A new opportunity for local performers to take to the stage at one of Dorset’s most established events has been announced, as Wimborne Town of Culture 2026 partners with Wimborne Folk Festival to present Wimborne’s Got Talent.
Wimborne has long been called the Centre of the Universe, and for this year’s Wimborne Folk Festival celebrations, that reputation is being put to the test. In a special collaboration with Wimborne Town of Culture 2026, a call is going out to the town’s hairbrush singers, kitchen disco dancers and garage bands to step into the spotlight as part of Wimborne’s Got Talent – a high-energy, eclectic showcase of the people who make this town tick.
Taking place on Sunday 14th June at the Willow Walk Stage, the event will showcase a diverse mix of emerging local talent, offering performers from across the area the chance to be part of the Folk Festival programme.
From musicians and dancers to comedians, spoken word artists and more, performers are invited to apply with a 10-minute act, with the day structured as two heats leading to a live grand final:
Heat One: 11am – 12:30pm
Heat Two: 1pm – 2:30pm
Grand Final: 4pm – 5:30pm
The initiative is being delivered by Wimborne Town of Culture 2026, as part of its programme to create new platforms for participation and showcase creativity within the town.
Emma Kerr, Project Manager for Wimborne Town of Culture 2026, said:
“Wimborne Folk Festival is such an important part of the town’s cultural identity, so it’s exciting to be able to work in partnership to create a new space within it for local people to step forward and share what they do. There’s a huge amount of talent here, and this is about giving people the confidence and opportunity to be part of something on a bigger stage.”
Simon Wheeler, Chair of Wimborne Folk Festival, added:
“One of the things that makes Wimborne Folk Festival special is the chance to discover unexpected talent in every corner of the town. Wimborne’s Got Talent is about opening up that opportunity, celebrating creativity, and making sure the festival continues to belong to everyone who wants to be part of it.”
Applications are now open for performers who would like to take part.
Acts can include music, dance, comedy, spoken word, magic or other performance styles, and should be no longer than 10 minutes and suitable for a family audience.
Applicants are asked to provide a short description of their act along with any examples of previous work.
People can apply to take part via the Wimborne Town of Culture website:
www.wimborne2026.com/news/wimbornes-got-talent
Deadline: Thursday 14 May
Wimborne Town of Culture 2026 shines a spotlight on arts, culture, sport, recreation and leisure across the town, creating new opportunities for people to take part under the theme ‘Bridging the Past and the Future’.
Wimborne is Dorset Town of Culture 2026, following Bridport (2024) and Weymouth & Portland (2025). Dorset Town of Culture is an initiative by Arts Development Company, with funding from Dorset Council, matched by Wimborne Minster Town Council, with headline sponsors Wimborne Minster BID and Canford School.
