VISITORS to Wimborne next month will step back through time during a festival with a difference.

The Wimborne History Festival will look at the impact of the First World War in East Dorset, with a suffragette rally, artillery displays, a military encampment and spy training activities planned.

Many of the activities will this year take place at the grounds of Allenbourn School after festival organisers made an unsuccessful request to use the Willow Walk Community Gardens, which are managed by Waitrose.

Project manager Rachel Limb said: "Allenbourn School has recently come to our rescue and has given us full support to hold the event on their school fields.

"Although not as central as Willow Walk, it is a fantastic area for all ages to enjoy our packed programme of First World War 'living history' activities.

"The Allenbourn grounds are a short pleasant river walk from the other town centre festival events, and will provide a beautiful festival site."

This year's history festival will feature an exhibition of First World War vehicles, workshops hosted by the Royal Signals Museum and Edwardian home front displays.

Actors aged between 19 and 32 are needed for a 'silent soldiers' project organised by State of Play Arts. The actors will portray 10 East Dorset soldiers killed during the war.

In addition, an authentic Bristol Scout biplane will be on show in the Square throughout the Heritage Lottery Fund-backed festival, which takes place on July 21 and 22.

Visitors will have the opportunity to sit in the plane and learn about its history.

Traders in the town centre have been encouraged to dress business windows in the colours of the suffrage movement, or with period bunting.

A trench warfare exhibition will take place at the Allendale Centre. On the Sunday, a remembrance service will take place at the Minster church at 4pm.

For more information, visit wimbornehistoryfestival.org.uk

Volunteers who would like to join the silent soldier project should email tony.horitz@talk21.com