As life gets back to ‘normal’ many of Shropshire’s much-loved spring and summer events will return for the first time since 2019. Neil Thomas takes a look at what’s on offer.
Shropshire is renowned for its treasure trove of annual fetes, festivals, carnivals and shows. Most are one-day events, drawing crowds mainly from the locality, while a few are over two or more days, with the more high-profile showpieces attracting people from across the country.
Many of these events have a long history, in many cases stretching back to the Victorian era. Occasionally they go back many centuries, such as the Clun Green Man Festival which is rooted in pagan ritual.
With the majority of these events, only two world wars had previously halted their run before 2020.
The bulk of these shows, festivals and carnivals are predominantly outdoors, taking advantage of their late spring or summer dates, with their promise of sunny days and light, balmy evenings. It’s time to dust off the T-shirts, shorts, summer dresses and cool shades and enjoy the wealth of Shropshire entertainment on offer.
The afore-mentioned Clun Green Man Festival returns as a one-day rather than two-day event, on Monday May 2. The traditional craft fair will be staged in the castle grounds, where the festival’s set-piece attraction – the battle between the Green Man and the Ice Queen – will take place at noon, moved for safety reasons from its usual location of Clun Bridge to spread out the crowd of onlookers for Covid safety reasons.
Music is set to be provided by The Ronaldos, a four-piece acoustic group whose range includes Cuban, skiffle, banjo, ska and pop; folk and acoustic guitar performer Toby Hay and Kirstie Miller with her soulful music on guitar and cello.
Other attractions include Maypole dancing with music by Paul & Kitty, foraging walks with Rob Rowe; the Corbett Household who are a local re-enactment group demonstrating historical skills including swordplay; circus skills workshops, children’s entertainment including animal encounters, puppet shows and face painting plus Morris Dancing and traditional craft demonstrations by local craftspeople.
One-day carnivals have traditionally been a staple of town and village life going back decades, so the loss of these much-loved community events over the past two pandemic-hit years, was deeply felt.
“It’s time to dust off the T-shirts, shorts, summer dresses and cool shades and enjoy the wealth of Shropshire entertainment on offer.”
The good news is that the majority have survived and will return this summer as strong as ever.
Among them is Bridgnorth Carnival, with organisers looking for volunteers, stall holders, traders and community groups to take floats on the carnival procession at the event on Friday, June 3.
One of the organisers, James Gittins, says, “The date is a bank holiday, part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
“The carnival has been missing since 2019 and a few of us decided that we wanted to bring it back. What better time to resurrect it?”
It will feature a large procession, beginning at the livestock market at midday and parading through town towards Severn Park, followed by live music and a chance for local traders to run stalls.
James adds, “We want to make it the best Bridgnorth Carnival ever.”
“One-day carnivals have traditionally been a staple of town and village life going back decades.”
The 136th Wenlock Olympian Games will encompass a range of sports over a two-week period in July. It is a historic event, with the first Games being held in October 1850, a mixture of athletics and traditional sports such as quoits, football and cricket. Founded by Much Wenlock GP Dr William Penny Brookes, it is generally credited with being a forerunner of the modern Olympic Games, with a cache that extends way beyond Shropshire. As part of their preparations to host the Tokyo 2020 Games, members of the Japanese organising committee visited Much Wenlock in 2014 to watch the Olympian Games, acknowledging the role of the town and Dr Brookes in the Olympic movement.
Olympic champion triple jumper Jonathan Edwards is honorary president of the Wenlock Games.
Events this year include archery, athletics, badminton, bowls, Kwik cricket, fencing, football, golf, hockey, netball, a road race, swimming, tennis, a triathlon and a relay race. Venues include William Brookes School, Bowbrook Archers, Broseley and Much Wenlock Bowling Clubs, Gaskell Field, Much Wenlock Leisure Centre, Cound Tennis Club and Lilleshall Hall Golf Club.
Visit www.wenlock-olympian-society.org.uk/games for dates and venues of individual events.
On the theme of sport and exercise, Bridgnorth Lions annual Walk and Marathon is earmarked for Monday May 2.
