Culture, Events & Entertainment, Wimborne | Posted on June 9th, 2025 | return to news
Wimborne Folk Festival delights despite the deluge
Heavy rain put a dampener (literally) on Saturday’s procession, but the annual event still drew in the crowds.
It was all looking so hopeful on the morning of Saturday 7 June. The sky was overcast and there was a light drizzle, yes, but it was nowhere near as bad as last week’s forecasts of thunderstorms suggested, and Wimborne Folk Festival still drew in the crowds for two days of folk music and fun.
Then around 2pm, the heavens opened and put a dampener (literally) on the day’s events. Attendees were quickly drenched, many of the Morris dancers and musicians taking part in the afternoon parade were soaked, and several stalls and stages shut early.
The annual parade, a highlight of the festival, was much smaller this year as several teams dropped out due to the poor weather forecast. But those who persevered still entertained the crowd as the parade wound its way through the streets of the town.
The procession was led by the Mayor and Mayoress of Wimborne, Cllr Jeff Hart and his wife Barbara. Among the parade participants were Gugge 2000 street entertainment band, plenty of Morris dance troupes and Stagecoach Performing Arts. The Quarterjacks of Wimborne marching band were at the tail of the procession.
A member of Stroud Morris Dancers said on Saturday: “We managed to dance our spots this morning and stay relatively dry. This afternoon’s procession was another matter altogether. We got drenched right down to our bloomers! It didn’t stop us having fun.”
Over in Beaucroft College, TV chef Rosemary Shrager performed a live cooking demonstration as part of her campaign to raise awareness of food banks and food poverty. The 74-year-old is currently cycling from Cornwall to Kent to raise money for charity.
Sunday’s weather was much better, and crowds filled Willow Walk green, the town square, and Allendale House courtyard to listen to live music and watch traditional folk dances.
As well as the entertainment, the streets of Wimborne were filled with all manner of stalls selling food, drink and goods.
The town’s pubs and cafes were also busy, and many attendees could be seen drinking from the new Wimborne Cup. Designed by artist Becky Dodd, the reusable cup was an initiative by Planet Wimborne, Wimborne War on Waste, the town council and Wimborne BID to reduce plastic waste.
Wimborne Folk Festival has been held for more than 40 years to celebrate traditional English folk music and dance.
This year’s festival might not have had the best weather, but it still managed to delight residents and visitors alike.
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