Eco & Environment, Wimborne | Posted on May 1st, 2025 | return to news The people of Wimborne have been keen to vote for their favourite cup with 463 votes cast across the three designs said: “It was great to see so many people voting for their favourite cup design I can’t wait to see people with the cup at the Folk Festival and other events around town.” Steve Cheshire from Wimborne War on Waste said: “There has been a terrific response to introducing the reusable Wimborne cup at this year’s Folk Festival We’re really pleased with the final design and hope people will enjoy using the cup at the festival to help cut down plastic waste and litter We also ask people coming along to the festival to look in their cupboards and bring their reusable festival cups with them.” landlady of the Green Man and chairperson of the Pubwatch group said: “The pubs are happy to fill festival cups providing they are either Crown or CE marked There will be posters up in the pubs reminding people of this and where they can buy the Wimborne cup We wish everyone a happy and more sustainable Folk Festival.” Subscribe to the online magazine news letter and website in this browser for the next time I comment Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" DORSET VIEWDana HouseSpinneys LaneFerndownDorsetBH22 9BZ © Dorset View 2025 | Terms & Conditions  |  Copyright  |  Privacy Policy  |  Cookie Policy WIMBORNE has been selected to be the Town of Culture for 2026 – beating three other towns to the top spot The award means the town will receive £30,000 – which will be match funded by Wimborne Town Council – to put on a range of cultural and community events that will highlight the very best the town has to offer “This is a life-changing opportunity for Wimborne Minster,” he said “Our program of events will create lasting positive change while celebrating our remarkable heritage and creative talent “We are looking forward to collaboration with all our venues groups and creatives to deliver our Town of Culture 2026.” READ MORE: Wimborne to be served up a second helping of Wimborne Food Festival READ MORE: New, expanded mydentist to open in Wimborne this June READ MORE: Ferndown and Wimborne in the running to be 2026 Town of Culture The three other towns that missed out on the award were Sherborne Wimborne’s theme for Town of Culture is ‘Bridging the Past and Future.’ which is designed to improve access to culture for everyone will combine heritage and traditions with innovative technologies to create events that appeal to residents and visitors of all ages The programme will reach beyond the town centre into their new housing areas with a mix of traditional and interactive experiences that could include digital experiences Town of Culture was established by Arts Development Company who are responsible for Dorset’s cultural strategy to strengthen cultural activity and to deepen relationships between communities said: “After a highly competitive process with excellent proposals from four shortlisted towns in Dorset I’m delighted that Wimborne will be Town of Culture for 2026 “The ambition for culture to bridge divides and include everyone in the town is inspirational “The town council pulled together a strong coalition of cultural all working together to realise positive change for residents and visitors to Wimborne “I can’t wait to see what their year of culture brings.” Dorset Council’s cabinet member for customer said: “I am delighted to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Wimborne for being named Dorset’s Town of Culture for 2026 “This accolade is a testament to the vibrant community spirit and thriving arts scene which make Wimborne truly special “I look forward to celebrating the town’s events that will undoubtedly enrich and inspire residents and visitors Congratulations to all of the team who achieved this win Follow us on Facebook Subscribe to the Newsletter The New Blackmore Vale Magazine Salisbury &Avon Magazine The Purbeck Gazette For best viewing experience of this website Please enter a place name in the search bar After provisionally the warmest May Day on record in the UK higher than average temperatures will subside over the weekend Environment Agency Updated: 05:35 (UTC+1) on Tue 6 May 2025 Fine and settled under the influence of high pressure A chilly start but with plenty of clear skies bringing long spells of sunshine Cloud thickening from the west later in the afternoon but remaining dry for all with light winds Evening cloud gradually clears away leaving a dry night with clear spells Wednesday brings a mixture of sunny spells and cloudy skies A few spots of rain may be felt in the far southwest Widely dry and settled with high pressure dominating this week Dry across the vast majority of the UK with clear or sunny spells but also some patchy cloud Cloud will likely thicken across the far