and just like that, uplift 6-19th april 2026 has come to a close
From the handmade puppets created by children at St John’s First School to the final whistle at the Sports Festival, Wimborne has been buzzing with the energy, talent, and voices of our children and young people. We set out to give the next generation a stage, and wow, did they take it!
The programme was curated through consultation with our amazing community of teachers, headteachers and children and young people (Wimborne First School and Wimborne Town Council’s Youth Council). They told us directly what they wanted to see, and we made it happen! We’ve seen shop windows transformed into galleries, the Town Square turned into a vibrant music stage, and young makers exhibiting alongside local professionals. Our parks and green spaces became hubs for creativity, exploration, and play.
What our families said:
"We had a great time on Saturday; it was brilliant to see the town bustling with so many kids enjoying themselves in the sunshine."
"Room 18 loved it and had such a fab time. The whole atmosphere was just brilliant and people were so kind to them. We definitely hope they can play again soon."
"Eliana really valued being part of a professional event where she felt integrated. Rather than the youth provision being a 'trial run', she got to be hands-on in the 'real thing'."
A Huge Thank You to Our Incredible Venues & Partners:
UPLIFT Art Trail
Cloisters: Hosted a pop-up poetry performance by Bournemouth’s Young Poet Laureate, Baz Lewis.
Woodsies of Wimborne: Presented Crown by Sienna Patrick (Canford School).
Bartlett’s: Exhibited People in Action by pupils from Allenbourn Middle School.
Museum of East Dorset: Exhibited puppets inspired by everyday heroes by children from St John’s First School.
Town Square: Featuring A Sense of Place flags by young people from Canford School.
Semley’s Auctioneers & Wimborne Library: Hosted the powerful Being a Boy exhibition, created by young working-class men with Arts University Bournemouth.
Redcotts Recreation Ground: Featured A River of Hope flags by students from Queen Elizabeth’s School and made with Heidi Steller (commissioned by Activate and Inside Out Dorset and delivered in partnership with Thames Festival Trust. Supported by Arts Council England and Paul Hamlyn Foundation and British Council).
UPLIFT Live Huge thanks to Dorset Music Service for co-hosting and looking after our amazing performers: Jordan Doherty, Swing Squad, Room 18, Lyme, Sophia Jarvis, Hettie Baker, and Helena Yasmin.
Special mention to Anthony at the Piazzo Loung for looking after the performers and team.
The Workshop Programme️ Led by a team of amazing creatives:
Dance: Brooke Hooker (Tiny Tots), Hannah Malone, Nat Johns.
Creative Arts: Bryony Gordon (Film), Seb Lewis (Poetry), LUSH (Skincare), Shawn Keys (Digital Music), Lizzy Riley (Aerial Dance), Amy Jerman (Musical Instrument Making), Emma Kerr (Mega Makes & Mini Masterpieces), Becky Dodds (Illustration).
Heritage & Performance: Hilary Foley & Butser Ancient Farm (Archaeology), Jasmin Edwards (Circus & Bubbles).
Our Brilliant Workshop Hosts: Wimborne Community Centre, Wimborne Library, and Wimborne Minster (Church House and the Green).
Youth Makers Market as part of Walford Mill’s Makers Market: Libby Noble, Theodora Houghton, Gergana Georgieva & Eliana Covell. Special thanks to Caroline Parrott at Walford Mill for supporting the young people during the day.
Special Highlights: A huge thank you to Jasmin Circus, who delighted the crowds with giant bubbles and circus workshops, and enthralled everyone with her spectacular hula-hoop performance! And also huge appreciation to Becky Dodds for creating a pop up photo mural inspired by a brief set by Wimborne Town Council’s Youth Council.
Sunday 19th April: Sports & Active Leisure Festival
To close the whole festival, we joined the Sports & Active Leisure Forum for a fantastic Sunday of action! From canoeing and football to cricket and a giant climbing wall, it was a brilliant day of participation. We hope many of you are now signed up for some new hobbies in the local area!
But most of all—thank you to the children, young people and families of Wimborne. You didn't just attend this festival; you made it.
Until next time!
Thank you, Wimborne, for making UPLIFT 2026 unforgettable!