The Shires, one of the leading British country music duos, will be performing live at the Lighthouse in Poole on 15 November 2026. Fans looking forward to The Shires concert Poole can expect an intimate theatre experience at Poole’s main arts centre, located just over 10 miles west of Bournemouth along the Dorset coast. This event offers a chance to see the duo in a setting quite different from large arenas or festival stages.
This page covers what to expect from The Shires concert Poole, details on the venue and how to plan your visit, transport options, where to watch from inside the Lighthouse, and suggestions for combining the event with other local activities.

What to expect at The Shires concert Poole
The Shires consist of Ben Earle and Crissie Rhodes, who have been pivotal in popularising country music in the UK. Their style blends traditional country instrumentation with contemporary pop influences, producing chart-topping albums and singles since their debut in 2013. The 15 November show at the Lighthouse is part of their ongoing touring schedule, focusing on delivering a close, engaging performance.
The Lighthouse theatre has a seating capacity of approximately 600, creating a setting where the audience can experience the nuances of The Shires concert Poole harmonies and musicianship up close. This is a headline concert rather than a festival slot or support act, so expect a full set featuring their best-known songs alongside newer material.
The exact set list and any opening acts are confirmed by the venue nearer the date. Typically, The Shires perform for around 90 minutes, including encores. The show balances upbeat tracks with ballads, often featuring acoustic arrangements and storytelling elements that highlight their songwriting.

Venue atmosphere and audience at The Shires concert Poole
The Lighthouse’s auditorium is designed for acoustic clarity and comfortable viewing, with tiered seating ensuring good sightlines from most positions. The audience tends to be a mix of dedicated country music fans and casual listeners drawn by The Shires’ crossover appeal. The theatre setting encourages attentive listening and interaction, with moments for applause and singalongs.
Support acts and set timing for The Shires concert Poole
Support artists, if any, are usually announced on the Lighthouse’s official website or social media channels several weeks before the concert. These are often emerging country or folk musicians whose style complements The Shires. Doors typically open 30 to 45 minutes before the show starts, allowing time for merchandise browsing and refreshments.
Planning your visit to the Lighthouse for The Shires concert Poole
The Lighthouse is Poole’s principal arts centre, located at 21 Kingland Road, BH15 1UG, in the town centre. It hosts a range of live music, theatre, comedy and film screenings throughout the year. The venue is a short walk from Poole railway station and the main bus stops, making it accessible by public transport from Bournemouth and surrounding areas.
For those driving, several car parks lie within a five-minute walk, including the Poole Bus Station car park and the High Street car park. Parking charges vary but typically range from £1.50 to £3 per hour. It is advisable to arrive early to secure a space, especially on event nights.
Tickets for The Shires concert Poole are available through the Lighthouse’s official box office, either online or by phone. Prices generally range from £25 to £40 depending on seating location. Booking in advance is recommended as the venue’s capacity is limited compared to larger arenas. The Lighthouse website also provides information on accessibility, including wheelchair spaces and hearing assistance.

Nearby amenities and refreshments for The Shires concert Poole attendees
Poole town centre offers a variety of restaurants, pubs and cafes within a short walk of the Lighthouse. Options include traditional British pubs like The Stable, serving local ales and pizzas, and more formal dining at places such as The Quay Thistle Hotel’s restaurant. For a quick snack, several coffee shops and sandwich bars are close by.
Inside the Lighthouse, a bar serves drinks before the show and during intervals. It is licensed and offers a selection of wines, beers and soft drinks. Food is not served inside the auditorium, so visitors often eat beforehand or after the concert.
Getting to the Lighthouse for The Shires concert Poole from Bournemouth and beyond
Poole is approximately 12 miles west of Bournemouth, and the Lighthouse is located in the town centre, a 10-minute walk from Poole railway station. Train services run regularly between Bournemouth and Poole, with journey times around 10 minutes. South Western Railway operates these routes, with trains typically every 15 to 30 minutes during the day.
Bus routes connecting Bournemouth and Poole run frequently along the A35 corridor. The number 1 bus is a common choice, taking around 30 minutes depending on traffic. Bus stops near the Lighthouse include Kingland Road and Poole Bus Station, both within a few minutes’ walk.
For drivers, the A35 dual carriageway links Bournemouth and Poole directly. The journey usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The Lighthouse’s postcode BH15 1UG can be used for satellite navigation. Several pay-and-display car parks are available nearby, with the closest being the Poole Bus Station car park, about 200 metres from the venue entrance.

Accessibility by public transport for The Shires concert Poole visitors
Poole railway station has step-free access and is equipped with lifts and ramps. Buses serving the town centre also accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids. For visitors with specific accessibility needs, the Lighthouse provides detailed guidance on its website, including parking for blue badge holders and assistance services.
Where to watch The Shires concert Poole at the Lighthouse
The Lighthouse theatre offers reserved seating only, with tickets allocated by row and seat number. The auditorium is arranged in a horseshoe shape, with stalls on the ground level and a balcony above. The best views are generally in the central stalls, rows D to J, where sound quality and sightlines are optimal.
Seats at the rear of the stalls or in the balcony provide a wider perspective but may feel less intimate. The venue’s design ensures that even the upper-level seats have clear views of the stage. The theatre’s sound system is professionally managed for live music, balancing vocals and instruments effectively.
Seating categories and prices for The Shires concert Poole
Ticket prices vary by seating zone, with front stalls commanding the highest prices, typically around £40. Mid-stalls seats are usually priced between £30 and £35, while balcony seats can be found for £25 to £30. Concessions for seniors, students and disabled patrons may be available, subject to the venue’s policy.
Viewing tips for The Shires concert Poole
Arriving early allows time to settle in and consult programme notes if provided. The theatre’s ushers assist with locating seats and can accommodate last-minute accessibility requests. Photography and recording during the performance are prohibited to respect artists’ rights and audience enjoyment.
Combining The Shires concert Poole with local attractions
Poole and Bournemouth offer a range of attractions to complement an evening at the Lighthouse. Visitors may arrive earlier in the day to explore Poole Quay, a historic harbour area with shops, cafes and maritime museums. The nearby Poole Museum provides insight into the town’s fishing and trading heritage.
Bournemouth’s seafront, with its seven miles of sandy beaches, lies a short train ride away. The Bournemouth Pier and Lower Gardens are popular spots for a daytime stroll or pre-concert meal. For those interested in cultural activities, Bournemouth’s Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is within easy reach of the town centre.
For dining after The Shires concert Poole, Poole’s Old Town offers several restaurants specialising in seafood and British cuisine. The area around Kingland Road also has late-opening pubs and bars for post-show drinks.

For further ideas on things to do before or after The Shires concert Poole, see the Things to Do guide and the Attractions section. For accommodation options nearby, consult the Where to Stay page. Visitors planning their entire trip can also use the Interactive Map to locate venues, transport links and points of interest.
For official information on The Shires and their tour dates, the Lighthouse’s website is the primary source. Transport details can be confirmed via National Rail and local bus operators. For background on the area, Wikipedia and Visit Dorset offer comprehensive coverage.
Dates & times
- 15 November 2026