north and northwest during the weekend with some outbreaks of rain for a time There is also a small risk of some heavy showers in the far south or southwest high pressure will be dominant across the UK This will bring predominantly fine and dry weather for the majority of places Temperatures are likely to be slightly above normal for the time of year although there is a chance of some cold nights Fairly typical weather for the time of year is most likely through this period fine and dry weather is more likely to dominate although this will be interspersed with occasional spells of rain and showers with a risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms in places temperatures will most likely be near to or slightly above average Events & Entertainment, Wimborne | Posted on March 10th, 2025 | return to news After four years of the event having to take place inside the Minster due to bad weather this year’s pancake race — sponsored by Dorset View and Viewpoint Magazines — was held outside in bright sunshine with crowds of spectators filling the Minster Green on Tuesday 4 March The toddlers were first off as the Pancake Bell was tolled Next up were four runners from Wimborne First School and the winner was Angus Craig who received £20 for his school donated by Jeremy of Hearnes The middle school winner was Ryan Tope from St Michaels who received £20 for his school donated by Dan from The Card Gallery The final of the schools’ section included participants from Beaucroft Foundation School and Innovate Dorset with the winner being Will Parrish who received £20 donated by Maurice from Piccolo Mondo The winner of the wheelchair race was Christopher Rolfe pushed by Daniel Bennett and they received a large sack of wild bird food donated by the Wimborne Pet Centre There were 23 competitors in the adults’ section Daniel Bennett became the Wimborne Minster Pancake Champion 2025 He received a prize from Dorset View News Editor Marilyn Barber and the John Loader Memorial Trophy from Kathy and Martyn Curtler The event was co-ordinated by Anthony Oliver A collection taken for Minster Funds raised £227.39 Events & Entertainment, Wimborne | Posted on March 13th, 2025 | return to news Wimborne Minster marked Commonwealth Day with a ceremony at the Town Hall on Monday 10 March at 10am The event brought together local dignitaries and residents to celebrate the values of unity and co-operation shared by the 56 nations of the Commonwealth Among those in attendance were the Mayor of Wimborne The ceremony included the reading of the Commonwealth Affirmation and the raising of the Commonwealth flag symbolising the town’s connection to the wider global community delivered a proclamation to mark the occasion The mayor said: “This day is an opportunity to reflect on the shared values of democracy and sustainable development that bind the Commonwealth nations together We are proud to stand as part of this international family and reaffirm our commitment to working together for a better future.” The event concluded with a moment of reflection on the Commonwealth’s theme for the year Culture, Wimborne | Posted on March 5th, 2025 | return to news Following the well-attended Wimborne Minster Pancake Race on Tuesday 4 March made an exciting announcement on the Minster Green Wimborne has been awarded Town of Culture 2026 the town will deliver a programme of extraordinary cultural and community events and this will be match funded by the Town Council Wimborne was chosen from a shortlist of four towns This year’s Town of Culture is Portland & Weymouth said: “This is a life-changing opportunity for Wimborne Minster Our programme of events will create lasting positive change while celebrating our remarkable heritage and creative talent We are looking forward to collaboration with all our venues Wimborne’s theme for Town of Culture is ‘Bridging the Past and Future’ The programme will reach beyond the town centre into their new housing areas to strengthen their communities and improve access to culture for everyone The town council hope to combine the town’s heritage and traditions with innovative technologies to create a programme of events that appeal to residents and visitors of all ages This mix of traditional and interactive experiences may include digital experiences village or hamlet in Dorset to work together and deliver a year’s worth of extraordinary cultural activity with support and funding from Dorset Council The ambition for culture to bridge divides and include everyone in the town is inspirational The town council pulled together a strong coalition of cultural I can’t wait to see what their year of culture brings.” Dorset Council’s Cabinet member for Customer This accolade is a testament to the vibrant community spirit I look forward to celebrating the town’s events that will undoubtedly enrich and inspire residents