This February, we will celebrate Shrewsbury as “The Origin of Independent Thinking” and birthplace of Charles Darwin – the most independent thinker of them all.
From free guided tours to brainteasing lectures and dance performances – join in the host of interactive events being staged in and around the town.
This two and a half week programme is the first of its kind and cements Shrewsbury’s rightful position as not only the birthplace of Charles Darwin but the inspiration behind his independent thinking which went on to change the story of evolution around the world.
For more information about the festival visit
https://originalshrewsbury.co.uk/darwin-shrewsbury-festival
DANCE, MUSIC, POETRY, CRAFTS, SINGING, EXHIBITIONS, STORY TELLING, TALKS, FILM, OPEN STUDIOS, WORKSHOPS, an ARTISAN MARKET, a BAKE OFF and much more, with most of it FREE.
Set in the Shropshire Hills town of Bishop’s Castle, the festival will see venues of all shapes and sizes, from galleries to pubs, churches to libraries, hotels to shops, all opening their doors to put on this unique festival.
The 40th Live Arts Festival will take place over the weekends 9th/10th and 16th/17th March. Once again the festival includes Instrumental, Vocal, Dance and Speech & Drama (including Creative Writing) classes. Entry to the various classes is open to girls and boys of school age, from Reception class up to and including Year 13 from Shropshire, Telford and wider afield. In a major development this year the Instrumental classes will be held in Holy Trinity Church, Much Wenlock instead of in William Brookes School – where all other classes will take place.
The Spring Gala event will see up to 10 engines in steam, trundling along the beautiful Severn Valley. From the distant clank of a goods trains, to Autotrains puffing back and forth, prepare to venture back in time!
http://www.svr.co.uk/SEItem.aspx?a=65
Shrewsbury Steampunk Spectacular will take place on Saturday 23rd March 2019.
The Marvellous Market will be at the magnificent St Mary’s Church, and various Steampunk entertainment and activities will take place here and at other locations around the town centre.
Fancy having a go at Burlesque dance? Madam Zuri Arrosa Racing a Teapot? watching the amazing Belly Fusion Dance Collective join in with Ichabod Steam.? And much more besides! It really is going to be all rather splendid!
The evening Shindig will be at the Lion Hotel and will feature Professor Elemental, Victor and the Bully Damian Senior Violet Hugh and more!
On the weekend of March 30th -31st the American Civil War society (ACWS) will be holding this years training event at Whittington Castle in Shropshire come along and see the infantry, cavalry (subject to availability) and Artillery being put through their drill, wander through the authentic living history encampments of the Union and Confederate forces listen for the crackle of muskets as you are taken back to 1861-1865 American Civil War.
After a year off, free music festival The Big Busk is returning to the streets of Shrewsbury to celebrate what would have been the 50th birthday of the man in whose memory the event is held.
The Big Busk will take place in and around Shrewsbury Town Centre on Saturday 6 April 2019, the day talented musician and poet Ben Bebbington would have turned 50.
The Busk was first held in 2013 in memory of Ben, who died after an unprovoked attack by two men in September 2012. The event raises money for, and awareness of, Shrewsbury Ark, a centre for vulnerable and homeless people in Shrewsbury which meant a lot to Ben.
In 2017 the Busk raised more than £8,500, but organisers took a break this year to manage some of the challenges which arise from the Big Busk getting bigger each year. The small core organising team also had many personal milestones, including a wedding, new babies, house moves and new jobs!
Planning is now underway for the 2019 event.
Karen Higgins, Ben’s sister and one of the founders of The Big Busk, said: “We said when we announced in 2017 that we were taking a break that it would only be for one year and we are very excited to be bringing The Big Busk back to Shrewsbury in 2019.
“It is especially poignant that the event should fall on the very day that Ben would have turned 50 and we will making sure that there is a real party atmosphere that Ben would have been very proud of.
“We are in the very early stages of planning, but our basic philosophy will remain the same – you will be able to experience many styles of music all day on 6 April and everything will be free – we only ask that people donate whatever they can afford to support the fantastic work that Shrewsbury Ark does for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
“Everybody who makes this wonderful day possible – from the musicians to the volunteers in the lead up and on the day – gifts their time and talent to ensure all proceeds go to the Ark and I can’t thank them enough.”
