





An exhibition for LGBT History Month 2019. Exploring the life and work of author, artist and photographer Samuel Butler.
Butler is most known for his satirical novels ‘Erewhon’ (published anonymously in 1872) and ‘The Way of All Flesh’ (published posthumously in 1903), a semi-autobiographical novel which attacks Victorian family values.
Butler had strong connections to Shrewsbury; his grandfather (also Samuel) was headteacher at the Shrewsbury School, he himself was a pupil, he owned a prominent mansion house in the town (Whitehall in Cherry Orchard) and named four streets in the area, including Alfred Street after his clerk Alfred Cathie.
Samuel Butler’s father Thomas was a noted local botanist and donated over 220 plant specimens to the museum. Samuel Butler also had a long correspondence with naturalist, geologist and biologist Charles Darwin, who was born and grew up in Shrewsbury.
Members of the local LGBT community and Museum volunteers have been working together to plan, research, interpret and design the exhibition.
It will include items on loan from St Johns College Cambridge and items from SM&AG and Shropshire Archives. These include photographs of people and places around Shrewsbury taken by Samuel Butler.
The exhibition has been part funded by the West Midlands Museums Development Trust Small Grants Programme.






An exhibition in association with The Friends of the Scott Polar Research Institute featuring recent paintings of Greenland by Andrew Lansley prior to his trip to Antarctica as Artist in Residence 2019 for The Friends of the SPRI. Plus, work by previous Artists in Residence, Nicholas Jones and Shelly Perkins.
Also exhibiting gallery artists: Mike McGowan ceramic sculptures, Ruth Brownlee paintings and Sarah Jenkins ceramics, all of whom are fascinated by weather, erosion and the natural world.






The night will see Garthmyl Hall transformed to a Las Vegas Casino, the price of a ticket includes a welcome drink for everyone, food throughout the night and a dessert station. There will be live music throughout the hall, two different bars open and professionally manned Casino tables. Please note that the Casino tables will be using chips instead of real money.
The price of a ticket is £30 per person, however if you wished to upgrade to stay over in one of our beautiful luxury bedrooms you could do for an extra £50 per person, including breakfast the next morning. There are 10 bedrooms so these are subject to availability. Tickets can be purchased through the link below and any queries please email hello@garthmylhall.co.uk
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/casino-night-tickets-54697332193
It will be the perfect night for a group of friends or even a Valentine’s treat for a loved one. It is a very rare opportunity that we open the bedrooms up for people to stay outside of wedding season so it is not to be missed.






A reflection on the powerful feminine symbol of Medusa, the myth and its various connotations in our contemporary life.
Created on the coast of Barcelona and inspired by its marine life, Jasmin Vardimon presents her new work MEDUSA. Celebrating 20 years of her company and the work of one of the world’s leading female choreographers, this piece examines the gendered historical significance of Medusa; the myth, the symbolism and the philosophical idea of ‘reflection’.
Bringing together a remarkable international cast of performers, Vardimon’s epic, new production not only deconstructs the myth but also looks forward, exploring Medusa’s aquatic symbolism in the environmental future of our seas.






Music fans are invited to the biggest party of the year as the unstoppable Magic of Motown show steams into town.
Prepare yourself for 40 back-to-back classic Motown hits, glittering costume changes, dazzling dance moves and outstanding musicianship in this explosive concert experience.
Celebrate the sound of a generation as the timeless music of Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, Jackson 5, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and many more are sensationally recreated for you by an exceptionally talented cast and band.
This breath-taking concert spectacular takes you on a musical journey through all your favourite songs, including: Ain’t No Mountain, Signed Sealed Delivered, Grapevine, Get Ready, Dancing In The Streets, My Girl, Blame It On The Boogie, Uptight, Endless Love, My Cherie Amor, All Night Long, Heatwave, I’m Coming Out, Loco In Acapulco plus many more.
Book your tickets now and Reach Out for The Magic of Motown!
www.entertainers.co.uk






