DANCE
Wimborne Minster Folk Festival 2026 will transform the historic Dorset market town into a vibrant hub of rhythm and colour from Friday, June 12th to Sunday, June 14th. As one of the most beloved events in the region, the Festival is a true celebration of heritage, bringing the town's streets alive with the sound of bells, clogs, fiddles and more.
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A Tapestry of Traditional Dance
The heart of the Festival lies in its diverse dance displays. Throughout the weekend, dozens of "sides" (dance teams) from across the country perform in and around the town centre. There will be a a rich variety of traditional styles, including:
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Cotswold Morris: The quintessential English folk dance, characterised by white attire, bells, and the rhythmic waving of sticks or handkerchiefs
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Border Morris: Hailing from the English-Welsh border, this style is known for its high energy, tattered coats (rag coats), and vigorous stick-clashing
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North-West Morris: A processional style often featuring colourful costumes and clogs, historically performed by mill workers in Northern England
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Clog Dancing: A percussive, solo or group style that showcases intricate footwork, with many performers wearing traditional wooden-soled footwear
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Appalachian Step Dancing: An American folk tradition with roots in Irish and African dance, known for its rapid, syncopated footwork
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European Styles: The Festival also welcomes international flair, often featuring guest teams performing traditional dances from across the continent
Highlights include:
The Procession. On Saturday afternoon, the Festival reaches its visual peak as dance teams and musicians parade through the town centre, creating a spectacular kaleidoscope of movement and sound
Ceilidhs and Workshops. As well as watching, you can participate! A Saturday evening ceilidh (social dance with a caller) will be held at Allendale Community Centre, while workshops offer a chance for beginners to learn the basics of Morris or Clog dancing. Get involved, for a weekend you'll never forget!
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​2026 info will appear on this page as sides are confirmed. In the meantime, check out hundreds of photos from 2025, here.​
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Top banner: Hurst Morris People by Dorsetbays, at Wimborne 2025.
Lower banner: Belles of London City, who performed at Wimborne in 2025.
