WIMBORNE’S ambitious new history festival will make its return next summer – but for those who can’t wait, its committee have relaunched an older, much-loved event.

The festival, which will take place in 2020, will have an even wider scope than featured in its inaugural event, which took place in 2018. Organisers say they will travel another century back in time to explore life in Georgian Wimborne between 1811 and 1837.

Previously, the festival had looked back as far as the end of the First World War. Visitors were given an insight into what life in East Dorset would have been like during the conflict, both at home and on the frontlines.

As part of the event, professional and amateur actors represented 10 men who had lost their lives in the war.

The actors moved silently among visitors and handed out cards with details of the men’s lives printed on them.

An authentic Bristol Scout biplane was on show in the Square throughout the Heritage Lottery Fund-backed festival, which took place in July 2018, while a suffragette rally, artillery displays, a military encampment and spy training activities also took place.

This year, storytelling event Sting in the Tale will be relaunched as part of the festival. It will take place from July 27 with open-air storytelling in locations around Wimborne.

The festival has been backed by the town’s branch of Waitrose.

Store manager Tina Eicke said: “Waitrose is pleased to be able to support this exciting event which brings the community and generations together.

“It is important that our area’s history is kept alive and the History Festival is a wonderful way of engaging all ages.”

Running alternate years to Wimborne History Festival, Sting in the Tale will set the scene with a Georgian theme from July 27 to August 2.

Those who attend will hear more about what Wimborne was like during the Regency period. As well as stories, there will be street entertainment, crafts and live music.

Anyone who can support either the history festival or Sting in the Tale by volunteering or fundraising is asked to get in touch with director Tracy Whitham by emailing directors@wimbornehistoryfestival.org.uk