A list of main events in Shropshire and the borders for the coming weeks provided by Virtual Shropshire.
For more events visit the full Virtual Shropshire event listings here
IRONBRIDGE GORGE MUSEUMS
07.04.2011 - 09.09.2012
Our Sporting Life Exhibitions
Coalbrookdale Gallery & Enginuity,
Museum of Iron, Coalbrookdale, Ironbridge Gorge
Tel: 01952 433 424
Email:
Twitter: blistshill
Our Sporting Life, The Science of Sport at Enginuity will use the Museum’s collections and loan items to demonstrate the science behind modern, high-performance sports, The Coalbrookdale Gallery will draw on the Museum’s diverse collections and photographic sources to stage Our Sporting Life, Sporting Heroes, a display of images ranging from football, cricket and quoit teams to rowing clubs and coracle racing
The Russian Ice Stars deliver a dazzling interpretation of this enchanting story with high-speed combination of extraordinary skating beautifully staged and breath-taking aerial feats.
Walk up to the bothy along the mile walk and follow the candle light through the woods to experience the park and snowdrops in the different light. 5:00pm-7pm.
To celebrate the 2012 London Games, and as part of the Games and Me project, visitors to Enginuity will be able to test their speed and reaction times using state of the art equipment as used by professional sports stars and see amazing shows looking at the science behind sport. Activities will vary from day-to-day and some carry additional costs. Museum entrance fee £7.85 adults; £6.76 for 60 plus and £6.75 for children (up to 18 years and in full time education), under 5s free.
Calling all junior investigators! Can you help us crack clues and solve a mystery to earn your prize? 10am - 4pm. Non-Member Adult: £4.00, Non-Member Concession: £3.60, Non-Member Child: £2.40. English Heritage Members: Free
Calling all junior investigators! Can you help us crack clues and solve a mystery to earn your prize? 10am - 4pm. Non-Member Adult: £5.80 NM Concession: £5.20 NM Child: £3.50 NM Family: £15.10. English Heritage Members: Free
Celebrate the Chinese Year of the Dragon, which began on 23rd January. The museum will be taking on an oriental flavour with a series of hands-on family activities. Join drop-in ceramic workshops modelling a clay dragon or try painting an oriental ceramic flower or fridge magnet depicting an animal from the Chinese zodiac.
Let your creativity go wild at a drop-in tile decorating workshop where you can try the tube lining technique to produce a 6 x 6 inch tile featuring your own design and choice of colours. Activities vary from day-to-day; tiles cost £7.95 each and can be fired and sent home later for a small extra charge to cover postage and packing. Museum admission £7.60 adults; £7.10 for 60 plus and £5.10 for children (up to 18 years and in full time education), under 5s free.
Daily guided walks taking in Darwin's Shrewsbury, looking at places of Shrewsbury that would have been familiar to Charles Darwin. Pre-booking essential. Tickets in advance from Shrewsbury VIC Start 2pm finish 3.30pm. £4.50 adults £2.50 children.
Acclaimed solo artist and founder member of the legendary Siouxsie and the Banshees, Steven Severin presents a mesmerising synthesis of sound and image, heightening appreciation of this surreal, enigmatic film. 8:00 - 11:00pm. £5.00.
Blists Hill Victorian Town,
Madeley, near Ironbridge TF7 5DU
Tel: 01952 433 424
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Watch the residents of Blists Hill Victorian Town celebrate Pancake Day. Museum entrance fee £14.95 adults; £11.95 for 60 plus and £9.95 for children (up to 18 years and in full time education), under 5s free
Wedding Exhibition/Designer Wedding Dress Sale. There will be an opportunity to get a designer dress at a fraction of the cost! Displays of essential wedding supplies. 11-3pm. Free entrance £1 to park.
Phil is, of course, one part of Show of Hands (with Steve Knightley) who have developed a huge following. His instrumental skills on acoustic and electric guitars, fiddle and mandolin are well documented. Doors open at 7:00, Phil starts at 8:00 £10
The Edge Arts Centre,
Farley Rd., Much Wenlock TF13 6NB
Tel: 01952 728 911
Email:
Twitter:
As the preparations for the 2012 Games advance, Much Wenlock’s own unique role in the story is celebrated with a winning twist by Vamos Theatre Company, which is touring this show to sixty UK venues this spring. Vamos is a full mask, physical theatre company, with three actors taking the roles of Wenlock’s professional and plebeian classes. This comic production dramatises William Penny Brookes’ determination to improve the health of all. A story of health, sports, a reforming doctor and a runaway chicken!
