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
FRIENDS OF THE FOLLIES WEEK – February Half Term – 16th-24th Feb
A Half Term of special offers as a thank you to our friends and visitors who have supported The Follies over the years.
Offers for all visitors:
– 25% off Annual Passes
– 25% off Friends of the Follies Memberships
– 10% off in the Gift Shop
FREE admission for anyone with an SY4 postcode
Annual Pass Holder Special Offers:
– Bring up to 6 of your friends for half price admission
– 10% off in Caspian’s Tea Room
– FREE Follies History & Guidebook
Friends of The Follies Members Offers:
– Bring up to 12 of your friends for half price admission
– 10% off in Caspian’s Tea Room
– FREE Follies History & Guidebook
Open 10am-5pm daily from 16th February 2019, last admission 4pm. Special offers available onsite only from 16th-24th February inclusive. Does not include online purchases.
* Free postcode admission applies to every adult who can show they live in the SY4 area with an original Utility Bill, Bank Statement or Drivers License. Children with these adults will also be permitted free of charge.
Standard prices can be seen here: http://www.hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk/opening-times-and-prices-2/
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.
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
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.
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.
A popular Food, Drink, Craft, and Plant Market organised by Wem Combine Harvesters. More than 60 stalls in the Town Hall (SY4 5ER), Baptist Church (SY4 5DG) and Senior Club (SY4 5DG) with a wide range of high quality, locally-produced goods (within an approximately 30-mile range of Wem) including apple juice, baked goods, beer, cheeses, chocolates, cider, gin, honey, meat, flowers, pot plants, preserves, vegetables, wine plus textile and wood crafts, homeware, jewellery, painting and photography.
Raffle on the day of the market.
Attempt the Wem Trail Quiz.
Come and meet Wem’s Dragon and Owain Glyndŵr
Free admission to the market.
Wem Combine Harvesters is an umbrella group made up of Incredible Edible in Wem, Wem Civic Society, and Wem & District Garden Club. All profits from organising the markets go to running activities and projects in Wem.
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.
Subtle lovers and overprotective mothers are the name of the game in Jane Austin’s timeless classic ‘Pride and Prejudice’ which is to be performed by SYT in April 2019.
Charity Concert in aid of Friends of Conakry Refugee School
Tickets: Early bird price (during January/February) £12
after February £13.50
Book on www.fcrs.org.uk
or phone Kathy –
01746 712375/07970 437964
The Shropshire Group of the Hardy Plant Society, are holding their annual Plant Fair on Sunday the 14th. April 2019. The Plant Fair includes 6 local nurseries and stalls devoted to members’ plants and provides an excellent opportunity for obtaining expert advice and plants that are ’something special’. Non members welcome. Light refreshments. Free Parking. 12-3pm
Multi-award-winning Jess Robinson is back with a brand new show! More spot-on celebrity impressions, musical comedy and stunning vocal gymnastics. Join Jess as she takes you on another dizzying journey through hilarious improvised musical impressions, serving up a feast of styles and genres from classical to rock to hip hop showcasing the voices of all your favourite celebs. “A feel good, celebratory show”, Observer
As seen on The Imitation Game (ITV), Murder in Successville (BBC3), Dead Ringers (BBC2), The Week That Wasn’t (Sky1), The Now Show (BBC R4) and The Last Leg (C4).
“Naturally funny. Pitch perfect” Telegraph
‘It’s like a mega-concert with all your favourite stars’ ITV
‘Her talent and showmanship is stunning’ Chortle
FREE ENTRY to this great plant fair. It’s a great time to get out in the garden and get planning and planting for the year ahead and where better to get inspiration than at a Plant Hunters Fair. The plants are lovingly grown by small specialist nurseries and these enthusiastic plants people are on hand to give honest, straightforward advice on choosing and growing the right plants for your garden. The plant fair offers the opportunity to pop along and visit some wonderful specialist nurseries at no charge to get the gardening season off to a great start.
At the same time visit Battlefields 1403 excellent farm shop, deli and Sparrow’s Café. Which is a celebration of low food miles, only buying British and that means no lemons or grapes in sight, fresh seasonal products with full traceability. The cafe cooks fresh daily with local ingredients, serving loyal visitors that return time and time again. The plant fair runs from 9.30am-4pm on Saturday 27th April. For full details please see www.planthuntersfairs.co.uk
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!