Giovanni Pernice – Dance is Life
The smash hit dance spectacular DANCE IS LIFE, directed and choreographed by Jason Gilkison, Strictly Come Dancing’s creative director, returns in 2019…..and Giovanni is ready to raise the temperature just a little bit more this time round!
The action packed production combines the Italian’s wit and charm, with outstanding music, sensational choreography, and stunning costumes by DSI.
DANCE IS LIFE features 7 other world class professional dancers, including Strictly’s newest pro, Luba Mushtuk, who returns as Giovanni’s leading lady once again, to continue their alluring partnership.
A showcase of wonderful Ballroom and Latin dances like the Paso Doble, the Waltz, the Rumba, and the Jive, to name just a few, with a beautiful Italian theme running throughout the show.
So sit back, let yourself be transported to Sicily, and enjoy the story…
***** “Giovanni brings the house down!” Review of Dance is Life 2017






Barbara Dickson is back on tour for the first time in two years with her full band singing a selection of her hits, songs from the theatre and some of her own favourites.
In her recording career, Barbara Dickson has earned 6 platinum, 11 gold and 7 silver albums. She was awarded an Olivier Award for her work in the theatre in ‘Blood Brothers’ and won a second Olivier and Best Actress in a Musical award from The Variety Club of Great Britain for her role as Viv Nicholson in ‘Spend, Spend, Spend.’ Further acting awards have included Best Actress in a Musical from the Liverpool Echo for her own show, ‘The Seven Ages of Woman’.






The Gruffs, fronted by Nick and Matt of Luna Vegas with Jim on Drums. The band combine old school Psychobilly with hints of Neo and Surf with their own sounds, humour and lyrics from the depths of Nicks insane brain.
The Gruffs will be supported by The Black Rapids
The Black Rapids write music laced with lyrical twists that narrate the darker side of modern life. This creative band of musicians take twists and turns at every corner, taking the listener on a meandering journey of joy and then despair.
Do not be late in purchasing your tickets this gig is likely to be a sell out.
Live music at The Wakes promoted and managed by Pale Fire Music, Forge Urban Revival and Left for Dead Records
Tickets now on sale at The Wakes and Left for Dead in Shrewsbury (08:00pm – 11:00pm) tickets £5.00 in advance or £ 6.00 on the door






“fast emerging as a modern day Richard Thompson… He may even have emerged as the premier UK folk artist of his generation” efestivals
In 2017 former Bellowhead front-man and multiple BBC Folk Award winner Jon Boden introduced the new big band Jon Boden & The Remnant Kings, supported by the release of the album ‘Afterglow’. They played at major venues across the UK with material from the album interspersed with songs and tunes from across Jon’s career. ‘Ambitious, genre-busting folk’ – Financial Times
In Spring 2019 Jon will be touring the Afterglow experience into small theatres that would be unable to host the 11-piece band, with a line-up featuring Jon and the Remnant Kings string section, under the title Jon Boden & The Remnant Strings. Jon Boden & The Remnant String features Jon Boden (fiddle, guitars, concertina, stomp-box), Helen Bell (viola), Morven Bryce (violin) and Lucy Revis (cello).
Jon is very excited about this tour. As a fiddle player, he finds it exhilarating to be immersed in the sound of string arrangements. The arrangements are quite intricate and Jon put a lot of work into them. In the mix of the big band, the strings can get a little lost, so with a stripped back string band it is a great way to be playing the songs. Atmospheric sounds are very good for story telling, and it gives a little more space and focus on the strings.






This first Tablet Academy Annual Convention brings together like-minded individuals from the fields of Education and Technology to participate in joint hands-on workshops and networking activities.
£100 (+VAT) per person to attend.
Maximum of 2 people per organisation.
Opportunity to claim a free device worth £400*.
Suitable for school leaders, IT leads and classroom teachers (KS2 – KS5).
The convention has been designed to be a little different to your standard conference and exhibition so prepare to be guided, alongside your colleagues, through a series of short, 30 minute activities delivered by industry and Tablet Academy experts nestled amongst the historical Royal Air Force Museum exhibits.
Don’t worry, plenty of time has also been allocated to allow delegates to explore and network, including during afternoon tea and following the summary presentation.






A solo visit from this Show of Hands contributor !
What can we say about this regular Show of Hands contributor that hasn’t been said before? Double bass player since the age of 8 and accomplished guitar player and songwriter. Miranda never fails to deliver. Building on the success of her Borrowed Places tour, Miranda has a new project: Behind The Wall, exploring what it means to be human today, living in our communities & societies & where will our actions lead us?






