun cream
💧 Stay hydrated – free drinking water will be available throughout the weekend.

🪑 Bring a chair
Camping chairs are encouraged, but please leave large umbrellas, gazebos and small tents at home as space is limited and we want everyone to enjoy a clear view of the entertainment.

🎖️ Saturday Morning Parade
On Saturday morning, some areas of the park will be temporarily cordoned off while our Veterans and Cadets Parade assembles. These areas will reopen as soon as the parade has passed, so please bear with us for a short while.

🚑 First Aid
Our First Aid team will be on site throughout the weekend should anyone need assistance.

🇬🇧 Bring your flags!
Let's give our veterans, serving personnel and cadets the welcome they deserve. We'd love to see Southbourne Grove and Fisherman's Walk filled with waving Union Flags during the parade!

Donations
With no ticket fee this year we will be asking for donations towards the event as you enter.

Most importantly… come along, relax, enjoy the music, browse the vintage and artisan traders, support our military charities and help us celebrate those who have served our country.

We look forward to seeing you all next weekend! ❤️🤍💙

#𝚜𝚎𝚎𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎

23/06/2026

✅ Check In. Chill Out. Step Back in Time.

Book your stay and come and enjoy this fabulous vintage themed event taking place this weekend.

📍 Southbourne | 27–28 June

The Shake & Stir Vintage Armed Forces Weekender is an award-winning community festival celebrating the music, style and dance of the 1940s–1960s.

Changing up this year to be an official Armed Forces Day event, this free family-friendly weekend features all things vintage, live entertainment, heritage displays and community spirit.

🎶 Live music & dance
💃 Swing, jive & vintage style
🇬🇧 Armed Forces Day celebrations
☀️ Military & heritage displays
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly fun for all ages

Check in. Chill out. Celebrate our Armed Forces past and present while enjoying a fantastic weekend by the sea.

📍 Fisherman’s Walk, Southbourne
📅 27–28 June
🎟️ Free entry (donations welcome)