A packed weekend of music, creativity and community spirit awaits at Wimborne Folk Festival as Wimborne Town of Culture 2026 unveils its full programme for a special takeover of the Dacombes of Wimborne stage on Willow Walk near Waitrose.
Taking place on Saturday, 13th June, the programme celebrates the next generation of local talent. In a special partnership with Dorset Music Service, Saturday’s programme will see the Willow Walk Stage handed over to young performers from across the area.
Saturday’s Youth Takeover jam-packed programme will feature performances from rising young artists and ensembles, including Left Hand Rule, Room 18, Sophia Jarvis, Kolumbia, Swing Squad, Ultraviolet and the QE School of Performing Arts Jazz Band. Together they represent a diverse mix of musical styles and backgrounds, highlighting the depth of emerging talent across Wimborne and the wider Dorset area.
The weekend will also feature Wimborne’s Got Talent on Sunday 14th June, giving local people of all ages the opportunity to step into the spotlight and share their skills with festival audiences.
Alongside the stage programme, visitors can take part in free willow weaving for all ages. The programme forms part of Wimborne Town of Culture 2026’s commitment to creating opportunities for people to take part in culture, develop their creativity and celebrate the town’s vibrant community spirit.
Emma Kerr, Project Manager for Wimborne Town of Culture 2026, said: “One of our aims for Town of Culture is to create opportunities for people to take part, not just watch. Folk Festival attracts thousands of visitors to Wimborne every year, so it’s the perfect platform to showcase local talent and encourage more people to get involved in music, creativity and performance. “We’re particularly excited to be giving young people the opportunity to take over the Willow Walk Stage and share their talents with festival audiences. The programme is packed with brilliant performers, and we can’t wait to see people enjoying it across the weekend.”
Full programme details can be found at: www.wimborne2026.com/wimborne-folk-festival
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 the 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.
