The turn of the millennium brought a fierce rhythm to the Dorset coast, echoing still in these vibrant archival glimpses of the 2001 Swanage Folk Festival.

Dorset is the best place in the country to enjoy a long lunch in the garden or a picnic by the coast this summer, following new research.

Mr Potato Goes to Town, written by Christchurch resident Tim Lincoln and narrated by Clive Anderson, is available on YouTube, to raise funds for Parkinson's UK.

Dorset mental health charity Plants and Minds has saved the NHS millions of pounds during its 36-year existence, according to the son of the charity’s founder.

The Pavilion Arms in Bournemouth is our Pub of the Week this week as the venue promises  seasonal menus and live music to help guests make the most of the summer.

Seann Walsh will perform at The Mowlem in Swanage on February 5, 2027 as part of his new UK tour, This is Torture.

I have just read the letter from the lady from Italy I am not surprised of her letter.

Britain’s Leading Edge has launched a new manifesto setting out how rural and coastal areas can help deliver some of the UK’s biggest priorities.

MBN Arts’ annual Summer Arts Exhibition, held on July 2 in Bournemouth, celebrated the work of children and young people aged 8 to 21

Griff’s Family Butchers in Broadstone has applied to BCP Council for a licence to sell alcohol for off-site consumption. Comments accepted until 17 July 2026.

Boscombe Grove Road, Bournemouth, will close for tree works from 13–24 July 2026, per BCP Council. Diversions in place; access restrictions apply.

I agree with every word this person has said about Bournemouth.

Your correspondent N Nauti on July 9 reports that they will not be returning to Bournemouth, which they consider their hometown, again for a holiday.

Poole Leisure Painters will host its latest exhibition, "Sapphire," in the Mezzanine Gallery at Lighthouse Poole from September 9 to September 26.

Winfrith Drama Group presents The Last Quiz Night on Earth by Alison Carr, directed by Kate Pope, at Winfrith Village Hall on July 17 and 18.

An insurance company has confirmed that around 40 jobs at their Bournemouth base may be at risk following a restructuring announcement.

Jessica Toale has revealed she is lobbying government for Dorset to be included in a prolific offender pilot scheme which will give police greater resources to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour.

An illegal encampment in a Bournemouth coach car park has become a magnet for drugs and anti-social behaviour, with residents saying they feel “less safe day and night”.

A man said he is "appalled" with the council after a trailer believed to contain asbestos has been left on his road for two months.

Business owners have mixed feelings about the condition of Westover Road, which has historically been one of Bournemouth’s premium locations.

Take a look at Bournemouth’s newest beachfront venue, which has officially opened its doors in time for the summer season.

MPs want an urgent Universal Credit boost for some 66-year-olds as the State Pension age rises, warning thousands could be pushed into poverty.

A PERSON with suspected heat exhaustion had to be rescued from a Dorset beach via a cliff extraction.

Restaurants in Christchurch, Burton Bradstock, Wareham and more are among the best in Dorset for outdoor seating and views

A TEENAGER has been accused of stabbing a man in the stomach after a reported dispute over beer on Bournemouth beach, a court has heard.

One of the most famous football clubs on the South Coast owes its identity not to the pitch, but to the earth.

Women who are perimenopausal, menopausal, or post-menopausal are invited to a Dorset Menopause picnic at Poundbury to gather, connect, and share their experiences.

North Farm Sunflower Field in Dorset is back open for July 2026, with visitors able to buy sunflowers for £1 a stem

What began as a fleeting pitstop by a passing swarm in April 2025 turned into a 15-month-long journey, culminating in an most astonishing bee extraction.

Vikki Slade MP criticised the Government over car crime in Dorset, after Home Office figures revealed only 4.46% of car thefts resulted in charges last year.

St Nicholas Pre-School marked its 50th anniversary at St Nicholas Church, celebrating alongside children, families, staff, former pupils and Tom Hayes MP.

Protesters set to gather outside a hotel known to be housing asylum seekers are to be divided into zones, the police have said.

A pit bike rider was rushed to hospital with serious injuries after smashing into a car in Poole.

The former Conservative MP and public figure, aged 78, was found dead at her home in Haytor, Dartmoor, on Thursday, July 9, after sustaining serious injuries.

A missing teenager from Poole has been found, police have said.

A 17-YEAR-old has gone missing in Poole and police are concerned for his welfare. .

Constitution Hill Road in Poole is closed following a collision.

A LETTER sent to the Echo by one of its readers has provoked a huge interested on social media.

Police are hunting for six people after a violent disorder broke out during an illegal rave.

Flashy cars, motorcycles, dapper suits and fancy frocks.

Millions more children to get free school meals - but some families will lose them under new rules starting in September 2026

A man allegedly flashed a person on a bus in the Poole area.

People claiming certain DWP benefits can automatically qualify for a Blue Badge. Here's the full list and how to apply.

Waste and recycling collections have faced delays due to ongoing high temperatures and staff shortages.

A person was cut free from their car after a crash on a busy roundabout left them trapped inside.

Police are still investigating murder after the body of an Essex man was found in Poole Harbour.

It may be the Mediterranean weather we have been experiencing which has prompted an uptick in planning applications locally for orangeries.

A police station is set to close temporarily for essential building works.

A key route in Poole has reopened ahead of schedule following major gas works.

The release of a Disney live-action remake and a new instalment in a supernatural horror series are among films being shown in Dorset cinemas this weekend.