Introduction to the Wimborne Minster Folk Festival
The streets of Dorset were flooded with over 80,000 people who braved the wet weather to attend the annual Wimborne Minster Folk Festival. Despite the heavy rain, the crowd gathered to enjoy the festivities, which featured a wide range of traditional dancers, musicians, and artists.
Festival Highlights
The festival saw forty teams of traditional dancers perform on the streets, accompanied by musicians of all genres. Local venues, including the minster, opened their doors to artists, providing a platform for them to showcase their talents. The event was a huge success, with attendees coming prepared for the rain with waterproof gear and big smiles.
Performances and Exhibitions
The festival featured a variety of performances, including march bands such as Gugge 2000 and the Quarter Jacks, whose youngest member is just seven years old. "Busk Stops" were set up throughout the city, where buskers performed on the streets. The Allendale House was also adopted by art exhibitions and stands by local artists, showcasing their work.
Music and Comedy
The festival featured original music by singer-songwriters such as Rob Clamp and Rachel Hill, as well as comedy music from the Polly Morris Band, Matt Black, and Dorset Phil. Andrew James, who headed the Irish music session in the Allendale Café on Saturday, described the scene as "a music session in a sauna" due to the heavy rain and crowded room.
Attendee Reactions
Polly Morris, who performed on the micro brewer on Saturday afternoon, said, "It was wonderful. I thought the rain would stop people from coming out, but they danced with their umbrellas in the puddles. It was really heartwarming." The festival’s chairman thanked everyone who attended the event, praising their determination to have a good time despite the weather.
Conclusion
The Wimborne Minster Folk Festival was a huge success, with attendees and performers alike coming together to create a fun and memorable experience. The event showcased the best of traditional music, dance, and art, and proved that a little rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the crowd.
