Poole Town Book Festival 2026

About

Programme…

📕Thursday 5th March - World Book Day.

✍️Poole Library will be hosting a variety of events for local schools.

🎩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 aFREE scoop of ice-cream. No need to book, simply turn up in your outfit.Located just outside the Dolphin Shopping Centre.

AVAILABLE NOW: If you are looking for fancy-dress costumes, visit HollywoodFancy Dress (near Primark) plus the Salvation Army Charity Shop on Poole’s HighStreet who have a free pre-loved outfits.

📕Saturday 7th March.

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

Catherine Sabatina will be storytelling in Poole Library…The Magical IceSkating Dress and The Magical Bobsleigh. Ideal for ages 7 to 10 (yet all ageswelcome).

Books full of adventure, courage and exciting competitions! There will be timeto meet Catherine and ask her about top tips on developing your writing skills.

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

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

Meet book illustrator Lee Dixon and watch him draw and create. You are welcometo ask questions about his career.

No need to book, simply turn up.


✍️2pm until 4pm
EVOLVE - Poetry Workshop
3 Winchester Place, BH15 1NX.

Award winning poet Steve Biddle will be hosting a free poetry workshop forgrown ups. The 2 hours include building your poem using imagination andstructure. A fun and informal afternoon.

To book, please email communications@poolebid.com or call/message 07866 489 585by Weds 4th March.


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

Meet author Ray Wills. Writer of poetry and history of Traveller communitiesand culture in the UK, but particularly in Dorset. Both sides of his familycome from the Traveller communities around Dorset. He has edited and publishedseveral books including The Gypsy Storyteller and Heather for You Luck.

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

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


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

Listen to published comic book writer Grant Mace being interviewed about how hestarted his creative journey, how to get published and so much more. There isan opportunity for questions and answers plus see his work.
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. 


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

Location

Contacts

Opening Times

This event has passed.
Start:
05 March 2026
10:00 am
End:
07 March 2026
5:00 pm

Thursday 5th March 10am until 7pm

Saturday 7th March 11am until 5pm.

The Venue