Various locations around
Oswestry
Tel:
Email:
Twitter: oswestrylitfest
This year, we’ve pulled out all the stops and have a truly stella line-up for Oswestry. Well-known poets, authors, performers along with a wonderful array of events for young and old alike. See website for details!
Fantastic opportunity for dance enthusiasts to enter Classical Greek, Ballet, Tap, Modern as well as other Genres. Open to all students up to age 18 - Join the Festival now! 10am - 6pm.
Competitive classes in creative writing, dance and music for children and young people aged 18 and under. MUSIC (Secondary): Wed 14th and Fri 16th March from 5.30pm. CREATIVE WRITING: Sat 17th March from 10am. MUSIC (Primary): Sat 17th March from 10am
Fancy climbing down a sheer drop to raise funds? The perfect way to add a few nerves to your challenge! MAA have teamed up with RAF Cosford Museum to give you the chance to abseil from the viewing tower within the Cold War Exhibition. A sheer drop of over 50 ft and descending surrounded by Missiles, Aircraft and Rockets, this will be an experience that has never been done before! Registration is £20 per person with a minimum sponsorship target of £100. Sign up and do something amazing in 2012: Help save lives. 11am. Registration £20 (Sponsorship target min £100)
Sponsored by the Margaret Morris Movement Theatre Group this performance will feature over 30 dance groups of all ages and abilities & winners from the Live Arts Dance Festival. 2pm - 5pm. £8 Adult £4 Concessions and Students
Ain't no mountain high, ain't no valley low, ain't no river wide enough - to keep The Magic of Motown concert show from getting to UK music lovers in 2012. 7.30pm. £22 Conc £19.
Severn Valley Railway,
Bridgnorth to Kidderminster
Tel:
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The Severn Valley Railway is delighted to team up with 'Steam Railway Magazine' for its spring steam enthusiasts' gala event. One of the great enthusiasts' events of the year. See website for details
Visit CORE, a fantastic digital art installation designed by renowned international artist Kurt Hentschläger and experience a whole new digital world. This world-class piece of art forms the next generation of the Chicago-based artist’s generative 3D and audio work. Admission free to CORE in the Engine Shop (entry into the museum carries a fee). 10am - 5pm.
A music and dance extravaganza featuring one of the finest musical ensembles in the world, the White Russian Central Band (formerly the Red Army Band) with Special Guest Soloists from The Bolshoi and Dancers from The Belarussian National Folk Dance Academy. 7.30pm.
Much Wenlock Olympian Mile and Be Active Family Fun Day. Raise funds by taking part in a 1, 3 or 6 mile run. All participants will be invited to take part in the Be Active Fun Day at the leisure centre!
Severn Valley Railway,
Bridgnorth to Kidderminster
Tel:
Email:
Twitter: svrofficialsite
Come and meet Thomas the Tank Engine TM, every child’s No. 1 blue engine, as he makes a welcome return to the Severn Valley Railway for two weekends over the school Easter holidays. Sir Topham Hatt, the Fat Controller will also be there to make sure that the trains run on time. NB 31 Mar, 1, 14 & 15 Apr
Design and make a sailing boat then test it on the Enginuity pool; daily sessions 11am-4pm; small additional charge for materials plus admission. Activities will vary from day-to-day and some carry additional costs. Museum admission £8.25 adults; £6.95 for 60 plus and £6.95 for children (up to 18 years and in full time education), under 5s free.
The ‘Cold War Investigation’ trail guides children around the Museum with a series of cryptic clues and quizzes. Each detective will need to correctly answer each of the questions in order to discover the name of the secret spy.
Hundreds of models on display including examples of aircraft, ships, cars and commercial vehicles. Other attractions include club displays and trade stands. Also hosting an open competition where modellers of all ages and abilities can enter their creations to win a much coveted award.
Weston Park,
Weston-under-Lizard TF11 8LE
Tel: 01952 852100
Email:
Twitter:
A day out for all the family with a vast array of vehicles of all types and ages on display as well as arena activities, trade areas, children's play and trade stands featuring all kinds of automobilia and collectibles.
This popular plant fair boasts top class nurseries including RHS Medal Winners and National Collection Holders offering a tremendous variety of plants. The fair is set within the beautiful 12 acre Garden. 10.00am - 5.00pm. Plant Fair & Garden £3.00 (children free)
Free Entry to this popular plant fair featuring many highly respected specialist nurseries with a great range of perennials, shrubs, trees, herbs , rare species. Excellent lakeside restaurant. 11.00am - 5.00pm. FREE ENTRY to the Plant Fair Entry to Arboretum optional at normal prices.