21st Annual vintage tractor road run, starts from Apley Farm shop at 10am, there will be a lunch stop in Bridgnorth High St around 12.30pm
All in aid of Midlands Air Ambulance
Meet cartoonists from around the world as they work on big boards drawing cartoons on the theme of animals. Exhibitions, talks and workshops at various venues. Visit the website for more details:- www.shrewsburycartoonfestival.com
Living History Encampments, French and Allies. Skirmish each day at 3ish, informal talks, drill displays.
The scene is set
“With the French advance into Portugal, and in turn the withdrawal of Crauford’s Light Division back across the Coa, the Siege of Almeida has now begun….
Standing opposite the two Spanish border fortresses of Ciudad Rodrigo & Fort Concepcion, Almeida was garrisoned by the Allies, and was intended to help slow the French advance into Portugal, and in turn allow Wellesley time to strengthen, re-organise, re-equip and improve the army at his disposal. A long siege at Almeida, before the winter months set in would certainly help to do just that.
Several days prior to the French advance, Viscount Wellington has ordered Brevet-Colonel Yuill and his provisional battalion to re-enforce the mainly Portuguese garrison at Almeida, accompanied by a battery of gunners from the Royal Artillery.
On arrival at Almeida, the garrison commander (Brig. General – of the Portuguese Army – William Cox) had ordered Brevet-Colonel Yuill and his Provisional battalion to defend the Santo Antonio Bastion on the west of the fortress, near the castle – where the main powder magazine is located.
With a large French force numbering some 16,000 men with 100 guns under the command of Marshal Ney now encircling the fortress, will the garrison of 5,000 Portuguese & British defeat their besiegers…..or surrender??”
Shrewsbury – Fake Festivals are back for 2019, bringing you SIX of our finest ‘Fake Bands’ from the UK Tour. Come party all day to pro-level live performances and an electric atmosphere provided by the best anthem chanting singing voices we’ve ever heard – yours! Days like this don’t come around very often, so don’t miss out, book now!
The festival offers 58 FREE walks for all abilities from 2 or 3 mile child friendly walks to several over 20 miles. For a full walk programme visit the website http://www.ironbridgewalking.co.uk
Pre-booking is essential.
This FREE one-day festival will be a great day out for the entire family, from more than 70 food, drink and crafty stalls to live music, loads of kids entertainment, sports, hands-on experiences, displays, animals and much more.
Everything to entertain and educate your youngsters with tractor rides, farm visits, hands-on activities, pond dipping and taking part in the field to fork journey,through to huge inflatables, go karting, bubble football, huge big top with circus skills, craft, tractor displays and educational free activities! For the adults there will be beer, gin, tastings and hands on workshops…
Field to Fork Festival is a FUN way to examine the journey of our food from where and how it is grown, all the way to our plates.
Clun’s Green Man will again be attempting to win the age-old battle against winter and darkness, and bring in the summer! Sunday is the Ice Queen’s last stand, with her Fair in the Square. Monday is the main event, with lots of family-friendly fun. Dancing, street theatre, circus skills, lots of festival food, battles, bowmen and, of course, beer!
Tickets on sale on the day.
Find us on Facebook at Clun Green Man or via http://www.clungreenman.org.uk/
You want fun? We’ve got it. And then some. Shropshire Kids Festival is back, with more super-extra-massive bonkers fun.
Kids just wanna have fun – and we serve it up right across a fabulous weekend.
We’ve got a HUGE water slide, the foamiest foam parties, mega sports zone, massive inflatables, a have-a-go music tent, zorb balls, go karts, circus tent, craft activities and just about anything else any kid aged 0-14 could possibly want.
Bishop’s Castle is a small market town surrounded by the wonderful Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty, near the Welsh border and off the beaten track. It is a welcoming place.
Our 21st annual Walking Festival will be held over five days in May, when the countryside is at its best. The area is a walker’s paradise, with local footpaths leading over open hilltops, through winding valleys, tiny hamlets, country lanes and sometime the remains of ancient hill forts. There are many amazing views.
www.WalkingFestival.co.uk
The annual Shropshire County Agricultural Show attracts thousands of people from across the country to the West Mid Showground in Shrewsbury for a celebration of the rural community and to highlight the role it plays in our daily lives.
The Shropshire County Show is a great opportunity to boast about the great things on offer in Shropshire and across the Midlands, from livestock to local businesses and of course the local produce.
Our event has grown rapidly over the past few years, from humble beginnings based in a local pub to an event which attracted around 11,000 visitors for the 2018 weekend.
