Our unique and growing collection of History Boards set in a national context. A fascinating exhibition of local LGBT history.
Free entry – just drop in. Tuesdays to Fridays, 9.30am to 5.00pm.
Join us for the exhibition launch: 1st February 6 – 7pm.
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.
Shropshire Art Society’s Ongoing Exhibition for these four weeks showcases the work of Janice Holohan and Judi Willerton. It is open from 10 am to 4 pm daily, excluding Sundays.
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
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
duo show
In this workshop you will learn how to draw with your sewing machine. You will be shown all the basic techniques of freehand Machine Embroidery, and will play with mark making and infilling using different stitch types. Once you feel ready, we will help you to develop an image of your choice and create a small machine embroidered piece of artwork, which can be mounted and framed to take away complete. This workshop is suitable for complete beginners or anyone wanting to develop their practice. Both Maggie Allmark and Dr. Jack Roberts are accomplished textile artists and have exhibited their own machine embroidered work in galleries across the country.
You can choose to do a half day session and learn the basic techniques or a full day to complete a piece of embroidered work. We usually require you to bring your own sewing machine with the ability to drop the feed dog. However, if you really want to have a go before committing to buying a sewing machine, please get in touch as we can often let you use one of our own.
Half day session £30
Full day session £55
Includes all materials plus tea, coffee and cake
26 Feb 2019 10.00-13.00
26 Feb 2019 14.00-17.00
To book this event:
Email info@myartshack.co.uk
Phone 07751362171
We also offer a series of 1 day & half-day creative workshops on a variety of subjects, see our website http://www.myartshack.co.uk/ for the latest list.
Exhibition
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 Banff Mountain Film Festival features an exhilarating selection of short films that will take you to the most captivating places on earth. Through the big screen be transported to the world’s last great wild places, follow the expeditions of some of today’s most incredible adventurers, see amazing footage of adrenaline-packed action sports and be inspired by thought provoking pieces shot from the far flung corners of the globe.
Age Rating – 12A
Films start at 7.30pm. There is a bar that will be open from 7pm serving drinks.
FILM PROGRAMME – RED (27 Feb) BLUE (4 Apr)
Aimed at all ladies in Shropshire, come join us for a free introductory evening to the game of squash, practise new skills playing fun games and make new friends on court and afterwards over pizza and a glass of prosecco! All squash equipment provided, friendly coaches on hand to teach the basics. This is suitable for beginners and beyond.
Come join us for an introduction to the game of squash in a fun female friendly environment! Your evening will consist of a fun warm up, followed by some basic teaching and practise of squash racket and ball skills. You will then have a chance to practise playing other ladies on court in some friendly games, afterwards make new friends over some pizza and a glass of prosecco! All squash equipment provided and coaches on hand to provide instruction.
Join us and illuminate our night sky! Night Run will be back for its fifth year at Attingham in 2019 on Saturday 2 March.
It starts at approximately 6.30pm with registration from 5pm. Online bookings for the Night Run series are open, advance bookings only, no entries taken on the night.
We’ve got two routes to choose from, the 2.5km Explorer route and the 6km Adventurer route. The Explorer route is perfect for families and people new to running and our Adventurer route is suited for runners looking for a challenge. Both routes begin in front of the Mansion and then follow paths through the park at night.
£14 per person for the Adventure route
£7 per person for the Explorer route
For more information visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park/features/night-run-at-attingham-
When you take part in a Night Run your entry fee goes directly to helping us care for the special places your love – thank you.
Another way you can help us protect special places is by getting your hands on one of our new fundraising packs. The packs contain lots of ideas and hand tips about how you can fundraise for the National Trust. If you’re able to, why not go the extra mile on our Night Run? Once you’ve registered to take part in Night Run, email sports@nationaltrust.org.uk to request a pack and to find out more.
Shropshire Youth Folk Ensemble (SYFE) are proud to present their Fundraising Ceilidh featuring The Cuckoo Ale Band with calling by Bev Langton and a performance spot from SYFE themselves.