Various locations around
Shrewsbury
Tel:
Email:
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The Festival offers unique opportunitites to see artists at work; 20 of them creating giant cartoons in The Square during the Cartoonists Live weekend, others drawing caricatures and running cartoon workshops for all ages. Cartoon exhibitions of new work by top UK and overseas cartoonists, and the Shrewsbury Smile Trail, featuring cartoons in shops and restaurants around the town, run throughout the Festival period of April and May. The 2012 theme is Flying.
They sing silly songs and tell topical tales about the pleasure and pain of rural living...and we tour with the amazing Freda the Female Farmer, agriculture’s answer to Dame Edna Everage. Proceeds to Severn Hospice.
Various locations around
Much Wenlock
Tel:
Email:
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Disability Live art event. From the birthplace of the modern Olympic Games comes M21: From the Medieval to the 21st Century. But is Much Wenlock only about pretty black and white buildings and living history in Middle England? M21 brings together the history of this small Shropshire town with the politics of live art to confront the reality of modern rural living. Renowned disabled artists Tanya Raabe, Alan McLean, Simon McKeown, Sean Burn, Noëmi Lakmaier, Ann Whitehurst and the Disabled Avant-Garde explore climate change, country living and historic practices through a disability aesthetic. Based at the Priory Hall with events happening throughout the streets of Much Wenlock.
Plant fair featuring highly respected specialist nurseries with a great range of perennials, shrubs, trees, rare species. Set in 1000 acres of parkland with spring bulbs, bluebells, azaleas and rhododendrons. 10.00am - 5.00pm. Special Event Price: Fair and Garden £2.50.
Various locations around
Ludlow
Tel:
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Over 140 real ales on draught from small breweries in Wales and the Marches, producers selling seriously good food, a huge display of classic cars all washed down with fantastic music inside Ludlow Castle.
One of the regions largest events, with entertainment for the whole family. Hundreds of trucks on display, plus the regions finest truck awards. The latest trucks presented in person by local dealerships. Live Arena - See the Monster Trucks 'Swamp Thing' & NEW truck 'Crusher', Freestyle Moto-Cross Display, Fantastic Celebrity Guests including 'Will Mellor' from Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Recovery Demonstration and much more! 9am-5pm. In advance, Adult £10,Child £5,OAP £5,Family £25.
Severn Valley Railway,
Bridgnorth to Kidderminster
Tel:
Email:
Twitter: svrofficialsite
Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Severn Valley line between Worcester and Shrewsbury on February 1st 1862. Her Majesty Queen Victoria will visit the line over this weekend, calling at our stations to enjoy the entertainments of the time with her subjects.
A special evening where a selection of aircraft and cockpits will be available for close viewing. Height restrictions apply. 6.00pm to 8.30pm. £10.00 per person - Tickets are limited, you must buy in advance.
This Show will take place on 19th May 2012 and will feature a full array of Hunter Classes, with Working Hunters and Show Classes, both affiliated and unaffiliated. There will also be Dressage and an exciting Livery Yard Competition. 9am-5pm.
Various locations around
South Shropshire
Tel:
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The torch, to be carried by a number of inspirational Torchbearers, will pass through the communities of Ludlow, Clee Hill and Cleobury Mortimer on Thursday 24 May 2012.
The ever popular ladies only Midnight Walk follows a well lit 10km route through Hadley, Leegomery and Wellington. 10.30pm. £10 early bird offer until 2 April when it will be £15
The Show plays a major role in the special displays about rural life in Shropshire and beyond. Children get to see real livestock and learn about rural life and times, and the skills and crafts of the countryside. The subjects covered are very much part of the National Education Curriculum. Dozens of traders provide a showcase of goods from across the county and beyond and a fabulous food hall is full of the tastes of Shropshire ready to be sampled and savoured. 9am-5pm.
Various locations around
Shropshire
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The torch, to be carried by a number of inspirational Torchbearers, will pass through the communities of Oswestry, Pant, Llanymynech, Shrewsbury, Cressage, Much Wenlock, Benthall, Broseley. Ironbridge, Telford & Newport on Wednesday 30 May .
The philosophy and music festival at Hay. HowTheLightGetsIn, the world's largest philosophy and music festival, is coming. There'll be debates and talks from cutting-edge thinkers, performances from world class musicians, Djs and dancing late into the night. Our full programme is yet to be released, but EarlyBird tickets are already available on our website.
