HUNDREDS of people are expected to start the festivities on a high note next week at Wimborne Minster’s magical Carols in the Corn Market.

The festive community event celebrates its 12th anniversary on Friday, December 22 with Christmas music and family entertainment from 6pm.

Members of the public are invited to sing their favourite carols along with the Broadstone Community Concert Band, a traditional brass band which consists of 50 amateur and professional musicians.

Hundreds of people are expected to gather in Wimborne for the magical Christmas concert and light up the night with twinkling glowsticks sponsored by for a spectacular yuletide display of unity.

Visitors will be given glowsticks sponsored by Wimborne BID, and will be encouraged to donate to local charities including Wimborne in Bloom, The Friends of Victoria Hospital, Walford Mill Education Trust and the National Garden Scheme.

Tammy Sleet, Wimborne BID Manager, said: “We are proud to be supporting this long-established community event which brings friends and families together for a fabulously festive session of carol-singing.

“It’s a great event to attend if you want to get in the joyous spirit of the season and celebrate Christmas with the community.”

Anthony Oliver, co-organiser added: “We’d like to address a special thank you to Wimborne BID for supporting our festive event and for supplying the glowsticks and carol sheets for the public.

“This year we have upgraded from candles to glowsticks, and we hope attendees will enjoy this change.

“Everyone is kindly invited to join us, and we’ll treat all singers to warm drinks afterwards in the Salvation Army Hall.”