One of the most popular local community gatherings of the year, there is a global dimension to this year’s event. For the Lions have decided to dedicate the 2022 Walk and Marathon to the people of Ukraine.
Whether you are running, walking or supporting, you can show your solidarity with the victims of this appalling war by helping to raise funds to support them.
“Whilst we very much encourage people to walk for a charitable cause of their own choice, if you are unsure of who to support then why not support the innocent victims in Ukraine. If you are looking for something to motivate you to tackle the course for a first time, or the umpteenth time, then surely this must be it,” say the organisers.
This year, for the first time ever, the event will include a metric marathon for those who can’t quite manage a full marathon but for whom 10K is not enough. A metric walk is also included for those who might find the normal Bridgnorth Walk a little too much of a challenge.
The Bridgnorth Walk was established in 1967 as a way of raising money for local, national and international charities. In 2017 Bridgnorth Lions took over as organisers.
The event regularly raises over £100,000 for good causes and attracts both competitive and weekend walkers who enjoy a wonderful community atmosphere along the 22-mile route.
In 2019 Bridgnorth Lions announced a major expansion to the Walk weekend by adding a Marathon for runners. The event was judged to be extremely challenging but rewarding as the route took in some of the most beautiful Shropshire countryside, including a visit to the top of the 1,770 feet-high Brown Clee.
Since taking over the event Lions have made a number of safety and other innovations to ensure a competitive event for participants. More than 100 marshals give up their time to provide water and encouragement every mile along the route. Local organisations such as the WI, Rotary club, scouts and ATC cadets, as well as individual families or groups of friends, man the water stations and cheer the participants.
Many family members and friends cheer participants along the way with many ending up in Bridgnorth High Street to cheer them home.
“The show features as a qualifying round for the Horse of the Year Show for shire horses”
Shropshire County Show returns on May 28 with a full programme for the first time since 2019, following 2020’s cancellation and last year’s scaled-down event.
A full day – 10am to 10pm – of family fun, entertainment and high-class livestock competitions, reflecting the event’s origins as a premium agricultural show, is in prospect at the West Mid Showground, with organisers anticipating thousands of visitors.
The show features as a qualifying round for the Horse of the Year Show for shire horses while other entertainment will include medieval jousting, a parade of agricultural machinery, a vintage rally, a flypast of a Hurricane by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, a falconry display, pipe and ukulele bands, a mountain bike display, Shrewsbury Male Voice Choir, a sheep, dogs and ducks display; outdoor gym, canoeing and a Kids’ Zone, which includes face painting, wildlife show, a juggler, magician and monster truck ride.
Livestock classes include heavy horses, in hand and ridden hunter, veteran horses, Shetland ponies and children’s pony fancy dress.
The ever-popular Shifnal Carnival returns on Saturday June 25. Crowning of the Carnival Queen is at 2.30pm and then the Procession with the bands and floats starts from Admirals Estate at 2.45pm and follows the route through the town finishing at the Village Hall at around 4pm for the prize giving and Prize Raffle Draw.
Pat Collins Funfair sets up on Broadway and is open on Friday evening at 5pm and Saturday and Sunday from Noon. Ruth Evans, of the Carnival organisers, says, “After a two-year break for Covid we are looking forward to a great family event.”
Weston Park is the venue once again for Classic Ibiza, an open-air orchestral celebration of White Isle-inspired house music, which makes its much-anticipated return on Saturday July 16.
The concert – which looks likely to sell out – will start with a Chill-Out DJ Set performed by former Pacha and Ministry of Sound resident DJ, Jose Luis.
The Urban Soul Orchestra (USO) and DJ Goldierocks then take to the stage for the San Miguel Sundowner Set. Goldierocks then performs her very own House DJ Set, before she is re-joined on stage by USO for the Dance Set and laser light show. It promises to be a magical four-hour tour of the very-best in stately house music!
Lisa Ward, promoter of Classic Ibiza, says, “Classic Ibiza isn’t just about the White Isle-inspired house music reinvented by the awesome Urban Soul Orchestra. It’s also the family-friendly vibe and the beautiful backdrop of Weston Park that all adds up to make a truly memorable evening.”