Heralding over 1/4 century of The Arts in town. With the Jubilee and the Olympics plans are going to be very special. The Merry Wives of Windsor will be performed, open air concert at Wenlock priory, literary evenings, open gardens, music and fringe events as well.
Plant fair featuring highly respected specialist nurseries with a great range of perennials, shrubs, trees, rare species. Set in 60 acres of breathtaking gardens with walled garden and dramatic lakes. 10.00am - 4.00pm. Special Event Price: Fair and Garden £2.50.
Various locations around
Church Stretton
Tel:
Email:
Twitter: churchstretton1
There is no quieter place to be in the early hours of a summer's day than the Long Mynd and the Stretton Hills. The festival will feature walks of varying length and difficulty, suitable for all members of the family and walkers of different levels of expertise and ability. Walks vary from 5 to 12.5 miles, cover different terrains, and are led by at least two guides per walk.
Now 13 years old we have a three-day midweek walk in June each year offering breathtaking scenery, a chance to delve into the history and myths of this inspiring border country, long and short guided walks with experienced guides.
Severn Valley Railway,
Bridgnorth to Kidderminster
Tel:
Email:
Twitter: bhstn
Bridgnorth station gets 'all steamed up' this weekend with a miniature railway, traction engines, stationary steam engines, model railways and even a velocipede! What's this? Come along and see!
Vintage vehicle rally, autojumble, trade stands, main event ring, childrens entertainment, great day out for all the family. 10am-4pm. Adult £6 Child £3.50.
RAF Museum Cosford,
Nr Shifnal
Tel:
Email:
Twitter: cosfordairshow
One of the country's top aviation events attracting thousands of people of all ages to a day of wonder, excitement and entertainment every year with the proceeds of the event going to RAF and local charities.
Severn Valley Railway,
Bridgnorth to Kidderminster
Tel:
Email:
Twitter: bhstn
We turn the clocks back to the 1940's with this lighthearted journey back to wartime Britain. This is one of our most popular events of the year. Come as you are or why not dress in 1940s style!!!!! Also 30 June & 1 July.
Forest Glen Car Park, The Wrekin,
Ercall Road, Wellington
Tel: 01743 368647
Email: admin@shropshiremind.org
Twitter:
The challenge is to walk (or run!) up The Wrekin as many times as possible in 4 or 8 or 24 hours. Open to individuals, relay groups, and families! This fantastic event is being organised by Shropshire MIND, a local charity which provides a range of quality services across the County for the one in four people and their families acknowledged to be affected by mental or emotional distress. 10 am - until you finish!. £5-£10 depending on hours completed.
2.30pm at the Torch Memorial on the Gaskell Fields, then along the Brookes Walk and shorter routes, and to the Church Green. You may spot the President of the Methodist Conference jogging by with an Olympian Torch, in this running, trundling, walking event for all ages. The Brookes Inspiration Service follows at 4.00pm in Holy Trinity Church, with a sports personality as speaker, and refreshments. It's More than Gold.
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SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY
30.06.2012 - 01.07.2012
1940's Weekend
Severn Valley Railway,
Bridgnorth to Kidderminster
Tel:
Email:
Twitter: bhstn
We turn the clocks back to the 1940's with this lighthearted journey back to wartime Britain. This is one of our most popular events of the year. Come as you are or why not dress in 1940s style!!!!! Also 23 & 24 June.
Our fantastic ladies only Midnight Walk following a 10km well lit route to raise funds for Severn Hospice. 10.30pm. £10 early bird until 2 April when it will be £15.
A great place to find your next motorhome. Whether you are a day visitor, weekend camper or club rally, you can be guaranteed a warm welcome at this event. 9am - 5pm. Day admission - £6, under 14's free of charge
Contemporary Medals exhibition. An exhibition of International contemporary art medals curated by the British medallist Ron Dutton. The exhibition will feature the medallic work of six UK based artists and six artists from other countries. Each artist is asked to exhibit 3 medals of their own choice reflecting their approach to medal making. There will be a catalogue accompanying the exhibition with an introduction by Philip Attwood, Curator of Coins and Medals of the British Museum.
Learn about energy efficiency and recycling.. Woodland craft and up-cycle demonstrations, local craft and eco stalls, mini farmers market, live folk band and home-made refreshments and children's musical instruments workshop. 10.00-4.00pm. Free entry.
