Summer’s in the air and festival season is here – it’s Glastonbury weekend and dedicated local music fans are already planning their trips to Reading and Leeds in August.

But in between the headlining grabbing big hitters comes Poole Harbour Festival, July 26-28, the hardy Dorset community festival that routinely punches above its weight with chart topping headliners, cutting edge DJs, the best tributes, free kids’ entertainment and a world of opportunities for local performers and producers to shine.

(Image: Poole Harbour Festival)
What’s more, its price-conscious ticketing policy means it doesn’t hit the pocket as hard as its better known rivals.

“When times are tough it’s more important than ever to have a festival to go to on your doorstep where good times and great music come as standard,” says festival organiser Serena Wren.

“Everyone, from the main stage artists and top name DJs, to the local performers, brilliant children’s entertainers and the food and drink producers, they’re all on board with our aim to make Poole Harbour Festival the party the people of Poole and beyond need this summer.”

ToploaderToploader (Image: Poole Harbour Festival)
Headlining the three-day festival in Baiter Park are America and Golden Touch hitmakers Razorlight, alongside revitalised indie legends The Coral, 90s festival favourites Reef, Dancing in the Moonlight stars Toploader and The South, featuring former members of serial chart toppers The Beautiful South.

Dance music fans will be itching to see Southampton-based garage duo Artful Dodger, Euphoria queen Lisa Lashes and Cream’s Seb Fontaine, as well as top ten chart act Ultrabeat and cut-n-paste king Jaguar Skills.

Artful Dodger (Image: Poole Harbour Festival)
With more than 50 acts on four stages there’s a full programme of top UK tributes to the likes of Queen, Madness, Ed Sheeran, Amy Winehouse and, for the first time, Fleetwood Mac.

“The big names bring the stardust, but Poole Harbour Festival is a celebration of local creativity as well and we’re proud to showcase brilliant bands and artists from this area’s vibrant live music scene,” adds Serena.

Seb Fontaine Seb Fontaine (Image: Poole Harbour Festival)
“This year we’ve lined up some special treats with bands like Blackwater County, Mother Ukers, Sixteen String Jack and the brilliant Gaz Brookfield.

“When you add in the locally-based kids’ entertainers and some of the best street food and drink being produced in this area, we think you have a festival that really champions the best of our region.”

ReefReef (Image: Poole Harbour Festival)
Advance Weekend and Sunday day tickets are already sold out, and the last few advance tickets for Friday and Saturday are selling fast.

Full details and bookings at https://pooleharbourfestival.com/tickets/.