Devon based Miranda Sykes, the acclaimed singer and bassist with ‘Show of Hands’ returns in 2019 with a new album and UK tour. After a career spanning over 20 years, during which time she has played with many of the top musicians and singers within the folk world, she will be touring solo as she started out: One woman, one bass, and one guitar.
Building on the success of her Borrowed Places tour, Miranda Sykes is back with a completely new project: Her new album ‘Behind The Wall’
Where Borrowed Places opened a window into the past, explaining where she had been, physically and spiritually, Behind The Wall is a Roller Coaster Ride exploring where we are going; Miranda, you, me, all of us. What does it mean to be human today, living in our communities and societies and where will our actions lead us?
Powerful and hard-hitting but also poignant and beautiful, this show is not to be missed. www.mirandasykes.com
(Photo: please credit to Rex Preston Photography)






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.






SPECIAL OFFER: Purchase all five sessions (March to July) and save £5!
The Hermon welcomes back Kate Allan who offers an informal approach to singing in the comforting setting of the chapel space with its amazing acoustics. Come and join us for a joyful gathering of vocal fun and experimentation every second Saturday of the month from March to July!
‘Enjoy the freedom and satisfaction of creating music in the moment beyond ideas of right and wrongdoing. No experience needed. Everybody is musical and there are no wrong notes in music.’ – Kate Allan
Kate is a freelance singer songwriter who works in Arts and Health and established Wild Singing, a weekly, leaderless singing group that meets in wild places in and around Oswestry to share songs and stories.
Just bring your voice and an open mind – the rest will take care of itself!
PLEASE NOTE: Prior booking helps us with the planning, so please register and purchase tickets for this series of events as early as you can! Many thanks.
GIFT VOUCHERS: Gift vouchers are available only for the Five Session Ticket, not for individual sessions. Vouchers can only be purchased over the phone on 01691 662196 and can be picked up in person at the venue. For delivery by mail, postage & packaging costs of £1 apply.
All Spring/Summer 2019 Dates:
Saturday, 9th March 2019
Saturday, 13th April 2019
Saturday, 11th May 2019
Saturday, 8th June 2019
Saturday, 13th July 2019






Have you ever wanted to learn how to bellydance but didn’t know where to start? Or maybe you are already dancing but would like to revisit the basic moves to improve your technique?
Fun and friendly way to learn to shimmy, camel and do snake arms amongst many other moves, whilst learning a choreographed dance or two! With JWAAD instructor Sue Lloyd.
£10 including free parking and refreshments!
Small groups, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Contact 07751 362171 or info@myartshack.co.uk






Hand Drums & Percussion – A Full Day Course with Rick Wilson
GIFT VOUCHERS: For this event gift vouchers are available. Please contact us on 01691 662196 for more information on this offer.
This day is a wonderful opportunity for newcomers as well as seasoned hand drum and percussion enthusiasts of all ages to work intensively on developing their understanding of rhythm and exercise their manual dexterity under the guidance of professional drummer and percussionist Rick Wilson.
Rick is an experienced tutor of many years, drawing from his extensive repertoire of Indian, African and South American rhythms, which he makes accessible in astonishingly creative ways whilst providing a joyful and focused learning experience.
The workshop is designed around aspects of percussion such as the sounds of the drum, hand and finger techniques, solid, basic timekeeping, body rhythms, spoken words as a basis of rhythm, call and response rhythms, 2, 3 and 4 part rhythms, as well as a variety of other rhythmic activities that, besides drums, involve the use of bells, gongs, chime bars, shakers and more or less anything else that comes to hand and springs to mind.
Schedule for the day:
10.30am – 1pm Morning Session
1pm – 2pm Free Lunch in the Pews: Your hosts at The Hermon will serve a delicious, vegetarian lunch of homemade soup, bread and fresh salad for all participants to enjoy – a lovely opportunity to socialize and regain strength for the afternoon session! Drinks can be purchased from our in-house bar.
2pm – 4pm Afternoon Session
Please bring your own drum and percussion instruments if you have any, but no worries, there will be plenty of instruments at hand! Whatever your experience, plenty or none at all, be sure to bring your enthusiasm – come and make a joyful noise!
DRUM CIRCLE FORECAST: Rick will continue his monthly drum circle at The Hermon with 2-hour sessions on 20th April, 18th May, 15th June and 20th July – plenty of opportunity for extending your gained skills in this friendly group!
More about Rick that’s well-worth a read: www.eastorywilsound.co.uk/rick.htm
Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry on Saturday 16 March 2019
Doors Open at 10:00AM
From 10:30AM to 4:00PM
Ticket Price: £26.00*
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01691662196






