Lighthouse Poole
📅 Upcoming Shows & Schedule
Across September 2026 – February 2027, Lighthouse Poole hosts 2 scheduled performances, spanning live music, touring theatre, and comedy. Featured headliners include Freya Ridings and Wet Wet Wet. Ticket prices currently range from £77 for entry-level access up to £169 for premium seating depending on the production.
📍 Area & Accommodation
Upcoming Events at Lighthouse Poole
Freya Ridings
20:00
Wet Wet Wet
20:00
About Lighthouse Poole: Layout, History & Architecture
Opened in 1978, Lighthouse Poole embodies a functional, modernist architectural style, reflecting its late 20th-century construction with robust concrete elements. The venue operates as a multi-purpose arts complex, housing a main Concert Hall, a Theatre, a flexible Studio, and a dedicated Cinema. The Concert Hall is the largest space, configurable for approximately 1500 standing or 1400 seated patrons, featuring a raked stalls area and a tiered balcony, providing varied sightlines depending on the event configuration. The Theatre offers a more traditional seated experience with a capacity of 669 across its tiered levels. The Studio is a versatile black-box space accommodating around 150, ideal for intimate performances, while the Cinema seats 104 in a raked auditorium.
Acoustically, the large Concert Hall is typical of its modernist era; its design prioritises adaptability over natural resonance. Consequently, the sonic experience for live music in the hall is heavily influenced and shaped by its installed sound reinforcement systems. Patrons can expect a clear, amplified sound, rather than a naturally vibrant or warm acoustic. Sightlines throughout the complex are generally well-considered, although views from the extreme sides of the Concert Hall balcony may be slightly angled, and standing areas offer direct proximity at the expense of elevated perspective.
The Live Experience & Current Schedule
Entering Lighthouse Poole, patrons typically proceed into a spacious, utilitarian foyer area which facilitates ingress and provides access to multiple bars and refreshment points. For popular concerts in the Concert Hall, the standing pit can become densely packed, offering an immersive, high-energy experience directly in front of the stage. Conversely, the tiered balcony provides a more relaxed viewing experience with clear, elevated sightlines across the auditorium. The atmosphere within the complex shifts significantly between the diverse offerings, from focused contemplation in the cinema to vibrant communal energy during a major live performance.
With 2 live performances scheduled, upcoming entry prices start from £77. The next confirmed event on the calendar is Freya Ridings on 15th September 2026.
Travel & Arrival Logistics
Rail & Mainline Connections
Lighthouse Poole is a 7-minute walk south-east from Poole railway station. Exit the station onto Serpentine Road and proceed south, then turn east onto Kingland Road; the venue will be on your right.
Bus & Local Transit
Poole Bus Station is immediately adjacent to the venue's eastern side, providing extensive local and regional bus routes. Numerous services stop directly at the bus station, including routes connecting to Bournemouth, Blandford Forum, and other Dorset towns.
Parking & Vehicle Access
Several paid car parks are available within a 10-minute walk. The Dolphin Shopping Centre multi-storey car park (access from Old Orchard) is directly to the west, offering ample spaces, though it can experience congestion during peak shopping hours. Seldown Car Park (surface) is located to the north-east of the venue, accessible via Seldown Road. Advance booking for major events is advisable to secure parking and manage potential fees.
Entry, Queues & Security
The main entrance for all venues is prominently located on Kingland Road. Queue arrangements typically form on the wide pavement directly outside the entrance. Bag search policies are in effect for most events, so patrons should prepare for a brief check upon entry. Arriving 30-45 minutes prior to the advertised start time is recommended, particularly for popular standing shows, to allow sufficient time for entry, bag checks, and finding your desired position.