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
FESTIVAL
01.01.2009 - 24.11.2009
Shrewsbury Darwin Festival
various locations around
Shrewsbury
Tel:
Email:
2009 marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin and Shrewsbury (Darwin's birth place) is celebrating with a series of events throughout the year.
Ludlow's arts festival includes literary events, walks, all types of music, coach tours, a theatrical event and a fireworks finale. This year's festival play will be Romeo and Juilette.
The Quarry and various locations around
Shrewsbury
Tel:
Email:
Fun-filled family festival celebrating the life of Charles Darwin in a not-too-serious way. Art, entertainment and activities featuring robotics, animation and street science. Higlights includes a spectacular demonstration of Theo Jansen’s ‘Strandneest’, a 13ft long creature powered by the wind. See website for full programme.
A groundbreaking new outdoor musical play, made in the Marches, that unearths long-buried stories about our natural resources. Music with The Mere Singers, Castle Voices & Whitton Voices. Set in the beautiful grounds of the Walcot offering a wonderful opportunity to bring your own picnic. Gates open at 6pm, Performance at 7.30pm £8, Concessions £6
Celebrating the bicentenary of Haydn’s death with an all-Haydn programme, in which we can expect all the delight, variety, humour and beauty of this wonderful composer and The Allegri String Quartet.
American soul & blues legend 'Geno Washington & The Ram Jam Band' plus local Ska band 'Smoke like a Fish'. Licensed bar with real ale. Food. Raffle in aid of the Welsh Air Ambulance. 8pm - £15.
A massive celebration of all things green, with live music, organic food, gardening tips, solar power, farmers market, children’s activities, arts and crafts all under one roof. 10.00am – 4.00pm.
A Sunday afternoon of no-holds-barred thinking. So here’s the format: a soap box, six stirring thinkers and 20 minutes each. What’s up for debate will be revealed nearer the day. But we can guarantee that it will be the liveliest debate in town 2.30-6pm FREE
See inside the Locomotive Shed, Blacksmith's Shop and Visitor Centre, walk around the site with a self-led trail leaflet and go underground into Day Level with an experienced guide. 12.00-16.00 approx. Free, but donations welcomed
Royal International Pavilion
Abbey Road, Llangollen, North Wales, LL20 8SW
Tel: 01978 862001
Email:
International musicians and dancers compete on stage alongside some of the biggest names in music, culminating in a fantastic concert ‘Licensed to Thrill‘ featuring the Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera. Hear the Choir of the World, see The Parade of Nations, listen to talks, go to workshops.
Weston Park,
Weston-under-Lizard, TF11 8LE
Tel: 01244 663400
Email:
A show aimed at owners and lovers of the VW Bus in all its models and types. The show is a chilled out, laid back weekend, with people and buses getting together for a relaxing weekend of friendship and fun.
It was in 1850 that the first ever 'Olympian' Games were held in Much Wenlock and they are still held in each year, attracting athletes from all across the UK. The brainchild of Dr William Penny Brookes, now acknowledged as the Founding Father of the modern Olympic Games.
The Quarry,
Shrewsbury, SY1 1RN
Tel: 01743 281281
Email:
With special guests: Dave Edmunds and Ruby Turner. Enjoy an evening in the company of the hugely popular pianist. Along with his Rhythm & Blues orchestra and guests he will perform a fantastic selection of music in the beautiful setting of the Quarry. Firework Finale approx. 10.30pm. Adults £32.50 / Children £15.00 in advance or £37.50 / £20.00 on the gate / Under 5’s FREE. Picnic-style concerts with no seating or cover provided. You are welcome to bring your own food & drink onto the premises; there will be additional catering on site as well as a bar selling a full range of drinks. 7.30pm (gates open 6.00pm).
The Castle Hotel,
The Square, Bishop's Castle SY9 5BN
Tel: 01588 638403
Email:
5 pubs all serving a selection of real ales, in addition to their usual brands. Most of the Shropshire Brewery's are represented. There are usually more than 60 ales and ciders on offers at any one time.
