a day ago
Remember when town was invaded with colour and cheer?
Wimborne was transformed into a colourful mix of music, dance, and ancient traditions in June 2005 as hundreds of brightly dressed Morris dancers, bedecked with a cascade of colourful ribbons, jingling bells, and jaunty feathers, jigged and reeled through its streets for the annual folk festival.
In a joyous invasion, more than a thousand dancers and musicians, armed to the teeth with polished sticks and crisp cotton handkerchiefs, descended upon the town for three days of spectacular pageantry and heartfelt community spirit.
The air, thick with the scent of summer and the sound of laughter, pulsed with the rhythmic clash of wood on wood and the melodic swell of accordions, fiddles, and flutes.
Teams of dancers, some having journeyed from as far afield as the rolling hills of Scotland and the emerald shores of Ireland, wowed the bustling crowds with their stunning synchronised routines and spectacular, time-honoured costumes.
From the intricate, handkerchief-waving Cotswold style to the robust, stick-clashing Border Morris with its performers in vivid 'tatter' jackets, the diverse traditions of this uniquely English art form were on full display.
The jangling bells, historically believed to ward off evil spirits, provided a percussive soundtrack to the dancers' movements, while the fluttering ribbons and feathers added a splash of theatricality to the proceedings.
'It's very traditional and what we want to encourage is the family atmosphere,' explained festival committee member Maria Bisp at the time, her voice filled with a passion for the event.
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'We want to attract lots of young people to the festival because we hope that they will continue the traditions and help preserve our unique heritage.'
This commitment to nurturing the next generation of folk enthusiasts was evident in the numerous workshops and interactive sessions held throughout the weekend, inviting festival-goers of all ages to try their hand at a Morris jig or learn a traditional folk song.
The festival's roots run deep in the community.
Brian founded the festival 45 years ago, spurred by a desire to share his love for folk culture and to support a cause close to the nation's heart.
With a loan of just £395 from the local branch of the Royal British Legion, given on the condition that any profits would be donated to the Legion's Poppy Appeal, Mr Bisp embarked on his mission.
The Poppy Appeal, a symbol of remembrance and a vital source of support for armed forces personnel and their families since the end of the First World War, found a fitting partner in the community-focused festival.
That first event was a resounding success, doubling the initial investment, and the festival has flourished ever since, growing into a cornerstone of the UK's folk calendar.
And their efforts undoubtedly paid off.
Beyond the captivating street performances, the festival celebrated the very best of English and Celtic folk music in a series of live concerts at the Allendale Community Centre.
The line-up was a who's who of the folk world, featuring the intricate melodies of top Irish bands like Lúnasa and Flook, and the soulful tunes of Mise.
The Allendale also played host to the wonderful Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, the poignant storytelling of Colum Sands, and the energetic rhythms of Welsh trio Hoover the Dog.
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Local talent was also given a platform to shine, with rousing performances from Four Hand Reel and Paul Burke's band.
For many, a highlight was the sensational performance of one of the finest voices in the folk world, Roy Bailey. His career, hailed as representing the very soul of folk's working-class ideals, resonated deeply with the appreciative audience, his songs weaving tales of struggle, hope, and humanity.
As evening descended, the Queen Elizabeth School became a whirlwind of energy as Whapweasel and Random provided the foot-stomping music for a lively Ceilidh, getting everyone, from seasoned dancers to enthusiastic novices, in the mood for dancing.
Throughout the weekend, the town centre was a feast for the senses.
Street entertainers captivated onlookers with their dazzling skills, while colourful stalls offered a treasure trove of goods, from ethnic clothes and intricate jewellery to handcrafted rugs and an array of musical instruments.