*DATE TO BE CONFIRMED* Procession from the town to the Linden Field followed by entertainment, including a performance of the official Olympic Welcome Song. The Welcome Song project is a collaboration between West Midlands, South West and South East, led by folk musician Eliza Carthy and will be performed in Much Wenlock, Chipping Campden, Weymouth, Stoke Mandeville and Olympic Park.. Full details to be announced early 2012.
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WENLOCK OLYMPIAN GAMES
08.07.2012 - 21.07.2012
Wenlock Olympian Games
Various locations around
Much Wenlock
Tel:
Email:
Twitter: WOS_1850
Join us for the very special 2012 Wenlock Olympian Games. It was in 1850 that the first ever Olympian Games were held in Much Wenlock. The brainchild of Dr William Penny Brookes, the games inspired re-birth of the modern Olympic Games in 1896. The Wenlock games continue to be held on the original field every July attracting competitors from all over the UK.
A new event to celebrate Much Wenlock's Olympian heritage. Street markets, entertainment and exhibitions will take place around the town.
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MUSIC FESTIVAL
14.07.2012 - 15.07.2012
Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival
The Museum of Iron,
Coalbrookdale, Ironbridge Gorge
Tel:
Email:
Twitter: ironbridgebrass
The Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival's reputation is growing enormously year on year and 2012 is already promising to set new records. With the help, support, enthusiasm and goodwill shown to the festival, we are confident that 2012 will be far and away the best event yet. See website for details.
Hundreds of scale models of iconic aircraft will be taking to the skies at the annual Large Model Aircraft Rally. This famous air show is in miniature. Family fun fair, aircraft simulators, trade stands.
The Edge Arts Centre,
Farley Road, Much Wenlock TF13 6NB
Tel: 01952 728911
Email:
Twitter:
A dance and digital media extravaganza that makes links across continents and wraps dancing images around the audience. Different styles of dance will collide, merge and collaborate. Experience film, live performance, digital installations and a breath taking finale show in a huge 360-degree digital igloo. Encompass360 has connected people all around the world with local and international performers live and on-screen. This will be an experience not to be missed. Encompass360 is part of Dancing for the Games, which is inspired by London 2012 and part of the Cultural Olympiad in the West Midlands.
The Eckford Sweet Pea Society, in 2012 welcomes the National Sweet Pea Society with its Late Show to Wem. Seventy five competitive classes include Formal Vases, Bowls, Baskets, Special section for Victorian Old Fashioned varieties, Floral Art, Children's section and Decorated Shops and Businesses and an Extensive Display of Wem History in Photographs, cuttings and memorabillia in St Peter & St Paul Parish Church, to include the Eckford family history.
Various locations around
Church Stretton SY6 6EX
Tel:
Email:
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A two-week celebration of music and the visual arts with classical concerts, celebrity lectures, drama, jazz and a showcase of local youth talent. The Art and Crafts exhibition is the biggest in Shropshire. A few musical highlights include Jacqui Dankworth, Pascal Roge and Tasmin Little.
World famous flower show held over two days in the beautiful riverside Quarry park. Stunning floral displays, lots of family entertainment, music, fireworks and much more.
The annual Rally is a splendid opportunity to see a host of steam engines, preserved vehicles and much more! Always a highly popular event for the family, it draws thousands of people from across the UK and further afield.
This popular plant fair boasts top class nurseries including RHS Medal Winners offering a tremendous variety of plants. The fair is set within the beautiful 12 acre Dorothy Clive Gardens. 10am - 5pm. Plant Fair & Garden £3.00 (children free)
Free Entry to this popular plant fair featuring many highly respected specialist nurseries with a great range of perennials, shrubs, trees, herbs, rare species. Excellent lakeside restaurant. 11.00am - 5pm. FREE ENTRY to Plant Fair Entry to Arboretum optional at normal prices.
Various locations around
Ludlow
Tel:
Email:
Twitter: ludlowfoodfest
The Festival features more than 130 top quality small independent food and drink producers from the Marches, the England-Wales border country, inside Ludlow Castle, plus food-releated events throughout the towm.
Popular annual Christmas event. A wide variety of eclectic stalls complementing the Town's shops. Festive entertainment, Santa's Grotto, carols and much more. Check out our website for more information. Park and Ride services in operation. 10am - 5pm. FREE ENTRY.
Coalbrookdale Gallery & Enginuity,
Attingham Park,
Severn Valley Railway,
RAF Museum Cosford,