Bryony Buckle is astoundingly average. Her days are filled with mind numbing office work, thinking about lunch and lusting after Orson Bloom from IT. But following a dose of hormone therapy gone wrong and a well-timed bolt of lightning, Bryony gains superhero abilities and a brand-new persona: Vulvarine, saviour of womankind. Where is all the tampon tax going? Who is The Mansplainer, and what is his evil plan? Grab your tights, your spanx and your most supportive sports bra. It’s hero time.
★★★★★ “Fat Rascal Theatre are very quickly establishing themselves as a
champion of British Comedy Musicals” DIVA Magazine
Five-piece VU, a homage to Lou Reed’s legendary band The Velvet Underground will be performing at Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury on Sunday 3rd March, to celebrate what would have been his 77th birthday.
VU’s set will include classics such as All Tomorrow’s Parties, Femme Fatale, I’m Waiting For The Man, Rock ‘n Roll, Sweet Jane and Venus In Furs; and one Reed solo number Satellite of Love; among many others. The gig will also mark the 50th anniversary since the recording of the double album 1969: The Velvet Underground Live.
Co-founder Richard Cohen hopes that the celebratory concert will attract some ardent fans of the band’s music. He said: “We all enjoy a shared passion for The Velvet Underground and are really looking forward to the unusual idea of a Sunday afternoon concert. Although we aim to play the songs fairly true to type, the use of some unusual instruments and our own inimitable style will add an interesting dynamic to the performance, which will also be supported by a visual spectacle.”
Entrance is free and VU will be on stage approximately 4pm at Albert’s Shed on Sunday 3rd March.
Film starts at 7.30 with refreshments and a licensed bar available from 6.30pm. Bohemian Rhapsody is a foot-stomping celebration of Queen, their music and their extraordinary lead singer Freddie Mercury. Freddie defied stereotypes and shattered convention to become one of the most beloved entertainers on the planet. The film traces the meteoric rise of the band through their iconic songs and revolutionary sound. They reach unparalleled success, but in an unexpected turn Freddie, surrounded by darker influences, shuns Queen in pursuit of his solo career. Having suffered greatly without the collaboration of Queen, Freddie manages to reunite with his bandmates just in time for Live Aid. While bravely facing a recent AIDS diagnosis, Freddie leads the band in one of the greatest performances in the history of rock music. Queen cements a legacy that continues to inspire outsiders, dreamers and music lovers to this day. £5 per adult, £3 per child, £15 per family, booking advised.
Please come and help us celebrate 40 years of Fairtrade with a FREE breakfast (donations to Traidcraft Exchange) and learn a bit more about how fair trade is doing in Shrewsbury as well as the future of the company Traidcraft. There will be a stall as well for you to stock up on fairtrade goodies!
Charity Race Night, raffle, bar, food.
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
Film starts at 5.30 with themed crafts, refreshments and a licensed bar available from 4.30pm. Migo is a friendly Yeti whose world gets turned upside down when he discovers something that he didn’t know existed — a human. He soon faces banishment from his snowy home when the rest of the villagers refuse to believe his fantastic tale. Hoping to prove them wrong, Migo embarks on an epic journey to find the mysterious creature that can put him back in good graces with his simple community. £5 per adult, £3 per child, £15 per family, booking advised.
Learn a traditional up-cycling skill with Diane Hoyle of Curiosity Craft Centre. Design and create your own rag rug using hessian sacking, rags and a wooden peg (all materials and tuition are provided).
You won’t finish your rug during this 2 hour session, but will receive written instructions to allow you to complete your project at home. Weekly group drop in sessions will be available for those who would like make it a social event.
After the session you can compare results and have a chat over tea, home-made scones, jam and cream.
A perfect present for mother’s day, there are 8 spaces available on each workshop at £25 per person. Bookings must be made in advance and paid in full.
To purchase a ticket call Head Gardener Rebecca Edwards on 01939 211900 or email becki.cgr@ospreywmg.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.