Set in the stunning backdrop of the Ironbridge Gorge, we recreate the experience of life during WW2 on both the home front and in occupied Europe with civilian, Allied and Axis re-enactors.
This is a non-profit making, charity fundraising event in which we raise funds for Pilgrim Bandits. So far last year’s event raised over £10,000, with donations still to be collected.
Please note the Royal Warwicks are attending this event as re-enactors and are not hosting the event
Join us at this stunning outdoor setting, amongst the rolling landscape of Weston Park, for great music, delicious food and of course fizz! Bring the children, parents, grandparents, picnic hampers and candelabras for a relaxed afternoon and evening filled with beautiful music.
Featuring six hours of live music from some of the best talent across the country supported by local performers. Get ready to wave your union flags and sing along with a fabulous Last Night of the Proms style finale. The event is suitable for all ages and under 10s go free, with free children’s activities available!
Bring your own food and drink, including alcohol, or sample something delicious from one of our bars or street food stalls!
Why not make a weekend of it and join us for the Fireflies Music Festival on Bank Holiday Monday too?
Proms & Prosecco in the Park Tickets
Tier 1 – £21 or £20 for groups of 6+ until sold out
Tier 2 – £26 or £25 for groups of 6+ from end of Tier 1 sales until sold out
Tier 3 – £30 or £29 for groups of 6+ from end of Tier 2 sales until midnight 25 May
VIP – £35 includes VIP parking and posh loos
Children – £5 aged 10-18.
Under 10’s go free!
On the gate – £38
Weekend Tickets
Includes entry to Proms & Prosecco in the Park on 26 May and Fireflies Festival on 27 May
Tier 1 – £28 until sold out
Tier 2 – £35 from end of Tier 1 sales until sold out
Tier 3 – £42 from end of Tier 2 sales until sold out
Children – £10 aged 10-18 / under 10’s go free!
Soapbox Derby Come and join thousands of spectators from across the West Midlands to cheer on our weird, wonderful and wacky soapbox downhill racers at Shrewsbury Wacky Races 2019, the first event of it’s kind to be held in the town.
Watch as our racers hurtle down our custom track in their carefully crafted carts at the Shrewsbury Quarry, tackling our 300m track and it’s chicanes and, hopefully, avoiding the icy waters of the River Severn at the end!
Our competitors will work their way through a knockout style competition with only the fastest 10 cars making it through to the final, where they will battle to take home the winners trophy!
The event will be free to attend, with pop up street food, bars and loads of fun activities for all the family.
Light up your Bank Holiday with music, food and fizz until the sun goes down!
If you love the idea of a music festival, but hate the idea of huge crowds, parking miles away and stinky toilets, then this is the event for you!
Fireflies is a relaxed, laid back music festival with a multi-generational vibe. With amazingly talented local performers, as well as tribute bands to get everyone on their feet, there truly is something for every musical taste.
Set within the beautiful grounds of Weston Park, its the perfect event to meet with friends or gather together the whole family for music, food and fizz until the sun goes down.
You’re welcome to bring your own picnics and drinks or sample something delicious from our local suppliers and street food vendors. With a bars, gourmet coffee stall and lots of food options there is something for everyone.
We’ve got acres of free-parking, so bring the deck chairs, tables, beanbags or even just a picnic blanket, and settle in for a music festival that is welcoming, accommodating and energising!
Children under 10 come free and there is plenty of space for them to stretch their legs in!
Why not make a weekend of it and join us for Proms & Prosecco in the Park on Sunday 26 May as well, with one of our weekend tickets?
Music, food and fizz until the sun goes down…..this is what Bank Holidays were made for!
Gates open 2pm, live music from 3pm
Event finishes at 9pm.
Fireflies Festival Tickets
Tier 1 – £12 or £11 for groups of 6+ until sold out
Tier 2 – £16 or £15 for groups of 6+ from end of Tier 1 sales until sold out
Tier 3 – £20 or £19 for groups of 6+ from end of Tier 2 sales until midnight 25 May
VIP – £28 includes VIP parking and posh loos!
Children – £6 aged 10-18 / Under 10’s go free!
£25 on the gate
Gazebo hire – £70 for 3 x 3m gazebo
Weekend Tickets
Includes entry to Proms & Prosecco in the Park on 26 May and Fireflies Festival on 27 May
Tier 1 – £28 until sold out
Tier 2 – £35 from end of Tier 1 sales until sold out
Tier 3 – £42 from end of Tier 2 sales until sold out
Children – £10 aged 10-18 / under 10’s go free!
