The Dolphin Shopping Centre in Poole, Dorset, will host its next Sensory Sunday event on February 22, 2026, to provide a calmer environment for shoppers. During the session, the centre and its shops will dim their lights and lower the volume of background music to help people who may find busy shopping environments difficult.
The event will run for the full day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. This initiative takes place on the last Sunday of every month to support visitors with sensory sensitivities, such as autism or ADHD.
Centre manager John Grinnell has previously emphasized the venue’s commitment to inclusivity, that supports everyone in the community. By making these changes, the centre aims to welcome families and individuals who might otherwise avoid the high street during busy periods.
These efforts coincide with a period of strong performance for the shopping centre, which has recently seen footfall growth consistently outperforming national trends, outperforming the UK average for similar venues. The Poole BID, which represents local traders, promotes town centre events to encourage more people to visit the high street.
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