Culture, Wimborne | Posted on December 23rd, 2025 | return to news

Wimborne gears up to be Dorset’s Town of Culture 2026

Numerous events and initiatives are planned for next year, including a new youth festival and sculpture trail.

Next year is going to be very exciting for Wimborne, with events being planned to celebrate it becoming Dorset’s Town of Culture 2026.

A new youth festival and sculpture trail are among the things planned for this momentous year for the Dorset market town known for its nationally renowned folk festival, Town Crier and model town – which recently was the backdrop for a music video by The Last Dinner Party.

The ‘Town of Culture’ crown shines a spotlight on arts, culture, sports, recreation and leisure in Wimborne and helps fuel more of it with a series of bold new projects.

These include Wimborne Culture Guide – a new digital platform which will launch in April, providing a free events directory, shared branding and resources for event management, accessibility and environmental sustainability.

There will be a new Culture Fund with micro-commissions available for local artists, schools and community groups to deliver their own arts, heritage, sports and culture projects during 2026.

The UPLIFT Youth Arts Festival will be made by young people for young people.

An Eco-Heritage Sculpture Trail, in partnership with the River Allen Landscape Recovery project, will see a public art installation created by local artists and schoolchildren using sustainable materials to celebrate the River Allen’s ecology and heritage.

Wimborne Town of Culture 2026 is led by Wimborne Minster Town Council, which has appointed Emma Kerr as producer and project manager. Under the theme ‘Bridging the Past and the Future’, they want to raise the profile of arts, culture, sports, recreation and leisure that already exists – and is yet to exist – in Wimborne.

Kerr said: “Wimborne’s story began over a thousand years ago, and this year it’s being told in a new voice. From Roman roads to digital creativity, from folk festivals to contemporary performance, we’re celebrating what makes Wimborne special. This is about connection – be it generational, geographical or cultural.”

The town has produced notable talents including King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp, who famously declared “Wimborne is the centre of the universe” in his 1980s film, and the rock ’n’ roll town crier Chris Brown, who has opened stages for acts like The Flaming Lips and The Polyphonic Spree.

Wimborne follows Bridport as Town of Culture in 2024, and Weymouth & Portland in 2025. Inspired by the European City of Culture project, Dorset’s Towns of Culture initiative was devised by the Arts Development Company and Dorset Council to bring communities together through cultural events and projects. There will be a particular focus on engaging young families, isolated residents and those in newer housing developments on the town’s edges.

The programme is supported by the town’s cultural organisations, including Allendale Community Centre, East Dorset Heritage Trust, Museum of East Dorset, Millstream Theatre, Walford Mill, Wimborne Community Theatre, Wimborne Minster Folk Festival, The Minster (St Cuthburga’s Church), National Trust-operated Kingston Lacy, Radio Wimborne and Wimborne Model Town & Gardens.

Kerr added: “This isn’t just a calendar of events. It’s a catalyst for community empowerment, creativity and connection. We’re addressing social isolation, supporting young people’s wellbeing and celebrating the incredible talent that exists in Wimborne, and encouraging more of it – we hope everyone gets involved.”

Wimborne Mayor Cllr Jeff Hart 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.”