Vikki Slade MP congratulates Wimborne becoming Dorset’s Town of Culture 2026
Vikki Slade, Liberal Democrat MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole, has warmly congratulated Wimborne Minster on being named Dorset’s Town of Culture for 2026.
To mark the achievement, Vikki has tabled an Early Day Motion (EDM) in Westminster celebrating the award and the town’s vibrant cultural offer. She also highlighted the news in Parliament, praising Wimborne as “the heart of my beautiful constituency”.
Speaking in Parliament, Vikki said she was “thrilled” by the announcement, celebrating the town’s remarkable cultural assets, from the Museum of East Dorset, complete with its famous mummified cat, and the chained library in Wimborne Minster, to the Tivoli Theatre, the Allendale Centre, the annual Queen Elizabeth’s School production, Walford Mill Gallery, the Folk Festival and Kingston Lacy.
She added in Parliament: “Wimborne really is the place to be in 2026 and can show other places how culture can be inclusive, relevant and fun even on a small scale. I would love to welcome the Minister and other hon. Members to come to Wimborne during 2026; I can assure them they will receive a warm welcome and leave enriched by a flavour of Dorset in our food and our culture.”
Wimborne follows Bridport (2024) and Weymouth & Portland (2025) in receiving the title, an initiative led by The Arts Development Company and Dorset Council. The 2026 programme, under the theme “Bridging the Past and the Future”, will celebrate Wimborne’s 1,000-year story, from Roman roads to digital creativity, while supporting youth wellbeing, tackling social isolation and connecting communities.
Vikki encouraged residents and visitors alike to get involved: “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase everything that makes Wimborne special. I would urge everyone to check out the programme, support local events and be part of this exciting year for the town.”
The first wave of the program will be launched on the 19th of February.
To continue celebrating the best of what Dorset has to offer, Vikki is hosting an event called Dorset Day in Parliament next week.
Vikki is bringing Dorset food, drink and coffee producers, Wimborne's Mayor and the Militia (a 17th century military reenactment group), up to Westminster to put the region’s food, culture and history firmly on the map with MPs.