and visitors A MAN in his 50s was reportedly assaulted in Wimborne last Sunday night (March 16) The victim sustained serious facial injuries and attended hospital for treatment after he was assaulted sometime between 10pm and 12am in Leigh Road The male suspect is described as six feet three inches tall and was wearing blue jeans said: “We have been continuing to investigate this incident and carried out extensive enquiries so far including CCTV checks and house-to-house visits READ MORE: Wimborne Minster unites for Commonwealth Day READ MORE: “Life-changing opportunity” as Wimborne Minster awarded Town of Culture for 2026 I am now appealing to anyone who may have been in the area and seen what happened to please come forward if you have captured anything of relevance on CCTV or dashcam footage Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 using reference number 55250030127 or to visit the police website. Click here for more crime news from your New Blackmore Vale. WIMBORNE will unite next month to confer the Freedom of the Town on the 280 (NATO) Signal Squadron will see the group honoured with one of the most prestigious awards the town can bestow in recognition of the squadron’s “dedication and longstanding connection to the community” The Freedom Parade will see members of 280 (NATO) Signal Squadron exercising their newly-granted right to march through Wimborne Minster with bayonets fixed supported by the band of the Grenadier Guards “The event will be a spectacular display of military tradition strengthening the ties between the Squadron and the town,” a Wimborne Town Council spokesperson said The Freedom of the Town dates back centuries and is traditionally granted to military units with distinguished service records The 280 (NATO) Signal Squadron plays a critical role in providing secure and effective communication for NATO operations Celebrations will begin with a parade through the town centre with dignitaries including the Mayor of Wimborne Minster civic leaders and senior military personnel A formal ceremony in the Town Square will follow “The event will not only honour the Squadron’s achievements but will also serve as a moment of pride for Wimborne Minster reinforcing the town’s appreciation for those who serve,” the spokesperson went on “The granting of the Freedom of the Town will cement 280 (NATO) Signal Squadron’s place in Wimborne Minster’s history ensuring their contribution is remembered for generations to come “It is an occasion that embodies tradition and the enduring bond between the Armed Forces and the community “Residents are warmly invited to join in the celebrations and witness this historic moment in the heart of Wimborne Minster.” As a proud Grenadier Guardsman 💂‍♂️ for 25years who hails from Wimborne I will be travelling “home ” from the Thames Valley to witness this great occasion A CHRISTMAS advert showcasing the wide array of businesses Wimborne has to offer racked up more than 50,000 views on the day of its release Created by Wimborne Business Improvement District (BID) in collaboration with Gray Creative Agency the festive advert draws inspiration from the famous 1980s TV advert for Yellow Pages the message is you can find anything in Wimborne  – even an out-of-print book  – if you know where to look Film director Justin Gray said: “Creating this year’s Christmas short film for Wimborne Minster inspired by an iconic 80s Yellow Pages advert “This marks the seventh year of bringing this festive tradition to life and it’s my way of celebrating our community and the unique charm of our town “I hope this film not only captures the nostalgia and warmth of the season but also encourages people to support our local shops and experience the magic of Wimborne during the Christmas holidays.” READ MORE: 21-year-old sustains “serious” injuries in crash near Wimborne READ MORE: Winners revealed for Wimborne shop window competition chair of Wimborne BID said: “Wimborne is such a magical place at Christmas and these adverts are a really unique way for Wimborne BID to encourage people to discover the town and support local The film is about marketing the town for the benefit of all businesses “We’ve seen a lot of love for this year’s advert and for Wimborne which just shows what a great community we have here” The film featured Wimborne actor John Billington and 13-year-old Broadstone Middle School pupil Tilly-Rose Lynch camera and action in Wimborne Minster to encourage people to shop local Picture: Wimborne BID Tilly said: “I had the best time filming the ad All of the cast and production team were so lovely and completely made me feel at ease as I was a little nervous to start with I honestly loved every second of it!” that sadly wiped out a lot of Small Business Saturday activities in the town our home-grown advert has lifted spirits and we hope it will help drive local high