History & About

 

Wimborne Minster Folk Festival has a rich history, as it heads towards its 50th anniversary in 2029.

The Festival's roots began in 1979 as a traditional celebration of folk dance and music. 

Originally a one-day event, it quickly expanded to a weekend-long Festival. As it grew, it became one of the largest gatherings of dance teams and musicians in the South of England. Now the Festival, with its much-loved procession through the streets and over 70,000 people attending, has become a favourite Dorset event on the second weekend in June.

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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 is 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. There's the hugely popular procession on Saturday afternoon, where the sides dance their way through the town centre, 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