Shropshire’s biggest live music event, Shrewsbury Folk Festival, takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The four-day event, from August 26 to 29 at the West Midland Showground, will feature some of the best of world music.
This year’s line-up includes Scottish band Skerryvore, George Hinchliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain and The Unthanks and there will be a special concert from Oysterband’s John Jones with guests, performing his Rising Road show.
Police Dog Hogan makes its festival debut with the Sam Sweeney Band, Track Dogs and the new duo of Miranda Sykes and Hannah Martin. The Julie July Band presents the Sandy Denny Experience and there is also Fire & Dust – the story of Woody Guthrie in song by Reg Meuross.
They will be joining international stars like folk legend Judy Collins, piper Carlos Núñez, Canadian rockers Blackie and the Rodeo Kings and the Grammy-nominated all-women string band Della Mae. Also already announced are Show of Hands, Black Umfolosi, Moonlight Benjamin, Stephen Fearing and The Sentimentals, The Roaring Trowmen, Colin Linden and Tom Wilson.
“Classic Ibiza isn’t just about the White Isle-inspired house music reinvented by the awesome Urban Soul Orchestra. It’s also the family-friendly vibe and the beautiful backdrop of Weston Park.”
Director Sandra Surtees says: “As ever we are pairing the best of British folk with a fantastic roster of international acts to deliver an eclectic line up that covers everything from traditional music to folk rock, bluegrass, Americana and world music. And we’re still to reveal some big names so it’s shaping up to be a really great festival.
“Mix all this with an extensive dance programme including indoor and outdoor ceilidhs, dedicated festivals for children and young people, workshops and sing-arounds and there’s never a dull moment.”
The festival is retaining an open-air stage following its introduction last year and there’ll be two covered music stages and the outdoor Village Stage. The festival’s dance tent will return giving a covered venue for ceilidhs, dance shows, workshops and displays. There’s also onsite camping and glamping, a food village and a festival shop, craft fair and real ale, wine and cocktail bars.
Agricultural shows are a staple of Shropshire summers and one of the best is Burwarton, which makes a welcome return on August 4.
Because of the pandemic, Burwarton Show was last held in 2019, and absence is bound to have made the heart grow fonder.
There will be all the traditional classes for animals as well as an extensive horticultural and handicrafts section.
Trades stands, locally-produced food, a shopping area and craft exhibitions are amongst other attractions. A display of vintage tractors and stationary engines will capture that rural nostalgia that is so beautifully evoked by such shows.
Show manager Glenys Allen says, “Burwarton Show is a traditional agricultural show and a fantastic day out in the wonderful Shropshire countryside, catering for all ages and all tastes and there is plenty to taste with a mouth-watering selection of local produce in the Food Hall and around the showground.
“Agricultural shows are a staple of Shropshire summers and one of the best is Burwarton.”
“This year we welcome back two very popular main ring acts – the daredevil stunts of the Jamie Squibb Freestyle Motorcross display team and The Atkinson Action Horses with their team of highly-skilled horses and riders who promise to thrill, excite and astonish you with their high-energy breath-taking stunt shows.
“Outside the arena we are delighted to host the splendid display of Aldabra Giant Tortoises, which have captivated visitors in previous years. And don’t miss the opportunity to meet the Dyfed-Powys Mounted Special Constables with the mascot of the 1st Royal Dragoon Guards.”
Glenys adds, “All the usual attractions are present with heavy emphasis on local crafts, the conservation area, sheep-shearing, trade stands, the shopping arcade, craft market, food hall, handicrafts and horticulture. Competition is fierce with classes for heavy horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, carriage driving, dressage and show-jumping plus the ever-popular mounted Fancy Dress competition. New for this year are classes for the Valais Blacknose and Dutch Spotted sheep breeds. The first horse classes start in the Main Ring at 8am.
“For youngsters, the Panic Circus team – a modern non-animal social circus providing hands on family fun activities – will entertain in the children’s play area, whilst the ever-popular Village Green programme runs throughout the day with Magic Russ, Punch and Judy, the Church Stretton Accordion Band and singer Helen Pearson.”
Parking is free at the showground, at Cleobury North between Bridgnorth and Ludlow.