street awareness in the run up to Christmas.” The advert can be found on Wimborne BID’s YouTube, Facebook and Instagram. Can you ask John Billington to contact his old schoolmate Kieran Devaney Charity, Events & Entertainment, Wimborne | Posted on January 2nd, 2025 | return to news The Mayor of Wimborne Minster’s charities will benefit from an event being held on Wednesday 15 January at 7pm at Wimborne’s Allendale Centre ‘Celebration of Song’ will feature five talented choirs — Jubilate and Wimborne Minster Choir — performing a wide range of uplifting and inspiring songs Tickets are £10 and all proceeds will go to the mayor’s charities: Victoria Hospital and Planet Wimborne The evening will also include a raffle and a licensed bar said: “This should be a wonderful evening with five choirs entertaining Please do come along to support the Town Mayor’s charities and enjoy the music Tickets can be purchased by contacting Gary Mason via gary.mason@wimborne.gov.uk or calling 01202 881655 A planning refusal for 55 homes on a site claimed to be Wimborne’s last area of Green Belt is being appealed Over a hundred residents objected to proposals to build on the site off Birchdale Road between Wimborne Minster and Colehill Dorset councillors then refused the outline have now lodged an appeal to the Secretary of State against the council’s decision the appeal to be arranged by the Planning Inspectorate’s regional office at Bristol Nightingale Land described the site as a 5.5 hectare “irregular shaped field of rough grassland, which is un-grazed and has not been used as arable farmland in recent history.” A report with the planning application said the field is of low agricultural quality because of wetness or problems in working it including a steep slope to the north of the site It lies between Leigh Common and Wimborne town centre which is said to be a 15-minute walk away along the B3073 The developers claimed the site could be used for a mixture of homes including bungalows and self-build plots with open spaces and new recreational routes for walkers and cyclists made is that the site could deliver 50 per cent of the homes as “affordable” – which one resident claimed was unlikely to be delivered In submissions to Dorset Council a resident from Greenhill Close told the authority’s planning team: “We need to preserve the green belt areas between Wimborne and Colehill Wimborne has built thousands of new houses recently with no sign of infrastructure additions to cope with the extra capacity.” would be dangerous and would add unacceptable levels of traffic onto already busy local roads the then ward councillor for Colehill and Wimborne Minster East said the site is inappropriate for development and would lead to ‘extreme disruption’ for residents of Birchdale Road She said in her objection that the draft Dorset Local Plan placed a high priority on maintaining the separate identities of Wimborne Minster and Colehill and argued that if extra housing is needed there are brownfield sites at The Pippins and the former East Dorset Council offices at Furzehill which could be developed together with empty shops and offices in the area You have successfully joined our subscriber list Get real time updates directly on you device Roy is CEO of Bournemouth One and one of our journalists working around Bournemouth THE Wimborne Minster and New Milton branches of Santander will close later this year This comes after Santander announced it is set to close 95 branches across the UK The bank said these closures are needed due to an increasing number of people switching to online banking rather than in-person The Wimborne Minster branch will close on Monday Santander says all locations where branches will close will be covered by new Santander community bankers providing face-to-face money management and general support for customers The bank has seen a rapid movement of customers choosing to do their banking digitally with a 63% increase in digital transactions since 2019 while financial transactions completed in branches reduced by 61% in the same period READ MORE: Daniel Whiteside charged with shoplifting from New Milton One Stop READ MORE: Serious facial injuries for man assaulted in Wimborne Minster A spokesperson for Santander UK said: “As customer behaviour changes we are ensuring that our branches remain fit for the future “Our new combination of full-service branches counter-free branches and reduced hours branches aims to provide the right balance between digital banking and face-to-face money management and guidance we must move with customers and balance our investment across all the places where we interact with customers to deliver the very best for them now and in the future “Closing a branch is always a very difficult decision and we spend a great deal of time assessing where and when we do this and how to minimise