Taste the Town – Wimborne’s Food Scene Takes Centre Stage
Christian Ørner at Wimborne Food Festival
Take a soupçon of local food experts, add a healthy mix of local businesses, a sprinkling of food and drink stalls and a dash of delicious tastings – and you’ve got the perfect recipe for the second sensational Wimborne Food Festival.
Despite the occasional downpour, the town was buzzing with food lovers enjoying cooking demos, tasting talks, and live entertainment. Former MasterChef contestant Dr George Williams wowed crowds with TV-worthy recipes using local produce, while Dorset’s own “Willy Wonka,” Christian Ørner, delighted audiences with the health-giving secrets of chocolate.
Organised by Wimborne BID with support from Dacombes of Wimborne and other local businesses, the festival brought together foodies, restaurants and retailers in a celebration of flavour.
Simon Warren, co-owner of the award-winning East Street Deli, shared tastings and curated festival cheese boxes. “We served more customers than ever before,” he said. “Well done to Wimborne BID and the Food Festival team for such a great event. However, the real value of days like this are seen in the coming weeks, months and years. We saw so many new faces which we’ll hopefully see again in the lead up to the busy Christmas period.”
The East Street Deli
The festival’s reach extended beyond food, with non-food businesses joining the fun. Gift shop Tickles & Co hosted a food-themed giveaway and Gullivers Bookshop created a charming cookbook window display. “The more businesses that get involved, the bigger and better this event becomes,” Simon added. “We’re already excited for 2026!”
One of the sweetest moments came from the “Bake for Victory” competition, where 15 stunning Victoria Sponges were entered. James Tulk, who bakes for Riverside Café, took top honours in the adult category. Councillor Ryan from Wimborne Minster Town Council praised the winning cake: “Three superb layers, strawberry jam (which always wins over raspberry), and fresh strawberries on top — the perfect icing on the cake!”
Fiona Pawsey, Chair of Wimborne BID said: ‘The Food Festival is a great way of celebrating Wimborne’s vibrant food scene and attracting more visitors to the town. We’re so grateful to all the businesses who got behind this event and supported it with ingenuity and time.”
Christian Ørner and George Williams judging the cake competition
