After an absence last year, Carols in the Cornmarket, Wimborne returned on Friday evening with a good number present to enjoy what is always a magical evening.

This year glowsticks were replaced by a number of lanterns which were conveniently placed in the Wimborne in Bloom Flower Towers to keep in line with a plastic-free town.

Since 2006 this event has been organised by Hilda Butler, former chairman of Churches Together in Wimborne and Anthony Oliver, former town mayor with a collection being taken for the mayor’s charities. A total of nearly £600 was raised for this year’s Charities High Mead Farm and Diverse Abilities.

The event was sponsored by the Wimborne Bid, Optique 2000 and Wimborne Minster Town Council.

The carol singing was accompanied by the Broadstone Community Concert Band under the direction of Damon Corio with two of the carols being accompanied by Helen and Mark Banfield on the guitar and Irish drum.

Nine Minster choristers were present and sang under the direction of Colin Davey. Some other singers were also present.

Salvation Army officer Major Carole Gadsden opened the evening with a prayer and the Readings were read by the Mayor Kelly Webb and Hilda Butler.

The first verse of the penultimate carol, Away In A Manger was sung solo by Minster Curate Revd Nick Wells who later pronounced the Blessing. Radio Wimborne provided the public address system.

Refreshments were available after the event at both the White Hart and Number 9 on the Green.

All being well next year’s event will take place on Friday, December 23, 2022.