WIMBORNE wowed with its Christmas lights switch on, falling snow and musket fire. 

The grey skies and drizzle failed to dampen the Christmas spirit on Saturday, November 30, as thousands flocked to the town to enjoy an afternoon of free Christmas events. 

Organised by Wimborne BID and the town council, more than 25,000 LED bulbs and 2,000 metres of string and rope lighting decorated the town along with a huge Christmas tree in the town square. 

The honour of the big Christmas lights switch on was given to Wimborne school children Alice Graham from St John’s First School and Jemima Cripps from Allenbourn Middle School.

Both had won first prize in a competition to design posters to promote the town’s Christmas events. 

(Image: Wimborne BID)

Joining the winner was mayor of Wimborne’s official Scout escort Madeline Morris, also from Allenbourn School. Three-year-old Finley Wasiak joined in on the moment, too. 

Mayor Jeff Hart said: “In my new role, this is one of the events I have been looking forward to most in my mayoral calendar. 

“What a fabulous atmosphere and a great day for families and friends to enjoy. And thankfully the rain held off too.” 

Crowds were treated to live performances on a stage in Wimborne Square which featured community and school choirs, the Quarterjacks Marching Band and Footlight Dance Academy.  

Barbara Buffton, a member of Just Sing choir who performed, said: “We’ve been singing in Wimborne for the Christmas Lights Switch on for the past 12 years. There’s such a sense of community spirit.” 

Fiona Harwood, chair of Wimborne BID, said: "Having the market in the high street car park allowed us to really transform the space with decorations and lighting to create a great atmosphere.  

“The focus of the BID is to bring more customers to Wimborne, and events like this certainly do that.” 

Debbie Foot, manager of Reeves Bakery, which opened in the town just a couple of months ago, said: “We’ve had the most phenomenal day.  

“Being our first Christmas here in the town, we weren’t sure what to expect. We haven’t stopped selling cakes and pies from the moment we opened.  

“Wimborne people are a joy and we’re one hundred percent thrilled to be in this vibrant town.” 

Malcolm Angel, owner of two independent businesses Gullivers Bookshop and Square Records, added: “What a town. It’s been an incredible atmosphere all day.  

“This event gets bigger every year and the new market area was a great use of space. Hats off to Wimborne BID and Wimborne Town Council for all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to make this event the success it is.”