Wimborne unlocked returns with a free family day of creativity, community and fun
Families across Wimborne are invited to discover a wealth of local support, activities and community connections at Wimborne Unlocked, a free Community Day hosted by Dorset Council, taking place at Wimborne Family Hub on Wednesday 19 August, from 10.00am to 3.00pm.
Held at Wimborne Family Hub, Leigh Park Community Centre, Gordon Road, Wimborne, BH21 2AP, the event offers families the opportunity to meet the wide range of organisations and professionals who support children, young people and parents across the local area, while enjoying a fun-filled day of cultural and creative workshops, stalls and performances.
Visitors can take part in free summer crafts and activities, enjoy a bouncy castle, ice cream van and interactive stalls, and receive a free lunch provided by The Friendly Food Club. No booking is required, making it easy for families to drop in throughout the day.
This year’s event includes a creative programme from Wimborne Town of Culture 2026, The programme includes stalls from the Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne Contemporary Arts, Wimborne Community Theatre, Kingston Lacy and Wimborne Model Town. There will also be drop-in workshops with local artist Caroline Parrott, and interactive archaeological dig boxes for all to get involved with. Tiggy Whitmarsh and Temwika Ntuntu, winners of Wimborne's Got Talent 2026 at the Wimborne Folk Festival, will be performing from 12.00pm to 1.00pm. At 1.00pm to 2.00pm, Millstream Theatre present spoken word performances, alongside an interactive instant theatre performance involving both performers and audience members.
Families can also meet representatives from a wide range of local services, including Family Support Workers, Target Youth Workers, Best Start in Life Advisors, Health Visitors, Speech and Language services, Wimborne Library, LiveWell Dorset and the local Foodbank.
For families with babies under one year old, a special interactive music session will take place from 11.00am to 11.30am with Babagaloo. Places should be booked directly with the Family Hub by calling 01202 228833.
The Community Day aims to showcase the support available through the Family Hub while bringing local organisations together in a welcoming environment where families can connect, explore services and enjoy a memorable day out during the summer holidays.
Cllr Clare Sutton, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education, says:
"Our annual Community Day at the Wimborne Family Hub is all about making it easy for families to connect with the wide range of support available through the Family Hub and our local partners. By bringing services together in one welcoming space, alongside fun activities for children and young people, we hope families can enjoy a great day out while discovering information and support that could make a real difference. We're delighted to be working with Wimborne Town of Culture this year to create an event that celebrates both our community and everything Wimborne has to offer."
Emma Kerr, Project Manager, Wimborne Town of Culture 2026 says:
"Wimborne Unlocked is a fantastic opportunity to bring families together to discover just how much support, creativity and community spirit exists right on their doorstep. As one of Wimborne Town of Culture 2026's landmark events, we're delighted to work alongside Dorset Council to make arts, culture and heritage accessible to everyone. Whether you're exploring creative workshops, enjoying live performances or simply finding out more about local services, we hope families will leave feeling inspired and connected to what our town has to offer."
Emma Kerr, Project Manager, Wimborne Town of Culture 2026 says:
"Wimborne Unlocked is a fantastic opportunity to bring families together to discover just how much support, creativity and community spirit exists right on their doorstep. As one of Wimborne Town of Culture 2026's landmark events, we're delighted to work alongside Dorset Council to make arts, culture and heritage accessible to everyone. Whether you're exploring creative workshops, enjoying live performances or simply finding out more about local services, we hope families will leave feeling inspired and connected to what our town has to offer."
Everyone is welcome to attend, and entry is free.
Event Details
What: Wimborne Unlocked – Community Day
When: Wednesday 19 August, 10.00am–3.00pm
Where: Wimborne Family Hub, Leigh Park Community Centre, Gordon Road, Wimborne, BH21 2AP
Cost: Free
Booking: No booking required (except the session with Babagaloo)
Wimborne Town of Culture 2026 shines a spotlight on arts, culture, sport, recreation and leisure across the town, creating new opportunities for people to take part under the theme ‘Bridging the Past and the Future’.
Wimborne is Dorset Town of Culture 2026, following Bridport (2024) and Weymouth & Portland (2025). Dorset Town of Culture is an initiative by Arts Development Company, with funding from Dorset Council, matched by Wimborne Minster Town Council, with headline sponsors Wimborne Minster BID and Canford School.
