Volunteers wanted to help bring Seafood & Sounds festival 2026 to life
Community volunteers invited to be part of one of Poole’s biggest free weekend events
The organisers of Seafood & Sounds Festival 2026 are calling on local people to volunteer and help make this year’s festival another memorable success.
Taking place on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September, Seafood & Sounds will transform Poole Quay, the Old Town, the High Street, Falkland Square and the Dolphin Centre into a vibrant celebration of local seafood, live music, family entertainment, arts and community spirit.
Can you spare a few hours or a whole day?
With thousands of visitors expected across the weekend, volunteers play a vital role in helping the festival run smoothly. Whether you can spare a few hours or a whole day, your support will help create a welcoming, safe and enjoyable experience for everyone attending.
There are a variety of volunteer roles available, including:
- Welcoming visitors and providing information.
- Assisting with the Opening Parade.
- Helping with the set-up and break-down of the event.
- Helping across the festival area.
- Supporting the smooth running of activities throughout the weekend.
- Keeping the event Litter Free
.
No experience necessary
No previous experience is necessary. Full guidance and support will be provided, making volunteering a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, gain valuable event experience and play an active role in one of Poole’s flagship community celebrations.
For one volunteer, taking part in last year’s festival proved to be life changing.
Jay, who volunteered as an event steward in 2025, said:
“When you lose a partner, the world can suddenly feel incredibly vast and daunting. Signing up to steward was a quiet act of bravery for me, but from the moment I put on my volunteer high-vis, something shifted.
“The festival gave me a safe, structured and joy-filled space to rediscover my confidence. Every smile from a visitor and every successful interaction helped rebuild my self-belief.
“By the time the festival weekend ended, I wasn’t just tired and happy – I was transformed. The experience gave me the confidence to update my CV, apply for jobs and return to work.
“To anyone wondering whether to volunteer, do it. You think you’re just giving your time to a festival, but you might just find that it gives you your life back.”
Festival organiser Jeanette Walsh hopes more people will experience the same sense of achievement.
“Seafood & Sounds is all about bringing our community together,” said Jeanette. “Our volunteers are at the heart of the festival and help create the warm, friendly atmosphere that visitors remember. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, build your confidence, gain experience or simply give something back to your community, we’d love to welcome you to the team.”
Seafood & Sounds celebrates everything that makes Poole special, bringing together local businesses, musicians, artists, community groups and charities for a weekend packed with entertainment and activities for all ages.
If you’d like to be part of this exciting community event, we’d love to hear from you.
To register your interest in volunteering, please contact:
Jeanette Walsh
📧 jea@thepinksugarmouse.com