Wedding Open Day at Goldstone Hall Hotel open to all future Brides, Grooms and their family and friends. The event is free of charge to attend and includes the opportunity to browse around the award winning hotel and garden including the Marquee, Oak Pavilion, 12 bedrooms and walled garden.
The special occasion’s team, who head up the wedding and events at the hotel, will be there to show guests around and to ask any questions they may have. All those who attend will receive a complimentary glass of fizz plus canapés designed by Head Chef, Liam Philbin.
Those interested are asked to reserve an appointment by calling 01630 661 202 or emailing enquiries@goldstonehall.com






On a summer’s day in 2016, the organisers of FolkEast Festival masterminded one of the most intriguing and exciting collaborations on today’s folk scene. Peter Knight, legendary violinist and ex-member of folk-rock band Steeleye Span was paired with leading melodeon player and ex-Bellowhead member, John Spiers, for a special one-off performance which left audiences in awe.
With no space to be found in the marquee, people stood five deep in the pouring rain in order to witness the bringing together of two of the most genuinely gifted musicians in their respective fields. With a standing ovation and roars for more, and much to the delight of folk fans everywhere, Knight and Spiers decided not to leave things there.
The pairing of violin and melodeon is not a new one, but in the hands of Knight and Spiers, improvisation and invention meet the listener at every turn. Together they have created a musical document that resonates with history, but also something that should inspire future generations of musicians to engage with Britain’s folk dancing heritage, and the beautiful, mysterious tunes that can be found within that heritage.
These uniquely gifted musicians make a sublime pairing, and create a live performance to be remembered for a long time.






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!






Hermon Folk: Hannah James & Toby Kuhn – UK/France Collaboration
One year into the Hermon Folk series, we are delighted to open the 2019 season with Folk duo Hannah James & Toby Kuhn. In this small but beautiful tour, award-winning folk musician, dancer and composer Hannah James debuts her brand new duo collaboration with outstanding French cellist Toby Kuhn.
‘Their music is soulful, original and conversational. The combination of accordion and cello allows for a huge palette of sounds and textures which lift James’s pure voice and deeply honest song writing. In the next breath they switch to choppy rhythms and joyful interplay between cello and percussive dance. This duo delivers a diverse, playful and hugely original performance.’
BBC Radio 2 Folk Award Winner Hannah James has been beguiling audiences for over fifteen years with her breath-taking performances in solo format as Jig Doll, as well as in numerous group projects such as vocal harmony trio Lady Maisery and the ‘Folk Super Group’ Coven. Marrying expressive accordion playing and beautiful vocal stylings with inventive foot percussion and clog dancing, she is regarded as one of the most innovative and entertaining performers on the UK folk scene. Her great spirit for creative exploration finds ever new outlets and has seen her in recent years rising to challenging project participations such as the Arts Council of England funded cultural diversity project ‘All Together Now’ commissioned by Shrewsbury Folk Festival, in which she was one of the lead artists.
Toby Kuhn is a trained classical musician with a Diplôme d’Etudes Musicales from the Conservatoire in Dijon and a double B.Mus. Degree in Performance and Music Theory from the McGill’s Schulich School of Music in Montreal. His fairly recent encounter with the vast world of folk music has provided a further platform for his love of experimentation and led him to collaborations with artists such as Daniel Wall, Sofia Högstadius and Matija Solce. He is performing all across Europe as part of Scottish singer and fiddler Kate Young’s string quintet and is also a member of the trio Wild Strings. He currently resides in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Hannah and Toby’s collaboration is still young, yet full of musical chemistry with an interplay that suggests a much more long-standing history of shared musical exploration. Join us at The Hermon for the return of the remarkable Hannah James in this new duo constellation – a rare and intimate concert well-worth your attention!
PLEASE NOTE: There will be an ‘Early Bird’ ticket offer for the first thirty tickets!
About Hannah & Toby’s Duo:
About Hannah:
About Toby:
Sound Samples:
Hush Now/Dayspring https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jrg3ZL8GB4E
Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry on Sunday 24 March 2019
Doors Open at 6:30PM
From 7:00PM to 9:30PM
Ticket Price: £5.00 – £14.00*
*booking fee applies
Box Office: 01691662196





