Culture, Events & Entertainment, Poole | Posted on April 30th, 2025 | return to news
Poole to mark Dunkirk and VE Day anniversaries
The Dolphin Centre, Lighthouse Poole and the RNLI Old Lifeboat Museum are all staging exhibitions to mark the anniversaries.
Poole town is celebrating the landmark anniversaries of both Dunkirk and Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
‘Dunkirk 1940: Our People’s Stories’ is a month-long commemoration and celebration of Poole’s vital role in the Dunkirk evacuation, organised by Poole Maritime Trust.
The town-wide tribute will include several exhibitions and events, which are free for the community to enjoy:
- ‘Our People’s Stories’ exhibition at GATHER in The Dolphin, which runs until 1 June, explores the experience of local people and life in Poole during the war. This exhibition will highlight the contribution made by local women who courageously carried out their work and duties. Hear stories from the Military Women’s Royal Naval Service, the Women’s Royal Volunteer Service, and the brave women that worked at Holton Heath Cordite Factory, which paint a picture of wartime in Poole.
- ‘The Poole at Dunkirk’ exhibition at Lighthouse Poole, which runs until 1 June, delves into the stories of the individuals and vessels that played a crucial part in one of the most daring evacuations in military history. Featuring newly commissioned video, historic photographs and memorabilia, this exhibition explores events that saw over 320,000 men rescued from the beaches of Dunkirk.
- People can also visit the Thomas Kirk Wright, one of Dunkirk’s heroic “Little Ships,” now preserved at the RNLI Old Lifeboat Museum. Opening hours will be subject to the weather and volunteer availability.
- On VE Day 8 May, local retro swing vocal group, The Fifinellas, will perform at The Dolphin’s GATHER event space alongside the exhibition.
Poole BID are also inviting local business owners to participate in a patriotic VE Day store window display competition, running from 2 to 11 May.
“When people talk about the Dunkirk spirit, they need to look at Poole,” said Jack Hawkins, trustee and committee member of Poole Maritime Trust.
“This is probably the biggest exhibition that we’ve ever undertaken. Our research has shown that the stories of Poole and its people have never really been told. There are many, many anecdotal stories out there, but nothing has ever been pulled together and presented in one exhibition before.
“My main hope is that the exhibition will go down for posterity, so that we can keep it as a part of Poole’s history and heritage.”
Carmen Davies, community manager at The Dolphin, said: “It’s important for us all to remember the brave people of Poole and celebrate their contribution to our local and national history.
“We’re pleased to offer a prominent space for this important exhibition at The Dolphin and play a part in connecting the community with their history.”
The exhibition and its supporting events are facilitated by Poole Maritime Trust, in collaboration with The Dolphin, Lighthouse Poole, RNLI, Poole BID, The Keep Museum Dorchester, and National Trust Brownsea Island to commemorate this poignant time in Poole’s history.
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