the impact it may have on our customers we believe that the introduction of our new community bankers and the exciting plans we have for our remaining network of 349 branches and work cafés alongside the rapid and innovative improvements to our award-winning mobile banking app will provide the right balance of digital banking and human interaction when required.” We are very disappointed that the New Milton branch of Santander is to close in July 2025 We have used this branch and the staff are amazing also we have recommended this branch to friends who will also be disappointed Please confirm whereabouts the hubs will be located I wasn’t happy about Spanish takeover of Abbey and have no intension of using a “hub” typical big business arrogance which I shall be rewarding by closing my account later today Wimborne | Posted on October 10th, 2024 | return to news Knowing your way around Wimborne just got easier for visitors as the town has installed a dozen new Wayfinding signs featuring maps and local information The signs were officially unveiled by Mayor of Wimborne Cllr Jeff Hart with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on 2 October The signs were solely funded by Wimborne BID which is financed by the town’s local businesses Wimborne Minster Town Council and Dorset Council also provided support The Wayfinding Project is the result of seven years of research and analysis into what was best for the town Wimborne BID commissioned wayfinding experts Design JD to carry out a local consultation and produce a report on signage in Wimborne so that people can most effectively find their way around the town Wimborne BID Manager Tammy Sleet said: “It’s so satisfying to see the first phase of our new family of signs has been installed in Wimborne with ten new signs and posts in the town centre and two in Riverside.” The signs include a business list for West Borough and West Street a tourist information board in Wimborne Square information and a map in Cook Row outside the Minster church and a large welcome sign and directional business listing for Riverside Business Park said: “Businesses feel strongly that signage is important to people being able to find them there are so many visual messages that it’s hard for advertising like A-Boards to cut through These signs are clear with visitor information business lists and maps that will help pedestrians discover more of the town To keep the information as up to date as possible all the maps and listings will be reviewed every six months and changed if necessary WIMBORNE Minster’s town square came alive on Saturday (March 22) as the 280 (NATO) Signal Squadron were awarded the Freedom of the Town The Band of the Grenadier Guards helped create an atmosphere worthy of the award as they led a grand parade of the squadron through the town This prestigious honour is a symbol of the deep and enduring bond between Wimborne Minster and the 280 (NATO) Signal Squadron The honour was presented by the town mayor in recognition of the squadron’s exceptional service and contribution and was accepted by Major Will Higgins Officer Commanding of 280 (NATO) Signal Squadron READ MORE: Business input key to Wimborne Town of Culture READ MORE: New off-road route connecting Wimborne and Ferndown offers alternative to car travel Wimborne Minster Town Council has extended its “sincere gratitude” to everyone who attended the event and supported the festivities and appreciates the patience and understanding shown by residents and visitors as the band and squadron paraded through the town “We are incredibly proud to bestow the ‘Freedom of the Town’ upon the 280 (NATO) Signal Squadron,” said councillor Jeff Hart “This historic moment is a testament to the hard work and sacrifices made by the squadron in serving both our country and NATO We are honoured to have them as part of our community.” A place of pilgrimage and prayer for more than 1,300 years Wimborne Minster is known for its chained library and fine tombs has a curious burial place inside the minster he obtained permission to make a recess in the wall where his colourful coffin was placed in his lifetime Ettrick had the date painted on the side; he did not die until 1703… and the date was altered was an influential English novelist and poet who continues to be widely regarded today and has greatly influenced modern English poetry His work was linked to several periods of literature he lived in Wimborne for two years from 1881 The text reads: Aviation pioneer Sir Alan Cobham He was a member of the Royal Flying Corporation in World War I and was famous for his long-distance flights he became a test pilot for De Havilland aircraft company and in 1932 he formed Cobham’s Flying Circus he founded Flight Refuelling Limited; known today as Cobham PLC the leading aerospace and defence systems company is based in Wimborne Julie