THIS year is one of the busiest years for Wimborne Minster with events, many free, happening in the town nearly every month.

The town has already seen its Summer of History get off to a spectacular start with the Battle for Wimborne reenactment attracting over 3,000 people, followed by D-Day commemorations and the annual favourite of the folk festival bringing the streets alive with music and dance.

July will bring an interactive, fun safari trail followed in September by a mouth-watering new food festival plus the 25^th anniversary celebrations of Wimborne’s famous town militia.

Many of these events are funded and organised by the Wimborne Improvement District (BID).

So what is the BID? Wimborne BID is a business-led initiative to invest money into the local economy.

Its aim is to improve the outward appearance of a district, support events, promotions, Christmas activities as well as offer training and support for businesses.

Funding comes via businesses, who pay a levy into the BID to deliver projects that will benefit them. The projects are outlined in a five-year business plan, which the businesses vote to accept or reject in a ballot.

If the ballot is successful, the BID levy becomes a compulsory levy and, in Wimborne, it is 1.5% of the rateable value of business premises.

This year the town has benefited from funding for new security radios for traders and work is ongoing for implementing a large-scale Wayfinding project – this will involve around 20 new pedestrian signs to help people find their way around and discover more areas of Wimborne.

BID manager Tammy Sleet said: “Our logo says ‘Making it Happen’ and we strive to fulfil that promise, whether it’s supporting one business with their promotional idea, co-ordinating a major event or helping to keep traders and the public safe in the town.”

The BID holds their Annual Levy Payer Meeting on Wednesday 26^th June at Allendale House at 6pm.

The BID will report back on their financial position, on project delivery, and on the results of the annual levy payer survey. The six levy-payer directors will also be appointed at this meeting.

BID Chair Fiona Harwood said: “Being a BID director is both satisfying and challenging. Wimborne BID prides itself on having a strong team to drive the delivery of the BID’s business plan commitments.

“Wimborne is such a vibrant town with a brilliant business community and strong partnerships who all work together to give the town its special flair.”