DEED would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make our Global Fair at Walford Mill on Saturday 27 June such a wonderful success.

As part of Wimborne's Town of Culture celebrations, the free family event brought together people of all ages to celebrate the rich diversity of our community while exploring how we can all play a part in creating a fairer and more sustainable world. Despite the warm weather, visitors enjoyed a vibrant day filled with music, dance, theatre, storytelling, creative workshops, environmental activities and community spirit.

The event was officially opened by the Mayor of Wimborne, whose warm words highlighted the importance of bringing communities together through culture and shared experiences. We were also delighted to welcome our local MP, Vikki Slade, who spent time meeting exhibitors, performers and visitors, learning more about DEED's work and the many organisations supporting global learning and environmental action across Dorset.

There was something for everyone throughout the day. Noah Messomo delighted audiences with his engaging West African storytelling and music workshop, while Miki Cruz had visitors of all ages joining in with an energetic samba drumming workshop. The BPC Indian Community wowed audiences with colourful traditional dance performances, and Wimborne Community Theatre entertained visitors with a lively theatrical performance that reflected the spirit of community and creativity at the heart of the event.

Families enjoyed a wide range of hands-on activities including arts and crafts led by the Dorset Ukrainian Community, the BPC Indian Community and Caroline Parrott from Walford Mill. Wilding Wimborne introduced visitors to the wildlife living on our doorstep through fascinating river dipping sessions, while Hedgehog Friendly Wimborne shared practical advice on protecting one of Britain's best-loved garden visitors. Makers and Shakers encouraged teamwork and creativity with their community jigsaw, which became a popular activity throughout the day.

The fair also featured a wonderful variety of stalls celebrating global cultures, Fairtrade and environmental action. Visitors browsed DEED's multicultural children's books, FairGround's Fairtrade products, displays from Planet Wimborne, Wimborne & Colehill Fair Trade Community Group, Hedgehog Friendly Wimborne and many other local organisations committed to making a positive difference.

Local schools also played an important role, proudly displaying inspiring artwork exploring biodiversity, climate change and caring for our environment. We were delighted to showcase work from Wimborne First School and Allenbourn Middle School, demonstrating how young people are already leading the way in thinking globally and acting locally.

Visitors were able to relax with refreshments from Little Pickle at the Mill while enjoying the welcoming atmosphere and taking time to chat with exhibitors, performers and community groups.

Events like the Global Fair show the power of bringing people together. By celebrating different cultures alongside environmental action, we create opportunities to learn from one another, build stronger communities and inspire positive change.

We would like to offer our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to the day: the Mayor of Wimborne for officially opening the event; Vikki Slade MP for visiting and supporting the fair; Noah Messomo; Miki Cruz; Wimborne Community Theatre; the BPC Indian Community; the Dorset Ukrainian Community; Wilding Wimborne; Hedgehog Friendly Wimborne; Makers and Shakers; Caroline Parrott and the team at Walford Mill; FairGround; Planet Wimborne; Wimborne & Colehill Fair Trade Community Group; Little Pickle at the Mill; Wimborne First School; Allenbourn Middle School; our volunteers and everyone who came along to support the event.

Finally, thank you to Wimborne Town of Culture for including the Global Fair in its inspiring programme of events. We are incredibly proud to have brought together so many people to celebrate diversity, creativity, sustainability and the power of community. We look forward to the possibility of doing it all again next year.