Fashion Show in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support in Shropshire (Ladies only event). Thursday 21st March 2019 at 7.00pm in Clayton Hall, Shrewsbury College, London Road, Shrewsbury, SY2 6PR. Ticket only event. Please email: Shrewsburyfashionshow2019@gmail.com for further information
SHREWSBURY FLEA – Antique and collectors fair is a fabulous mixture of Antiques and collectables, antique furniture, vintage clothing & fabrics, architectural salvage, reclamation and just that quirky stylish item that will compliment your home.
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!
This is a full day workshop from 10am -4pm, and is suitable for both complete beginners or more accomplished painters.
Following the very successful Introduction to watercolour painting workshop earlier this year, Bakhtiar Umalatiev is returning!
During the first part of this day Bakhtiar will be demonstrating his watercolour painting skills, and giving expert advice (especially about working plein air).
The rest of the day will be your chance to have a go at creating a painting in watercolours, with help and advice from Bakhtiar throughout.
Please bring your own sketchpad and paints if you have some, plus lunch.
Cost £60 including tea/coffee and cake. Free parking.
Book online now via https://www.myartshack.co.uk/event/watercolour-painting-with-bakuma/
Sensational Tribute to Jeff Lynne and The Electric Light Orchestra.
We’ll be exploring enamelling step by step, learning to fuse finely powdered enamel onto the surface of copper to create beautiful a glossy glassy surface. During the half day taster session, we will experiment with a range of simple decorative such as Frit, glass threads, millefiori, and surface designs with stencils. Lynette and Ann will demonstrate and guide you through the processes involved. You will design at least one piece to finish and mount on jewellery findings by the end of the day. What’s included in the price? One copper blank which you can make either into a pendant, key ring a small picture. You will have a choice of different copper shapes. A supply of silver-plated jewellery findings will be available on which to mount your sample pieces. We limit each workshop to a maximum of 6 people to ensure individual attention and faster learning.
Tutors: Ann Jones and Lynette Charles.
Sat 30 March 2019 10.00-13.00
Sat 30 March 2019 14.00-17.00
To book this event:
Email info@myartshack.co.uk
Phone 07751362171
We also offer a series of 1 day & half-day creative workshops on a variety of subjects, see our website https://www.myartshack.co.uk for the latest list.
We’ll be using enamels fired at higher than normal temperatures, learning to fuse finely powdered enamel onto the surface of copper to create beautiful a glossy glassy surface. exploring the fascinating process of the alchemy that exists between enamel and metal, we will be firing our pieces up to temperatures in the kiln of 1000⁰C to encourage the interaction between the enamel and copper and between different enamels. Trying to control the unpredictable, you will design and finish at least one small copper bowl. The cost of the workshop includes, one copper bowl as well as the enamels needed. A supply of more copper bowls will be available for you to purchase if you wish to do more than one. We limit each workshop to a maximum of 8 people to ensure individual attention and faster learning.
Tutors: Ann Jones and Lynette Charles.
To book this event:
Email info@myartshack.co.uk
Phone 07751362171
We also offer a series of 1 day & half-day creative workshops on a variety of subjects, see our website https://www.myartshack.co.uk for the latest list.
Enjoy a morning in the Shropshire countryside learning about a free superfood that grows on our doorstep. Take part in the Wild Garlic Walk and pick your own to use, looking out for wildlife along the way!
Head back to the Centre in time for lunch. Centre Manager, Grant Wilson will be doing a Wild Garlic Pesto making demo in the afternoon. Pesto will be available to try and buy on the day too.
FREE ENTRY.
Bold, colourful acrylic paintings with a quirky twist. Lots of information to read.
Prints, cards, placemats and coasters as well for sale.
Be inspired and entertained. A trip to Venice gave me part of the title of this exhibition and so what better companion than our mammoths in Shropshire.
