Bournemouth Wire

Wire has just made it easier for you to bump up your diary, organise your social life and find out about different events going on near you.

If you're a music fan, these websites are the best local venues with calendars of gigs happening in the near future.

Firstly, the Old Firestation is a safe place to begin your search. The calendar is useful because it shows club nights as well as gigs, so you can always know what's happening at your union.

Next, have a look at the Opera House. This stunning venue is perfect if you're after bigger names in a bigger venue with a bigger crowd.

The BIC is another good place to investigate. Their calendar is useful because it lists concerts and events often months in advance, giving you the time to shape your budget and schedule around it.

Mr Kyps in Poole is the place to be if you're into tribute bands or random artists. It's a bit of a trek, but check the website for the odd hidden gem.

In the heart of Bournemouth is the beautiful converted church the Landmarc. Previous entertainment includes a Dirty Dancing night. East 17 have even played there when they were clawing their way towards a hint of a comeback.

If you're after theatre, poetry reading or exhibitions, then Wire has found the definitive website for you:

The Lighthouse is Poole's centre for arts. It isn't exactly local, but it’s worth the trip. They show foreign films, put on art exhibition, do poetry readings and perform plays. It's a safe bet if you like your entertainment to be more arty or cultural than the average Bournemouth night.

Clubs are a good place to find gigs too. These websites are from Bournemouth's finest clubs:

Firstly, ibar is a relatively new club that has come out of nowhere to be Bournemouth’s most credible venue. It has had huge gigs before in the tiny downstairs. Does it Offend You, Yeah? tore up the place a few months ago. Frank Turner and Hadouken! played secret sets downstairs. Keep and eye on listings for the surprise guests that ibar has made its name from.

The Consortium in temporarily closed to refurbishments, but check out the website for gigs when it reopens.

Sixty Million Postcards is a stunning pub that regularly surrenders a corner of loveliness to bands and DJs of varying intensities of fame, often for free. Keep checking listings for announcements of new and old faces.

Sometimes it's necessary to travel outside of Bournemouth to get your entertainment fix. For those who are dedicated enough, here are the websites of the best venues in Southampton and Portsmouth:

The Joiners Arms in Southampton is worth a regular look at. The tiny venue is the perfect shape and size to deliver acoustically. The stage is raised so even the shortest of punters can see performers. Be prepared, however, for a trip there to taint every future gigging experience. In terms of venues, the Joiners is God.

The Guildhall in Southampton is host to many big names, with Foals playing there in the new school year. Check the listings as bands sell out quickly.

Portsmouth’s finest venue, the Wedgewood Rooms, is the last on the list. The 450 capacity venue is well worth the commute. Secret gigs are announced online which sell out within hours, so check it regularly.