Telford orchestra is a community orchestra made up of players from across Shropshire. We are pleased to be returning to St Michael’s Church Madeley to perform our Spring concert on 30 March. In this concert we will be playing a delightful selection of classical music to welcome in the Spring.
The programme will be:
Mozart: Magic Flute Overture
Mozart: Rondo Alla Turca
Mozart: Violin Concerto No. 4 in D Major (soloist Laura Brownsell)
Beethoven: Symphony No. 4
The concert will take place on Saturday 30 March 2019 at 7.30pm at St Michael’s Church Madeley, TF7 5BN
Tickets are £10 on the door and students are free.
For more information about the orchestra, please see our website: telfordorchestra.uk.net. Alternatively, get in touch by email:
telfordorchestra@outlook.com






Two locations linked by two unusual beasts depicted by Church Stretton artist Diana Nuttall. Painted mainly in acrylics,her bold and colourful style will make you smile or laugh. Affordable prices!
There will also be cards, prints,coasters, placemats and a few cushions of other artwork by Diana. NB Exhibition open Fri, Sat, Sun & Mondays in April






HE WRITES THE SONGS – THE ULTIMATE SONGBOOK
Prepare yourselves for hit after hit in this blockbuster show. In a concert style show, worldwide performer Vancouver born Bryant Olender leads a stellar cast and first class band taking you on a musical journey through the life of this megastar. This outstanding vocalist genuinely loves Barry’s music and has, by his own admission, been a fan for many years. Bryant hit the big time by working as MD and accompanist for the legend, Michael Bublé .He regularly performs in Vancouver and has performed and composed music for various artists and television.
Full of hits like Mandy, Could It Me Magic, Even Now, Copacabana, I Can’t Smile Without You, Weekend in New England, Bermuda Triangle, New York City Rhythm and many more.
This amazing feel good show is a must for any Fanilow or live music fan.






SPECIAL OFFER: Purchase all five sessions (March to July) and save £5!
The Hermon welcomes back Kate Allan who offers an informal approach to singing in the comforting setting of the chapel space with its amazing acoustics. Come and join us for a joyful gathering of vocal fun and experimentation every second Saturday of the month from March to July!
‘Enjoy the freedom and satisfaction of creating music in the moment beyond ideas of right and wrongdoing. No experience needed. Everybody is musical and there are no wrong notes in music.’ – Kate Allan
Kate is a freelance singer songwriter who works in Arts and Health and established Wild Singing, a weekly, leaderless singing group that meets in wild places in and around Oswestry to share songs and stories.
Just bring your voice and an open mind – the rest will take care of itself!
PLEASE NOTE: Prior booking helps us with the planning, so please register and purchase tickets for this series of events as early as you can! Many thanks.
GIFT VOUCHERS: Gift vouchers are available only for the Five Session Ticket, not for individual sessions. Vouchers can only be purchased over the phone on 01691 662196 and can be picked up in person at the venue. For delivery by mail, postage & packaging costs of £1 apply.
All Spring/Summer 2019 Dates:
Saturday, 9th March 2019
Saturday, 13th April 2019
Saturday, 11th May 2019
Saturday, 8th June 2019
Saturday, 13th July 2019






A welcome return for this amazing duo!
The only outfit in the UK to have picked up National Awards in both blues and country music categories. The duo, Rob and Sarah Skinner, both multi-instrumentalists originating from South East England, now residing in Ontario Canada; play a mix of folk, rock, country, bluegrass and blues. Sarahs soprano saxaphone playing is sublime. If you missed them last time make sure you see them this time.
Tickets £10 in advance from
https://www.birchmeadow.org.uk/live-music/