Billed as Shropshire’s oldest one-day agricultural show, Minsterley returns for its 146th annual instalment on August 20.
Daredevil motorcycle rider Flyin’ Ryan is this year’s main ring attraction, performing a string of thrilling and audacious stunts.
The show will host the Shropshire Young Farmers charity 24-hour sheep shearing event in aid of Midland Air Ambulance and Cancer Research.
The grand parade offers the chance to see some prize-winning livestock in the main ring. The Supreme Horse Championships promise to be another colourful attraction.
The Village Green will host all day family entertainment including donkey rides, a circus workshop and children’s arts and crafts.
The Food Hall will showcase the best of the county’s food and drink producers while there will also be Horticultural & Home section classes including ‘Lads and Dads’ cookery’ classes.
Ludlow Fringe Festival is celebrating its 10th birthday this year with an exciting programme of events and activities, including the return of the hugely popular town carnival.
Anita Bigsby, Fringe Festival Director, says, “This is an exciting year for us, a major milestone with our birthday celebration, and we have some fantastic things planned for people to get involved with and enjoy.”
Anita describes the festival, which will run from June 18 to July 10, as a massive event for the town and community, showcasing Ludlow to an audience of thousands drawn from far and wide.
“Our vibrant and diverse festival is not only a chance for the town to celebrate but also provides the opportunity to display the talents of our local people.
“The carnival is returning this year and will start the festival off on Saturday, June 18 at 2.30pm with an eco-theme of Our Beautiful Earth. It’s an opportunity to put our world front and centre and think about how we can help preserve it for future generations.
“Our eco-carnival is our way of raising awareness by encouraging people to use pedal power, horsepower and pushing and pulling power on the carnival parade, or simply dance their way through the town as we ditch the more traditional petrol and diesel modes of transport.”
Events at this year’s three-week festival include storytellers, Shakespeare at the Castle with a production of Macbeth, visual arts and photography exhibitions and comedy with Alistair MacGowan, Ivo Graham and Rob Newman. The festival will also feature dance with Flamenco from the fabulous Daniel Martinez, The Green Festival, Festival of the Forest, the Big Sing featuring local choirs, poetry events, four weekends of free family entertainment on the Town Square from the Ludlow Fringe Stage, writers plus international musicians as well local and regional bands and performers.
“Ludlow Fringe Festival is celebrating its 10th birthday this year with an exciting programme of events and activities.”
“There will also be a colourful and vibrant vine-like artwork produced by local young artists and running across shop windows throughout the town and containing eco pledges to the planet from local businesses.
Anita added: “There’s plenty to get involved with and an array of events to choose from to sponsor. Please come along and help us make it a festival to remember.”
Booking for all events is at www.ludlowfringe.co.uk and the Festival Box Office will be on the Square throughout the festival.
Much Wenlock Festival returns this June for the first time since 2018, with organisers promising an event that’s bigger and better than ever before.
Having had to cancel the 2020 event due to COVID-19 and again in 2021 due to continued health concerns, the organisers of the festival say they are thrilled to be back in full swing this summer.
From Friday June 3 until Sunday June 12, the attractive town is once again playing host to artistic talent from across the UK. From a comedy Shakespeare performance from the brilliant Oddsocks Theatre Company to an ‘80s night, a 40-piece orchestra and Neil Diamond and Little Mix tribute acts, the 2022 has something for everyone.
Festival Chairman Peter Wight says he is delighted with the line-up and can’t wait for the festivities to begin.
Peter adds, “After the unprecedented global events of the last two years, it’s a welcome relief to be planning the festival again.
“The town and surrounding areas are very excited and welcoming of some much-needed entertainment and we’re certainly aiming to please this year. We’re going above and beyond to ensure there’s something for everyone. From a performance from stars from the West End stage to inspiring talks from fascinating speakers, tribute acts, theatre productions, Proms night, a craft fair, and tea on the green, we’re sure everyone will find the entertainment they love.”
Tickets for some events are nearly sold out, much earlier than anticipated, so Peter encourages early booking.
Tickets are available from www.muchwenlockfestival.org.uk or at Penny Farthing Gifts in Much Wenlock town square.