VIPs – £52 includes VIP parking and posh loos!
Gazebo hire – £120 for 3x3m gazebo
Five day classical music festival with lunchtime and evening concerts. The 2019 Festival Theme is “HAYDN’S FRIENDS, PATRONS & COLLEAGUES”
Haydn’s appreciation and study of music commenced as a choirboy at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna. His creative composing started during his late teenage years after studying the works of C.P.E. Bach whilst employed briefly at Baron Furnberg’s court in Vienna from 1754 to 1756.
We are pleased to announce the launch the 2019 Proms in the Park at the British Ironwork Centre near Oswestry on Saturday June 8th starting at 7pm. The programme will feature music from popular Radio & TV programmes and and some of the most memorable Films. We shall also be commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the D Day Landings. This is the best outdoor music event in the Borderlands; a night for the whole family and their friends. Early bird tickets are available for purchase through to the end of March. A spectacular night of music complete with a Star Wars Firework finale. Come in your Stars Wars outfits and bring your light sabres….. Get in early and secure your place in this brilliant summer night. Tickets are now available from www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk/events
The aircraft on display are the undoubted stars of the show, but there’s a lot more to the RAF Cosford Air Show than that! Whether you’re looking to inspire and entertain the whole family or you’re an avid aviation enthusiast, you’ve got a non-stop day of excitement ahead of you.
With a six-hour flying display, a unique static exhibition, hangars full of interactive exhibitions and much more, there is something for all the family to enjoy!
BROSELEY FESTIVAL IS A FREE TWO DAY MUSIC EVENT HELD IN THE SMALL HISTORIC TOWN OF BROSELEY, SHROPSHIRE. ENJOY A WEEKEND PACKED WITH LIVE MUSIC ACROSS TWO STAGES, GREAT CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINMENT, A RANGE OF FANTASTIC INTERNATIONAL FOOD & DRINKS STALLS PLUS DONT MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT OUR FUN FAIR AND BROWSE THE VAST AMOUNT OF SHOPS AND STALLS AROUND THE TOWN.
Mainly made up of locals, the volunteers lead groups along favourite routes as well as lesser known ones and there’s also a selection of themed walks, including the Map & Compass Course, the night time Stars in Your Skies Walk, and the Landscape Photography Walk.
Back for a 7th year with over 200 amazing food, drink and artisan craft stalls, 2 live music stages, cookery demo’s, hands on cookery clases, kids cookery, TONS for the kids to enjoy, animals, masterclasses and LOTS more!
We had the best year in 2018! We had more demo stages, more music, more kids activities and LOADS more food & drink than ever before!
We had 200 Food, drink and craft exhibitors as well as cookery demonstrations, a chef school, a free kids entertainment, a HUGE screen for the World Cup, a BBQ stage and tons more!
We turn the clocks back to the 1940s with this light-hearted journey back to wartime Britain – don’t forget to dress up!
With a fantastic selection of daytime attractions up and down the line, get dressed up and join in with the celebrations with costumed re-enactors on our stations and in our trains helping to tell the wartime story! The return of the Battle, Big Band Show and a whole host of other much-loved attractions will keep you entertained.
Your tickets permit ‘Freedom of the Line’ travel, so you can visit each station and their attractions and gain entry to The Engine House Visitor Centre on the day of your choice.
More information available soon.
Following the outstanding success of 2018….the 2019 Oswestry Colour Run is back!
Sunday 30th June 2019
– Follow us on TWITTER @OsColourRun for the latest updates!!
– Like the British Ironwork Centre Facebook page too!
Get ready for the happiest 3K you’ll ever walk, dance or run. Can you help us make this years event even more of a success. Last year we raised over £14,500 to support Macmillan’s work in Shropshire.
The colour run is designed to be a happy, enjoyable day for all ages. It celebrates healthiness, happiness, individuality, and giving back to the community while experiencing the uniqueness of the British Ironwork Centre. The Colour Run is a three-kilometre, un-timed race in which participants are doused from head to toe in different colours from various paint stations around the course.
A great opportunity to visit the British Ironwork Centre with all the family with refreshments available on the day.
Every summer since 1947 Llangollen has staged one of the world’s most inspirational cultural festivals. Each year around 4,000 performers and as many as 50,000 visitors converge on this beautiful small Welsh town and its International Pavilion; to sing and dance in a unique combination of competition, performance, and international peace and friendship.
