FOLK music, dancers and art brought Wimborne Minster alive during the three-day weekend of festivities. 

The Wimborne Folk festival returned for its 42nd year in a sea of colour and noise as the much-loved procession made its way through the market town on Saturday, June 8. 

Thousands of residents from Wimborne and beyond filled the streets this weekend to soak up the fun – despite the cloud overhead. 

Visitors enjoyed live folk music, traditional dances, comedy, and art, plus the endless offerings of food and drink from stalls. 

Performances came from artists including Brothers Gillespie, Du Glas, Fly Yeti Fly, Merry Hall, Chloe Matharu, Deta Kenzie and Murphy’s Lore. 

Hundreds of folklore dancers made their way through the town dressed in extravagant outfits on Saturday afternoon as part of the procession.

The streets lit up in colour and noise as the performers from across the globe took part in the street parade.

Mini shopping villages had been set up around the minster and boasted an array of independent traders and colourful product ranges. 

Many pubs, restaurants and cafes also chose to get involved by launching their own pop-up stalls in the streets. 

Jack and his girlfriend Emily, both 21 and from Wimborne, were as excited as ever for the festival to return. 

Jack said: “It’s always a good time and we love watching them parade through the square. It’s always absolutely crazy but that’s just Wimborne for you.” 

Meanwhile married couple Andy and Julie, both in their 50s, were visiting Wimborne from Bournemouth. 

“We haven’t been for some years but it’s nice to see it’s still as flamboyant as ever,” Julie told the Echo. 

Her husband added: “I grew up in Wimborne and can remember the very first one as a small boy. It’s come a long way but I’m glad it’s still going on.”

Meanwhile, the Allendale theatre also hosted a number of events, including concerts from Steve Turner, Michell, Pfeiffer & Kulesh, Bob Carter, Mandy Woods and Chris Ricketts.