DUNKIRK POOLE REMEMBERS
30 April – 1st June 2025
Poole Maritime Trust, in collaboration with local partners across the town, is proud to help lead this month-long commemoration. Dedicated to preserving Poole’s rich maritime heritage, the Trust highlights the town’s vital role in the Dunkirk evacuation and honours its continuing legacy.
This is a town-wide tribute marking 85 years since Dunkirk and 80 years since VE Day—a celebration of courage, community, and remembrance…
Proudly supported by
MAIN EXHIBITIONS
Lighthouse, Poole
26 April – 27th May
Open Tue–Sat, 10am – 8pm An immersive exhibition bringing Poole’s Dunkirk story to life.
The Dolphin
GATHER SPACE 30 April – 1st June
Open every day 10am – 4pm A creative community-led reflection on courage, remembrance, and local legacy.
SUPPORTING EXHIBITIONS
RNLI Poole Old Lifeboat Museum
Mon - Sat: 10:30am – 4pm, Sun: 1pm - 4pm.
Opening hours are subject to the weather and volunteer availability. Visit the Thomas Kirk Wright, one of Dunkirk’s heroic “Little Ships,” now preserved at the RNLI Museum.
WATCH the film
plus more great events
VE DAY 80th Anniversary, 8th may 2025
Turn Your Window Red, White & Blue for VE Day 80th Anniversary!
Dunkirk & VE Day Window Display Competition
May 2 – 11
Explore creative shopfront tributes across Poole Town and enter the competition to receive a cash prize.
FIFINELLA’S at Dolphin Centre Gather Space
Thu 8 May – 12pm – 2pm
FIFINELLA’S at Dolphin Centre – Gather Space
VE Day special event curated by Dolphin Centre
ECHOES OF LOVE, Lighthouse, Poole
Thu 8 May – 8pm
A powerful performance by Scaplen’s Court Community Players
Tickets: 01202 280000 | www.lighthousepoole.co.uk
RNLI:
The Dunkirk Commemoration Service
Wed 28 May, 6pm
RNLI: The Dunkirk Commemoration Service
Location: Poole Old Lifeboat Museum, the Quay, Poole, BH15 1HU. No booking necessary
FOUNDRY ARMS VE Day 80th Anniversary
Foundry Arms,
58 Lagland Street, BH15 1GQ
1940s fancy dress is optional for their street party style day, bring your pennies for a charity raffle and a donation bucket.
Ice cream and BBQ food.
GETTING to poole
By BUS
Accessing Poole High Street & Quay is remarkably convenient thanks to the efficient public transportation options available. MoreBus services offer extensive coverage, with frequent routes connecting surrounding areas directly to the High Street, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
By TRAIN
The main train line to Poole runs from London Waterloo to Weymouth operated by South Western Railway.
By CAR
Poole is linked by the A31 to the M27, and from there to the M3 and London. Head south on the A350 from Bristol, and east on the A35 from Exeter. Check the Travel Dorset website for latest updates.
By COACH
A regular coach service with National Express is available throughout the country and links towns, cities and airports offering shuttle services to Poole.