Around 40 artists will display their work in over 25 homes and businesses in this year’s Bridgnorth Open House Arts Trail, over the weekend of June 11 and 12.
The artworks on display include oil and watercolour paintings, drawings, photography, glass work, sculptures, textiles, ceramics, jewellery and metalwork.
Organising committee member Vicky Commander says, “Feedback from the last event in 2019, on the range of creative work on view and the opportunity to see it displayed in home settings, was wonderful and both artists and visitors felt it made the trail unique.”
This year’s event is raising funds for Bridgnorth Food Bank. Advance tickets and trail maps, priced £5 for the two-day event, will be available from Bridgnorth Library in Listley Street and they will also be on the door at selected host’s premises.
One of Shropshire’s most popular live music events, Broseley Festival returns after a pandemic-enforced break with its traditional two-day line-up held in the centre of the historic town.
The event attracts thousands of visitors to Broseley each year to see some of the best international bands and tributes from across the UK, as well as a talented local bands and singers taking to the stage to showcase their talent.
There is the chance to sample a range of international street food or visit bars serving local craft beers and ciders as well as gin, fizz and cocktails. There are craft and market stalls selling homemade and bespoke items.
Acts this year include Skaburst, The Fazys, Hot 2 Trot, Black Bear Kiss, Eternity Road, Liam Price from ITV’s The Voice Kids and Dayton Grey from ITV’s Starstruck and BBC 1’s Altogether Now. There are tribute acts to stars such as Freddie Mercury and Brian May of Queen, Bruno Mars, Celine Dion and UB40.
“One of Shropshire’s most historic and famous events, Shrewsbury Flower Show, returns for the first time since 2019.”
The event is run by Broseley Festival CIC, a group of 14 volunteers who all dedicate their own time throughout the year to fundraise and ensure this superb community event goes ahead.
One of the festival’s aims is to help children to become involved in the community and experience the arts. It teams up with local schools, dance groups and community organisations who are given the opportunity to perform at Broseley Festival each year.
Visit www.ticketstelford.com for ticket availability.
Bridgnorth’s annual May Fair has been earmarked this year for Monday May 2, with music, food stalls, crafts and trade stands.
One of Shropshire’s most historic and famous events, Shrewsbury Flower Show, returns for the first time since 2019.
The show is scheduled for August 12 and 13 with its traditional mix of outstanding floral displays, TV personalities, celebrity chefs, live music and spectacular arena acts, along with numerous craft and food stalls. Each day will be rounded off by spectacular firework displays.
One of the county’s most popular tourist attractions, The Severn Valley Railway will be putting on a celebration ‘fit for Royalty’ when it welcomes visitors to a four-day special event in June to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Festivities will take place from June 2 to 5, as the railway joins with the nation to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70-year reign, across the extended bank holiday weekend.
Crowning the first day of the event will be the unveiling of locomotive 34027 with its new name, ‘Elizabeth II’, new number ‘70’, and unique, head-turning purple livery, specially commissioned to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Visitors will have the chance to see the ‘purple loco’ throughout the four-day event.
On the Thursday afternoon, SVR locomotives at Kidderminster and Bridgnorth will sound their whistles as town criers make a special Queen’s Platinum Jubilee proclamation. Evening services will transport diners to The Engine House, Highley for a Beacon Banquet, at which the SVR’s beacon will be lit at the same time as thousands of others across the world.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s iconic Lancaster is set to perform a fly past on all four days of the event.
It was 1952 when Queen Elizabeth II became sovereign, and the era of rock ‘n roll and the 1950s comes to the SVR for the celebratory event. At Bridgnorth, visitors can hop aboard a vintage fairground ride, and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, there’ll be live music from the era at Kidderminster Station, a pop-up milk bar and juke box at The Engine House, along with evening concerts featuring a rock band and an Elvis Presley tribute act.
The Engine House will host a hand-built Paddington-themed exhibition. The much-loved fictional bear made his debut in the 1950s since when he’s delighted generations of children in books and on the silver screen. Hundreds of thousands of bricks will go into creating this stunning exhibition, which is sure to delight visitors of all ages.
