Summer bursts into life in Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury is set to become the events capital of the West Midlands this summer as it kicks off its best ever calendar of festivals and events bringing to life its appeal as the original one-off destination.

Exciting cycle races, river events to float your boat, The Big Art Show (1 to 3 July) and a steam rally (28 and 29 August) are among the many events which promise to make it a summer like no other in Shrewsbury.

Shrewsbury Cycle Grand Prix on Sunday 29 May is sure to be a Bank Holiday weekend highlight as thousands line the circuit to see cyclists tear around the cobbled streets in a test of speed and skill.  For more details see www.shrewsburygrandprix.co.uk

Shrewsbury Food Festival on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 June will be celebrating the town’s food heroes and a delicious array of local produce with more than 200 exhibitors providing inspiration to excite the taste buds. The event in the Quarry Park and around town is on from 10am to 6pm on the Saturday and 10am to 5pm on the Sunday. Tickets cost £6 for adults and £12 for families (two adults and up to three children under 16 years old). They are available online in advance from www.shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk or from The Music Hall in The Square or on the gate on the day.

The festival vibe continues with Shrewsbury Fields Forever on Friday 15 to Sunday 17 July. Shropshire’s largest and dedicated multi arena live indie, alternative, electronic, dance and popular music, comedy and arts festival returns to the heart of Shrewsbury in The Quarry. Three town centre campsites, including a VIP campsite next to the main arena, allow festival goers to experience it in full. Dizzee Rascal, The Happy Mondays and rapper Wretch 32 are among the crowd-pulling acts. For tickets and more information visit www.shrewsburyfieldsforever.com/

The Quarry will rock to a different beat when the beautiful blooms of the celebrated Shrewsbury Flower Show take over on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 August. With entertainment from Britain’s top military bands and choirs, first class show jumping, craft displays and a wide choice of stands, it’s a full day out for all the family. The arena programme runs until 10pm; with The soulful Liverpool band the Christians headlining on the Saturday night. More details can be found at shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk. Advance tickets cost £24 for adults and £22 for over 60s with discounts for group bookings. Children under 16 who are accompanied by an adult are allowed free entry.

For those in search of a relaxed and friendly music experience, Shrewsbury Folk Festival from Friday 26 to Monday 29 August is the place to be. Established UK artists plus acts celebrating folk traditions from across the world will join campers at the West Midlands Showground. The festival will feature four stages, a dance tent and specialist venues for the children’s and youth festivals. There will also be shops, caterers, bars, a craft fair and free buses into Shrewsbury town centre. For tickets and other details see www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk.

Kirsten Henly, Shrewsbury BID Executive Director, said: “Shrewsbury has a fantastic calendar of events lined up which cover a broad range of tastes and interests and all promise to be a lot of fun. There is something for everyone and we hope people coming to the events and festivals will explore all the wonderful attractions, shops, restaurants and bars that Shrewsbury has to offer and discover what makes it so special.”

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