uplift yOuth fEstival is cOming to WimbOrnE in april
Taking place Monday 6 – Sunday 19 April 2026, UPLIFT is part of Wimborne Town of Culture 2026 and is a programme of pop-up events, performances and creative activities by young people and for young people.
Across the Easter holidays, you’ll find creative activity popping up across the town – from workshops and performances to exhibitions and markets – with many events free to attend or take part in.
UPLIFT is all about creating opportunities for young people to share their creativity, try new things and help shape what happens in their town.
what’s happening during uplift
UPLIFT will include a mix of pop-up events and creative activity across the town.
Some of the things you might discover include:
uplift live
On Saturday 11 April, Wimborne’s Market Square will host UPLIFT Live, a series of performances from young musicians and performers, bringing fresh energy and creativity to the heart of the town.
interactive puppet performances
Keep an eye out for roaming puppetry characters created by students from Arts University Bournemouth, bringing playful, interactive performances to the streets on Saturday 11 April.
creative workshops
A range of free creative workshops will take place during the festival, giving young people the chance to try something new. Activities may include things like mono printing, samba and other hands-on creative sessions.
youth makers market
In partnership with Walford Mill, we are running a Youth Makers Market as part of the Walford Mill Makers Market on Sat 11 April, showcasing work created by young artists and makers.
wimborne sports festival
Join us for a day of energy, activity and community at the Wimborne Sports Festival, taking place 10am - 4pm on Sunday 19 April 2026 on Willow Walk, near Waitrose in Wimborne town centre.
This lively outdoor event brings together local clubs, organisations and fitness providers to showcase the incredible range of sport and activity on offer across Wimborne. Visitors of all ages are invited to get involved, try something new and meet the people behind local sports and wellbeing groups.
Whether you’re looking to discover a new hobby, get active as a family, or connect with your community, the Wimborne Sports Festival is a celebration of movement, participation and local pride.
pop-up youth art exhibitions
Creative work produced by young people at local schools and education settings will appear in pop-up exhibition spaces across Wimborne’s cafés, restaurants and venues, giving visitors the chance to discover creativity throughout the town.
a festival across wimborne
Events and activities will take place in a range of locations across Wimborne, from the town centre and Market Square to cafés, venues and public spaces.
get involved
Young people are helping shape UPLIFT Youth Festival, including choosing activities and artists through the UPLIFT Youth Selection Panel.
If you’re aged 13–25 and would like to have your say in what happens at the festival, you can join the Youth Selection Panel and help decide which workshops, performances and activities will be part of the programme.