Alongside Paddington, the work of leading photographer Jack Boskett is showcased in an exhibition called From Railways to Royalty, with 75 of his best works featuring heritage rail and the Royal Family.
Across the railway’s six authentically preserved stations, the SVR’s gardeners will work their magic to produce floral displays in honour of the historic occasion, and each visitor will receive a special edition ‘seeded’ ticket to take home and plant for their own celebratory display.
Michael Dunn, head of visitor experience at the Severn Valley Railway says, “The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is a once-in-a-lifetime historic event. We’re pulling out all the stops to make sure our celebratory event will be truly memorable.”
Shropshire is renowned for fabulous local food and drink with a legion of accomplished artisan producers. So, it is perhaps hardly surprising that the county boasts some of the best food festivals around.
Ludlow was a trailblazer in this, launching its main festival back in 1995. This year’s event, scheduled for September 9-11, will see 180 food and drink producers set up shop inside the historic grounds of Ludlow Castle.
First, though, is its sister event, Ludlow Spring Festival, which returns on May 13 to 15.
Ludlow Castle is again the venue for the festival, which brings together the very best regional beer, food and music, as well as classic cars.
The beer festival part of the event offers over 200 superb ales from more than 60 local brewers available to taste over the weekend. For those not so keen on beer, there will also be ciders, perry, fruit-flavoured liqueurs and local wines.
Shrewsbury Food Festival returns to its traditional slot at the end of June, after switching to September last year because of the pandemic. The Quarry Park on June 25 and 26 promises to be a celebration of top chefs, artisan producers, dancing, music . . . and of course some of the best food and drink around.
The Cosford Food Festival, scheduled for July 23 and 24, includes some of the best street food vendors serving up a diverse menu with flavours from around the world. The food can be washed down with a glass of fizz or a summer cocktail from one of the multiple bars.
In addition to over 100 local producers of great food and drink, some of the region’s top chefs will be appearing live on the demo stage cooking speciality dishes and sharing their years of experience.
Festival goers can also sit back and enjoy bands playing throughout the day on the music stage. There will also be a range of children’s activities.
There is no shortage of events lined up this summer in Telford. Saturday May 14 sees High Street celebrations in Madeley, Oakengates, Newport and Southwater while on Saturday May 21, the fun moves to Wellington, Dawley and Ironbridge.
June 2 to 5 sees Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend beacon lighting, Big Screen coverage Big Lunch at Telford Town Park, Concert in the Park, a Community Picnic and Farmers’ Market.
Saturday June 25 sees Armed Forces Family Day at Broadoaks, Donnington.
The QEII arena hosts concerts by music stars Tears For Fears with Alison Moyet in support, on July 1, Tom Grennan with Ella Henderson on July 2 and Bryan Adams on July 3. (See full details on pg 38/39). We Are Telford Carnival is on July 17, with a celebration featuring groups from across the town coming together to shout “We Are Telford”, celebrating the town’s people and places, heritage and future. It includes a parade through the town, with dancers, costumes and giants arriving at Telford Town Park, where there will be stalls, stories, a performance stage, music and entertainment.
The spectacular Telford Balloon Fiesta is in Telford Town Park from August 26 to 28.
Talking of things airborne, the RAF Museum at Cosford has a spectacular display of military aircraft and associated memorabilia from across the decades stretching back to the Second World War.
This will be on show, along with spectacular aerobatic displays and vintage flypasts, at Cosford Air Show on June 12.
“In addition to over 100 local producers of great food and drink, some of the region’s top chefs will be appearing live on the demo stage cooking speciality dishes and sharing their years of experience.”
Both the Balloon Fiesta and the return of the much-loved air show are surely metaphors for the summer to come, for we truly have ‘lift-off’ after two ‘lost’ years of lockdowns and tough restrictions. Fairs, fetes, festivals and fun, they are all waiting for us this summer. All we need is the sun. . .
This article represents just a cross section of what’s on offer. There are hundreds of events scheduled for spring and summer across Shropshire and its borders. Our comprehensive What’s What diary of events, a centrepiece of every issue, will keep you fully in the picture, as 2022 unfolds.