graduated from Cardiff in 1998 with an MA in ceramics she set up her studio in Wigan as the artist in residence at Drumcroon Education Arts Centre Julie then went on to be the artist in residence at Abraham Guest High School and Giggleswick School in North Yorkshire Julie moved her studios to the Malt Kilns in Barrowford where she steadily built up her business and national reputation for her delicate porcelain sculpture and functional works inspired by details in nature and landscape which is under restoration to create more studios for the creative industries Julie has worked closely with brick consultants and design advisors within the brick industry to produce a range of sculptures with her first – Brick Kiln – being shortlisted for the Best Landscape Project category in the Brick Development Association’s Brick Awards 2006 Julie has found a material that can be very versatile creating large-scale works that can give the visual impact required for landscape projects Culture, Events & Entertainment, Wimborne | Posted on September 9th, 2024 | return to news The miserable weekend weather certainly didn’t dampen the gunpowder of Wimborne’s famous Militia red-coated reenactment group of 1685 welcomed visitors to a special free family festival to celebrate their 25th anniversary Town Mayor’s Serjant for Wimborne Militia and the man who came up with the idea of reinstating a town militia 25 years ago said: “We wanted to thank the people of Wimborne for all their support over the past 25 years with this special festival” A military encampment came to life in a field just outside the town with a host of historical societies and experts from all over the country joining the event Visitors enjoyed a chance to experience the sounds sights and smells of the 17th century with ancient skills such as cooking courtesy of the Time Traveller’s Kitchen from 1666 There was also needleworking and armoury on show along with games and music from the past ‘King of the Smugglers’ and former Wimborne resident Isaac Gulliver smuggled himself in to reveal his contraband and tools of the smuggling trade Historical group Deeds of Arms presented life aboard a Royal Navy warship 200 years ago with visitors enjoying a chance to meet the men and women who fought against Napolean and some onlookers even being press ganged into the Royal Navy Tchaikovsky’s iconic 1812 overture was performed as it was meant to be – with live cannon fire from Wimborne Militia Visitors also enjoyed musket drills and a chance to try on battle dress Chris Brown said: “Despite the weather we had a great day with our talkie tent packed out as people listened to an array of historical experts It was wonderful to see the living history depicting skills and aspects of life as would have been lived on these very fields hundreds of years ago.” Due to continued rain on the Sunday and unsafe conditions underfoot the Sunday morning events were unfortunately cancelled the weekend was rounded off in the afternoon with a formal recognition of an Austrian arm of the town’s militia set up by former Wimborne resident and Wimborne militia member Kingsley Longfoot Chris Brown said: “The Militia has expanded over the years and it’s been wonderful this weekend to have the company of our newly formed Militia cohort all the way from Austria A special blessing of the Austrian militia standard was carried out by Wimborne Minster’s Canon Andrew Rowland upon the Minster Green with Wimborne Town Mayor Jeff Hart in attendance The Wimborne Militia anniversary event rounded off the town’s first Summer of History programme for this year which has included a spectacular reenactment of the Battle of Wimborne by the English Civil War Society historical talks and a new exhibition at the Museum of East Dorset ‘Rebellion and Revolt’ which looks at the impact of the English Civil War across Dorset This anniversary celebration was funded by the Wimborne Militia with support from Wimborne Minster Town Council and the Wimborne BID WIMBORNE is set for a day full of events to mark VE Day this year VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) takes place each year on May 8 to mark the day when fighting against Nazi Germany in Europe in the Second World War came to an end Wimborne is joining in with the 80th anniversary celebrations this year with events around the town from 9am to 9.35pm A spokesperson for Wimborne Town Council said: “On Thursday May 8 the nation will come together to remember the millions that paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting and securing the freedom we all enjoy today READ MORE: Freedom of the Town awarded to 280 (NATO) Signal Squadron in Wimborne “From early morning when the sun rises to evening as night descends the haunting sound of bagpipes will fill the air and beacons and Lamp Lights of Peace will be lit to signify the light that emerged