Culture, Wimborne | Posted on March 5th, 2025 | return to news
Wimborne Minster awarded 2026 Town of Culture
The award means that next year, the town will deliver a programme of extraordinary cultural and community events.
Following the well-attended Wimborne Minster Pancake Race on Tuesday 4 March, the town crier, Chris Brown, made an exciting announcement on the Minster Green.
Wimborne has been awarded Town of Culture 2026.
This means that next year, the town will deliver a programme of extraordinary cultural and community events. £30,000 will be awarded to Wimborne, and this will be match funded by the Town Council. Wimborne was chosen from a shortlist of four towns, beating Ferndown, Sherborne, and Swanage & Purbeck. This year’s Town of Culture is Portland & Weymouth.
Cllr Jeff Hart, mayor of Wimborne, 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, groups and creatives to deliver our Town of Culture 2026.”
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, public art installations, and cultural festivals.
Town of Culture was established by Arts Development Company, and is an opportunity for a town, 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.
David Lockwood, CEO of Arts Development Company, 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, community and civic organisations, 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.”
Cllr Ryan Hope, Dorset Council’s Cabinet member for Customer, Culture and Community Engagement, 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, rich heritage, 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. Well done, Wimborne.”
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