History & About
Wimborne Minster Folk Festival, originally Wimborne Folk Festival, has been entertaining us since the turn of the 1980s.
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After the demise of Christchurch Folk Festival, some of the local folk organisers and enthusiasts held a meeting to discuss the possibility of keeping a folk weekend going in the area. Local Morrisman Brian Bisp had organised a day of dance in Wimborne and thought it would be an excellent town to put on such an event.
From that meeting Jinny McKenzie, Linda Wild and Chris White formed a committee to find suitable venues and organise concerts & ceilidhs and joined forces with Brian who, with the help of local Morris sides, organised the outside events and liaised with the town.
It was a huge undertaking and despite the reluctance of local people and some Councillors, the first full Wimborne Folk Festival took place over the second weekend of June 1981.
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After years of hard work it became one of the major Celtic Music and English Song & Dance Festivals in the UK, booking some of the biggest names in the folk world, bringing in some outstanding musicians from Scotland, Ireland and even America with dance sides coming from all over the UK. As well as organising all the dance displays, Brian & Maria Bisp established a very impressive street market with stall holders from all parts of the country.
During the early years there were many friends who became a big part of the team, helping to organise stewards, campsite, workshops, programmes, dance display schedules and fund raising. These volunteers were an extremely important part of the success of the Festival; far too many to thank personally but a special mention must go to Les Wild - MC, programme organiser and campsite plus much more; Dick Williams - Ceilidhs; Lillian Connor and Lynn & Terry Cutler whose massive support allowed the festival to continue year after year.
Thanks to Linda Wild for the above information.
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In the last decade, the Festival has also branched out to include children's activity areas and entertainment, a Microbrewery for adults, art exhibitions & sales in Allendale House, and the addition of choirs and Busk Stops. Today, Wimborne Minster Folk Festival remains a joyous annual celebration, running from Friday evening to Sunday evening. Events - if not indoors - are largely on hardstanding ground, so there's no fear of Glastonbury-style knee-deep mud, whatever the weather!
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It's still primarily a festival of traditional music and dance, with some of the best acts on the scene appearing live. There's plenty of Morris, Appalachian and other dance styles to see and enjoy, plus trading and catering stands aplenty to keep you fed and watered.
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Like some pictures? Check out this collection from 2024. And see you this year, 6th to 8th June!
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Top banner image: Wyld Morris