WIMBORNE’S popular Carols in the Cornmarket will return for its 18th year.

Taking place at 6pm on Friday, December 20, the free event invites people to sing carols together in the Cornmarket, just off the high street.

The event begins with an opening prayer and there will also be some readings interspersed with favourite carols that everyone can join in with song sheets provided.

Helping the singing go with a swing are choristers from the Wimborne Minster church and the Broadstone Community Concert Band ably conducted by Damon Corio.

Since 2006, this community event has been organised jointly by Hilda Butler and Anthony Oliver, with only one year missed due to the Covid pandemic.

Anthony Oliver said: “There’s something very special about this event. At about 5.45pm it looks like no one will show up and then suddenly people arrive in droves.  With so many people moving into the new housing developments in and around Wimborne, we’d especially like to welcome residents new to the town to come along and join in.”

This free event is a fundraiser for the Minster Church with those who would like to donate encouraged to bring cash as there are no card readers available.

The event is sponsored by Wimborne BID and Wimborne’s independent opticians, Optique 2000.

BID Chair Fiona Harwood said: “The BID is delighted to support this event which is a firm festive favourite in the town calendar, attracting hundreds of people to Wimborne and really embracing the community spirit we’re so lucky to have here.”