FESTIVE spirit was to the fore in Wimborne at the weekend as thousands turned out to see the town’s Christmas lights switched on.

Rain didn’t dampen spirits among spectators during a day of free entertainment on Saturday (November 29), including community choirs, a marching band and a dance school, alongside a magical fake snow shower.

Mayor of Wimborne, Councillor Jeff Hart, said: “This is honestly the highlight of my mayoral calendar. What a great afternoon and evening with so much free entertainment rounded off by Wimborne’s famous militia firing in the festivities with a musket salute on the Minster Green.”

The High Street car park was transformed into a Christmas market, funded by Wimborne BID and organised by Stir Events, featuring festive stalls, food, and drink.

A magical snow shower in the centre of Wimborne. Picture: Oak Photography

Wimborne BID also unveiled its annual Christmas advert, A Match Made in Wimborne — a 90-second short film brimming with romance, comedy, and small-town charm, celebrating the magic of shopping local.

The film stars professional actress and TV presenter Rhiannon Duffin, from Parkstone, alongside Shaftesbury business owner Jim Chetwode.

It marks the eighth year Wimborne BID has funded a Christmas advert for the town, produced once again with Justin Gray of Gray Creative Agency, whose clients include household names B&Q and John Lewis.

Fiona Pawsey, chair of Wimborne BID, said: “There’s so much hard work that goes on behind the scenes to make the Christmas celebrations in Wimborne such a success and the BID is so grateful to the many volunteers who give their time so generously.

“This was my first Christmas as BID chair and my first Christmas in Wimborne. I was blown away by the event and the wonderful atmosphere throughout the town.”

The Christmas advert was also unveiled. Picture: Justin Gray

Picture: Oak Photography