The one day of the year our wildlife rescue centre opens its doors to the public, come along and see all the birds and animals in our care. There is a fun dog show with lots of classes to enter, BBQ, craft and charity stalls, fire engine, bouncy castle, activities and more! £2 per person, under 16s enter for free. Always a popular event!
LET’S ROCK SHREWSBURY, THE UK’S BIGGEST AND FAVOURITE RETRO FESTIVAL
Let’s Rock Shrewsbury was added to the widely successful and incredibly popular series of retro festivals in 2017 and the second year did not disappoint, celebrating all things pop and 80s. What a day it was with a sell-out crowd! An Amazing day was had by all and we cannot wait to be back for 2019.
Let’s Rock Shrewsbury returns on Saturday 13th July 2019.
With a fabulous line-up of artists bringing you the very best of the 80’s and an action-packed day of retro madness, there is plenty to do for everyone at this family friendly festival.
VIP was a complete sell out in 2018 after we launched our upgraded CLUB TROPICANA and TIKI enclosure, which went down a treat. Tickets include fast track entry, luxury loos, meal and welcome drink, PLUS exclusive celebrity DJ sets. Sit back and relax in this exclusive area with comfy seating and chairs and a full bar serving quality brands and 80’s cocktails. Table service is also available if required and we would strongly advise booking in advance if there are more than four of you.
Let’s Rock Shrewsbury is aimed at the whole family, with entertainment for everyone. Children can enjoy complimentary activities within the Kids’ Kingdom area with an interactive circus, face painting, inflatables and more. Children aged 12 and under also have FREE ENTRY. There will also be multiple bars, plus of course the all-important posh luxury loos, essential at any festival!
Let’s Rock has been leading the way for quality, action packed, family – friendly 80s music festivals since 2009. For further details and to book tickets, visit www.letsrockshrewsbury.com
Brass band festival
OSWESTRY’S CLASSIC AND VINTAGE TRANSPORT RALLY IS BACK!
With last year’s transport rally being a roaring success, we are excited to host the event again for 2019.
We had over 500 vehicles in attendance last year, and a huge crowd of enthralled spectators, all of whom made it a fantastic day..
So this year, we are putting the pedal to the metal, and are busy organising lots of exciting things, including live music, the famous midday cavalcade, and exciting activities for the children!
Exhibitors to arrive between 7:30am and 9:00am
Open to the public from 10:00am
BOOK YOUR PLACE VIA OUR WEBSITE HERE: https://www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk/show-areas/whats-on/the-transport-rally
A fabulous day of classic cars – food – drink – entertainment all to raise money for The Severn Hospice and Shropshire Mind . The event starts at 11am – car entry price £5 on the gate.
Organisers of the Oswestry & District Agricultural Show are looking forward to another great day on Saturday 3rd August, when people from far and wide will gather at the Park Hall Showground to celebrate this prestigious event that dates back to 1862. Not only does the Show endorse the best of British agriculture it promotes local businesses and activities, countryside pursuits and provides a varied programme of entertainment for visitors throughout the day.
Today’s Flower Show features, T.V. personalities, celebrity Chefs, singers and spectacular arena acts entertain the crowds for 12 hours on each day of the show, ending with a magnificent firework display.
The show is one of the country’s Premier Flower Show events, attracting top exhibitors from all over the country. It has a small permanent staff and over 100 volunteers who manage and organise the whole event, from traffic flow, marquee and services contracts, publicity and marketing, public safety, catering , entertainment, engaging specialist judges for hundreds of competitive classes etc. and ensuring that our visitors have an extraordinary experience with value for money.
The 2019 Shrewsbury Folk Festival takes place from 23-28 August 2019 and will provide four days packed with fantastic music, dance, and entertainment all on a centrally located site in the heart of Shrewsbury.
There’s four music stages, a dance marquee with acclaimed ceilidh bands, dozens of workshops, a craft fair, well stocked real ale & cocktail bars, Pandemonium! – our children’s festival -and Refolkus for 12 to 25-year-olds – with on-site camping for weekend ticket holders.
See latest information at www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk
Huge family event. Over 30 balloons launched from the town centre. Fantastic spectacle. Night glow is main attraction. fairground, food producers, entertainers
Teams of 4 take part in racing coracles across the River Severn in a challenge to become World Champions!
