It's wonderful to have been commissioned to photograph events in my hometown in the run up to Christmas, on behalf of Wimborne BID; an organisation that works with businesses to encourage tourism and more spending in the town.
For the past few years, at this time of year i've been out of the county or country and have been unable to attend these events, let alone capture them. So it was a real pleasure to stand alongside my fellow townspeople and see the lights go on... and actually go on, not flicker, pop and go out (as has been the case in almost every town in Britain at some point).
Beforehand i went to look around Walford Mill and see the crafts and creations on offer there. It's lovely to see people working on their products in front of you - you understand the time it must take to produce such beautiful items and the skills involved. There are some really beautiful creations available to buy there, i encourage you to walk down and take a look (the building too is beautiful).
Meanwhile in the town's square the crowd were being entertained by various dance groups, vocal groups and performers, before 'Elvis' came out to sing some familiar songs to get the crowd in the spirit. The Mayoress gave a speech and together with 'Elvis' they lit the town up at the flick of a switch... and it worked!!
Wimborne looks lovely at this time of year. The streets aren't too wide so the lights that stretch from side to side create a faux ceiling of sparkling spots that make you feel, dare i say it, Christmassy... cosy even. With the warm welcome of the shopkeepers an ever present reward for venturing out in the cold, i can see no good reason to stay away from the town.
I Implore you to take a walk of an afternoon, enjoy the atmosphere, the lights, the smells and sounds. And think yourself lucky, that you are in the company of good people in the happy streets of Wimborne, Dorset.
Darren Lovell
Images Copyright Darren Lovell Photography 2016