One of England's remotest music festivals with concerts covering a diverse range of music. The 2009 Festival commission has been awarded to the remarkable jazz pianist and composer Andrea Vicari. Leasowes Bank is a very special festival with many attractions – its informality, its setting, its musical range and interesting programming. Come and share in the music-making
Dust off your lycra and join us for a sensational show of 80's classics. Get your friends together for the party night of the summer! Featuring The Human League, Bananarama, Go West, Belinda Carlisle, T’Pau and Johnny Hates Jazz. Firework Finale approx. 10.30pm. Adults £32.50 / Children £20.00 in advance or £37.50 / £25.00 on the gate / Under 5’s FREE. Picnic-style concerts with no seating or cover provided. You are welcome to bring your own food & drink onto the premises; there will be additional catering on site as well as a bar selling a full range of drinks. 7.30pm (gates open 6.00pm).
Opera North's World Premiere, aboard the HMS Beagle Robert Fitzroy - Captain, seasoned surveyor and future pioneer of weather forecasting, has invited the young naturalist Charles Darwin on a perilous journey lasting nearly five years to the other side of the world. The two men’s lives, and our world view, will change irrevocably, forever. The double-bill evening includes a commissioned lecture by award winning biologist Arjen Mulder. 7:30pm Adult £15/Concession £12
This is the 3rd festival held in Oswestry which is a delightful Market Town.You will be able to sample many varieties of food & drink locally produced. Cookery Demos, live music & Singing. 10.00 am to 4.00pm Free
Boathouse Visitor Centre,
Ellesmere
Tel: 01691 624448
Email: mel@artsalive.co.uk
A whole day of FREE activities for all the family! 3 great storytellers in different spots. 'Make a bug' creative workshop for children with Scrappies, harmony singing from the Mere Singers, and a local photography exhibition. Something for everyone. Why not bring a picnic? 10.30am - 4.30pm FREE!
Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron,
Ironbridge Gorge TF8 7DQ
Tel: 01952 884 391
Email:
The immortal words, “Now is the winter of our discontent...” will ring out across The Green at Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron when William Shakespeare’s, Richard III, is performed by the renowned theatrical touring company, Oddsocks. 7pm
2 Orchard Close, Cressage,
Nr Shrewsbury
Tel: 01952 510334
Email:
Enjoy an afternoon of music with the 25 piece Bryan Jones Big Band on the banks of the River Severn. All proceeds to Christian Aid. Tickets only in advance.
Hanway Common,
Richard's Castle, nr Ludlow
Tel: 01584 831648
Email:
Richard's Castle is hosting its sixth annual Soap Box Derby on Sunday 12 July 2009 to raise money for charity whilst creating a fun day for the teams, supporters and spectators.
One of the most magical and spellbinding shows ever, this electrifying production is a breathtaking and heart-pounding spectacle that will astound you, and take you to the edge of your seats. 7.30pm and 2.30pm Matinee on Wednesday & Thursday. Evening Performance: £26.00/£24.00, Matinee Performance: £24.00/£22.00.
A festival of storytelling with music, song and dance. Headlining acts include Native American teller Dovie Thomason and punk folk band Adrian Edmondson and the Bad Shepherds. 7pm Friday 17 till 5pm Sunday 19 July. Weekend ticket £70. Day and event prices available on request
various locations around
Church Stretton
Tel:
Email:
A varied selection of music, theatre, visual arts and literary presentations for all ages. Opening Night - Emma Johnson, one of the world’s favourite clarinettists. Closing the event will be - Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen.
Celebrating the bicentenary of Catch Me Who Can, the first fare-paying passenger train built at Hazledine's Foundry in Bridgnorth. Over 120 entries confirmed for this years rally including traction engines, steam rollers, classic cars, tractors, motorcycles and light commercial vehicles. The replica of CATCH ME WHO CAN will be in steam. Plus an arena parade, Heavy Horses, a Victorian funfair, old time music hall, coracles, pipe making, food, drinks, traders and a Saturday evening concert.
Hours of live entertainment featuring Leo Altarelli, fun covers band Treacle and Achtung Baby, billed as the definitive U2 tribute band. Headlining the night's entertainment is the one and only Slade. Food, bar, country and woodland walks. gates open at 6pm £28, under 12 £14
Ironbridge Gorge Brass Band Festival presents Last Night of the Proms. Hosted By Jim Hawkins of BBC Radio Shropshire 7.30 pm till approx. 10.00 pm from £6.50 - see website
The Thomas Adams School
Wem SY45 DG
Tel: 01948 840806
Email:
The National Sweet Pea Society with its Late Show is welcomed by the Eckford Sweet Pea Society in a combined Show to Celebrate its 21st Anniversary in Wem.
