
Family Fest is back – and this year promises more fun, longer hours and lower ticket prices. Returning to The Meadows just over Julian’s Bridge, the award-winning Wimborne festival runs from Friday 30th May to Sunday 1st June, with live music and entertainment continuing until 9pm on Friday and Saturday for the first time.
In a bid to keep the event affordable, ticket prices have been reduced: standard children’s entry is now £5 and adults £8. Founder Rob Batson said: ‘With the current economic climate, we’ve cut costs to ensure even more families can join us. All activities – except inflatables and fairground rides – are included in the ticket price, so there are no hidden extras.’
Headline acts include Rudimentalists, the UK’s top Rudimental tribute band (Friday), and 80s/90s party favourites Yazadi (Saturday). There’s a new Bournemouth One lounge with street food and a bar, hosted by Bournemouth’s newest radio station. There’s thrilling BMX bike shows and traditional fun with Punch & Judy and magic shows, plus festival shopping with food, gifts and artisan products from across Dorset on offer with a special focus on supporting the county’s small business traders.
The festival continues to support The Cherry Tree Nursery, which offers rehabilitation through horticulture: it has so far donated £4,000 to the nursery in Bournemouth. Sited on 12 acres of working farmland, Family Fest offers on-site camping as well as shuttle bus services from Wimborne Square and also
from Blandford.
Run voluntarily by Rob Batson and a small team, with 15 volunteers across the weekend, the festival expects more than 3,000 visitors. Supported by Wimborne BID, it’s a celebration of community, creativity and good old-fashioned family fun.
Find out more at ffdorset.co.uk
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