Film starts at 7.30 with refreshments and a licensed bar available from 6.30pm. Seasoned musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) discovers — and falls in love with — struggling artist Ally (Lady Gaga). She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer until Jackson coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally’s career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jackson fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons. £5 per adult, £3 per child, £15 per family, booking advised.
10am-2pm All dishes will be suitable for vegans and vegetarians. This inspiring cookery workshop will teach you how to create exciting and nutritious dishes with confidence using seasonal herbs and fresh Spring produce. We will learn about combining flavours, colours and textures so that your cooking is delicious to eat, beautiful to behold and packed full of all those vitamins that nature offers as we move away from those long winter months.
Not just for vegetarians and vegans, this hands-on day is aimed at anyone who wants to understand more about using herbs and vegetables in their cooking.
You don’t need to have a veg patch as some of the best greens can be foraged for free! As always, bring plenty of containers as you will take home all you make in the day.
£35 per person, booking essential.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Abridged, Revised.
For two evenings only, Friday 5th April and Saturday 6th April 7.30pm, Shawbury Village Players would like to invite you to join us as we try to attempt a feat, which we believe to be unprecedented in the history of Shawbury, to capture the magic, the genius and the grandeur of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. Rather than give any impression that this event will be a scholarly analysis of the Complete Works of the greatest of all English playwrights, we intend to get through every single play within 95 minutes! Not only that, but as the director was unable to assemble the cast of dozens of veteran performers that he wanted, and has been forced to make do with a cast of…three.
So come and join us as we work our way through how to navigate the inherent difficulty of performing Othello? Just how many characters can we cut from Romeo & Juliet? Will the actors be able to stay away from the bar all evening? Just what was Hamlet talking about in his most famous speech? And, most importantly, can it even be done? There is only one way to find out!
This production contains some adult humour and strong language.
Venue: Shawbury Village Hall
Bar Available.
Tickets on sale now www.shawburyvillageplayers.co.uk, to buy from CraftNutter Supplies and Shawbury Village Post Office or telephone Jo Humphreys some adult humour and strong language.
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.
Run as a charity fund-raising event by local charity,
Grow Cook Learn, the Shropshire Way 80K is a mass participation challenge hike taking in some of the finest parts of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. New to 2019 are three more routes joining the mighty 80K, the 40K Mammathon, Tusker’s 10K and a 5K Fun Run. Booking essential, for more information, contact the Centre on 01588676060 / info@shropshirehillsdiscoverycentre.co.uk. £40 for the 80K route, £25 for the 42K route, £17 for the Tusker 10K and £5 for the 3.5K Fun Run.
This will include a 3.5k walk, a 10K run and a 42k marathon as well as the mighty 80K!
This event will run Saturday 6th – Sunday 7th April 2019, entries are now open.
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.”
Since the home Ashes series in 2013, the Evenings with Aggers shows have been delighting audiences and selling out theatres all over England.
Jonathan Agnew learnt his craft under the tutelage of Brian Johnston, emerging from the notoriety of the gloriously funny ‘leg over’ incident (yes, you will hear that tonight!) to become BBC Radio’s voice of cricket.
In his unparalleled View From The Boundary sessions, he has interviewed folk from all walks of life, including rock stars, film legends, writers, comedians, two prime ministers and a boy wizard! His consummate skills on air have proved electric on stage as he has taken on his prickly commentating partner Geoffrey Boycott, spin legend Graeme Swann, Indian’s ‘Little Master’ Sunil Gavaskar, bad boy of English cricket Phil Tufnell and the gloriously eccentric David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd.
Join Aggers in his solo show as he takes us on a trip down memory lane, recounting tales from a wonderful and entertaining career on the field and in the box, with film footage, audio clips and photographs on our big screen.
Evenings With Aggers are always fun, fiery and full of surprises! They are fascinating, hilarious, no-holds-barred evenings for cricket fans and non-lovers of the game alike.
The event is being run in aid of the Professional Cricketers’ Association and we are raising money which will go to the organisation’s Professional Cricketers’ Trust.