from the darkness of war.” • 9am town crier proclamation – The day will begin with a special proclamation by the town crier delivered in the Wimborne Minster Town Square The proclamation will set the tone for the day’s events as the town gathers to reflect on the significance of VE Day • 2pm A local Ukelele group – Playing in the garden of the Museum of East Dorset • 4pm The Quarterjacks marching band will take to the Minster Green • 4:30pm – School Poetry competition – the winning entries from the Schools Poetry Competition will be announced on the Minster Green The young poets will have their entries read aloud celebrating the poignant thoughts and reflections of the next generation on the significance of VE Day the bells of Wimborne Minster Church will ring out in a symbolic gesture echoing the joy and relief of VE Day and marking the long-awaited peace • 6pm Minster Service and Blessing – A special Minster Service will take place at Wimborne Minster Church reflection on the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom This poignant service will be a central part of the town’s commemoration • 6:45pm Wreath Laying Ceremony – A wreath laying ceremony will be held at the Wimborne Minster War Memorial and local dignitaries will gather to honour those who gave their lives in the service of their country • 8:30pm Procession to the Cemetery – Led by the Quarterjacks marching band The town will come together in a solemn procession to the Wimborne where a special tribute will be held for the fallen heroes of the war • 9pm Illuminating War Graves at Wimborne Cemetery – In a poignant tribute the graves of 31 fallen soldiers will be illuminated ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten and casting a light on the courage and bravery of those who fought in the war • 9:30pm Lighting of the Beacon (An International Tribute) – The evening will culminate with the Lighting of the Beacon a symbolic tribute to the resilience and unity shared by nations at the end of the war This beacon lighting will connect Wimborne Minster with other communities across the country paying tribute to the international nature of the peace that was achieved • 9:35pm – Discharge of Muskets or Cannon by the Wimborne Militia The day will end with a traditional discharge of muskets or cannon offering a dramatic and historic closing to the commemorations Events & Entertainment, Wimborne | Posted on December 2nd, 2024 | return to news Snow fell over Wimborne – if not across other parts of the region – on Saturday 29 November when the town held its Christmas lights switch on it was thanks to a snow gun which delighted the huge crowd rather than ice crystals falling from the clouds The switching of the lights was preceded by performances on a stage in the Square featuring community and school choirs the Quarterjacks Marching Band and Footlight Performance Academy The honour of the big Christmas lights switch on was given to local school children Alice Graham from St John’s First School and Jemima Cripps from Allenbourn Middle School Both had won first prize in a competition to design posters to promote the town’s Christmas events Joining the winner was the mayor of Wimborne’s official Scout escort Madeline Morris Three-year-old Finley Wasiak joined in on the moment too Wimborne Mayor Cllr Jeff Hart said: “This is one of the events I have been looking forward to most in my mayoral calendar What a fabulous atmosphere and a great day for families and friends to enjoy said: “We’ve been singing in Wimborne for the Christmas Lights Switch On for the past 12 years We’re so lucky to have events like this happening in our town.” there was a Christmas market held in the High Street car park drink and Christmas gifts plus live music and live broadcasts from the town’s community radio station Some shops extended their opening hours for late night shopping and many car parks offered free parking said: “Having the market in the High Street car park allowed us to really transform the space with decorations and lighting to create a great atmosphere The focus of the BID is to bring more customers to Wimborne and events like this certainly do that.” No event in Wimborne is complete without Wimborne Militia The town’s 17th century re-enactment group fired a finale volley of muskets on Wimborne Minster green an age-old custom to ward off evil winter spirits Over 25,000 LED bulbs and 2,000 metres of string and rope lighting were installed to decorate the town along with a huge Christmas tree as the centrepiece in the town square Festivities continue in the town right up until Christmas Next week sees Small Business Saturday with street parties on Saturday 7 December to celebrate Wimborne’s array of small businesses The town’s annual Save the Children parade with floats and a funfair takes place on Saturday 14 December and on Friday 20 December