local musicians commissioned to create new music inspired by the stories of wimborne
Will McNicol (left) and Luke Selby (right)
Wimborne Town of Culture 2026 has commissioned acclaimed Dorset musicians Will McNicol and Luke Selby to create a new body of original music inspired by the people, stories and identity of Wimborne – and local people are being invited to help shape it.
Will and Luke have been selected for Wimborne Unsung Heroes, the new music commission forming one of the creative strands of HOME, Wimborne Town of Culture 2026’s landmark multi-arts project exploring what home means in Wimborne today.
At the heart of Wimborne Unsung Heroes are the people, characters, places and moments that make Wimborne, Wimborne – and Will and Luke want local people to help uncover them.
They’re looking for the stories that might not make it into the history books: much-loved local characters and everyday heroes; funny or touching memories; local traditions and quirks; memorable events from years gone by; stories passed down through families; and the people, places and moments that have become part of Wimborne folklore.
Perhaps there’s someone who quietly made a difference to generations of local people, a story everyone in your street knows, a memorable night out or community celebration, an eccentric local character, or simply a moment that perfectly captures life in the town.
The stories gathered will provide inspiration for Will and Luke as they create new original music celebrating Wimborne’s character, community and identity.
got a story? they’d love to hear it.
Share it through the simple online form. It can be as short or detailed as you like.
And if your story is better told than written, you can record yourself telling it as an audio or video clip and email it to the project team – details are available at the same link.
meet will and luke
Will McNicol and Luke Selby have been performing together since 2013 and both musicians have strong connections to Wimborne.
Make it stand out
Will picked up his first guitar at the age of six while at school in Wimborne Minster and has since become one of the UK’s most respected contemporary acoustic guitarists. He was named Guitarist Magazine’s UK Acoustic Guitarist of the Year, featured in Acoustic Guitar Magazine’s 30 Great Guitarists Under 30 from Around the World, and has performed extensively across the UK and internationally. Will said:
“Wimborne is where I first picked up a guitar, so it feels really special to have the opportunity to create new music inspired by the town and the people who make it what it is. I’m really looking forward to hearing people’s stories – from everyday memories and experiences to the people and places that have shaped their sense of home – and exploring how we can translate some of those into music.”
Luke is a professional musician based in Wimborne, widely recognised for his work as a drummer as well as being an accomplished songwriter, composer, pianist and vocalist. Alongside his performing and composing work, Luke is Head of Modern Music at Bryanston School. Luke said:
Luke is a professional musician based in Wimborne, widely recognised for his work as a drummer as well as being an accomplished songwriter, composer, pianist and vocalist. Alongside his performing and composing work, Luke is Head of Modern Music at Bryanston School.
“Everyone’s experience of Wimborne is different, and I think there will be some brilliant stories out there that might otherwise go unheard. We’d love to hear about the characters people remember, funny stories, local traditions, memorable moments and the everyday people who have made their mark on the town. Nothing has to feel particularly grand or important – sometimes the smaller stories are the ones that say the most about a place.”
Together, Will and Luke have also worked as composers and performers on The Rising, a contemporary dance project by The Heather Walrond Company. Inspired by Fijian dance and celebrating community and togetherness, the Arts Council-supported production has toured throughout the UK and internationally.
creating a new musical legacy for wimborne
Rather than beginning with a predetermined set of songs or subjects, the commission will respond to the stories and experiences Will and Luke encounter through the project.
The HOME project team will support the musicians to connect with different people and communities across Wimborne, with the stories gathered providing inspiration for a new collection of music reflecting a range of experiences and perspectives on life in and around the town.
The resulting work will be recorded and shared with audiences and communities as part of HOME and its legacy.
about home
HOME is the landmark project at the heart of Wimborne’s year as Dorset Town of Culture 2026, exploring what home means to people in Wimborne today.
The programme brings together theatre, visual art, music and film through four interconnected creative strands, creating new work with and inspired by local communities.
HOME brings together local artists, organisations and communities alongside creative practitioners, creating opportunities for people across Wimborne to take part and ensuring that the stories and creativity generated during 2026 leave a lasting legacy.
