uplift yOuth fEstival
From 6–19 April 2026, UPLIFT brought two weeks of creativity, performance and hands-on activities to Wimborne as part of Wimborne Town of Culture 2026.
Young people took part in everything from samba drumming, dance, poetry, digital music making and mono printing workshops to live performances, the Youth Makers Market at Walford Mill, and the Festival of Sport. The programme also provided opportunities for young musicians and performers to take to the stage and showcase their talents.
Created by young people and for young people, UPLIFT celebrated creativity, confidence and connection while helping shape a vibrant cultural programme across the town.
Browse the gallery below to look back at some of the highlights..
UPLIFT was all about creating opportunities for young people to share their creativity, try new things and help shape what happens in their town.
uplift live
Saturday 11th 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.
creative workshops
Friday 10th and Saturday 11th April.
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.
There are a wide range of bookable and drop in workshops and activities =
young makers at walford mill maker’s market
Saturday 11th April
In partnership with Walford Mill, some young makers will be stallholders at the Walford Mill Makers Market on Sat 11 April, showcasing and selling their creative work for the first time.
festival of sport & active leisure
Sunday 19th April, 10am-4pm at Willow Walk(Waitrose Green)
This 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.
creative exhibition pop-ups
Creative work produced by young people at local schools will appear in pop-up exhibition spaces across Wimborne’s cafés, shops and open spaces, giving visitors the chance to discover creativity throughout the town.