Saturday 18th July 11am to 5.30pm. Sunday 19th July 2009 12noon to 6.00pm Park & Ride from Ironbridge. Free Admission to the Festival. Some the countries top Brass Bands. Fun for all the Family
RAF Falcons Parachure Display team. Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, Helicopter Rides. Static Displays. Stalls. Small Local Aircraft. Classic Cars. 11am Free Admission, Car parking £5
Museum of Iron,
Coalbrookdale, Ironbridge Gorge
Tel:
Email:
The site around the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron will be alive with activity as visitors watch spectacular iron-casting demonstrations, see a new contemporary cast-iron sculpture exhibition, enjoy fun science experiments, chat to experts about the amazing history of the area and even have the chance to have-a-go at iron casting.
Medieval Fair re-creating year 1318, living history, crafts, have-a-go-Archery, Knights, Falconers, Hog Roast, Real Ale, Teas. 11am - 5pm both days Adults £2.00 Children (to age 14) Free
Park Hall Showground,
Oswestry SY11 4AX
Tel: 01691 654875
Email:
Visitors can enjoy food hall, craft and business marquees, over 100 trade stalls, livestock competitions, vintage cars and machinery, small livestock and pets, entertainment and food, Chariots of Fire Display Team, Jamie Squibb Freestyle BMX Cyclist. 9am-6pm
Severn Opera presents a Gala Opera night of favourite arias and ensembles by Mozart, Verdi and others, performed by a professional cast of singers, hosted by TV personality Ted Robbins. A picnic and pleasure occasion, Black Tie optional. Complimentary glass of champagne and canapes on arrival. The grounds of Shrewsbury School open for picnics from 5.30pm. Concert begins at 7.30pm. £17.50
Wild Woods, winding lanes, high jinks and increasingly ill-advised modes of transport – take a trip with Toad and chums and revel in their outlandish adventures in this inventive and effervescent tale. Tickets available from Theatre Severn Box Office 01743 281281 5.00pm (gates open 4.00pm). Adult £12.00/Child £9.00/Family (2 adult 2 children) £35 in advance or £14.00 / £10.00 / £40.00 on the door
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men are proud to return with this magical Shakespeare comedy with plenty of cross-dressing shenanigans, mistaken identity and deserved comeuppance. Tickets available from Theatre Severn Box Office 01743 281281 7.30pm (gates open 6.30pm). Adults £12.50 / Children £7.50 in advance or £14.00 / £8.50 on the door
Cleobury North
Between Ludlow & Bridgnorth WV16 6QJ
Tel: 01746 787535
Email:
Highly regarded as one of the best agricultural shows in the region, Burwarton Show provides a truly great day out for all the family with something of interest for everyone.
Shropshire’s oldest and most prestigious one day agricultural show bringing both town and country together with trade stalls, dog show, entertainment, food.
Free outdoor live concert by one of the leading Abba tribute bands with all the classic hits performed in lavish and truly authentic costumes. 7.00pm FREE
The Walker Theatre, Theatre Severn,
Shrewsbury
Tel: 01743 281281
Email:
Presented by the Shropshire Drama Company. A rioutous 18th century comedy of misunderstanding, love, class and dysfunctional families. Wealthy Charles Marlow desires a wife. Shy around upper class women, a barmaid seems fair game. But is she who she seems? 7.30pm Full price £12.00 / Concessions £10.00
The World's Longest Running Horticultural Show! More than three million blooms fill the huge floral marquees and there’s a full, all-day programme of music and entertainment for adults and children alike. 10.00am onwards. Adults £19/Seniors £17/Children FREE *SAVE £3 if booked before 8th August*
Attingham Park,
Shrewsbury, SY4 4TP
Tel: 01743 708162
Email:
Family fun with the Illyria Outdoor Theatre production of The Three Musketeers. Don’t forget to bring your picnic! 6.30pm - 9.30pm Adult £12, Child £8, Family £42 (2 adults plu)s 3 children.
Chorley Showground,
New Road, Chorley, nr Bridgnorth WV16 6PP
Tel: 0700 598 0014
Email:
Possibly the best, small village show in Shropshire. Showcasing local food & ales; arts & crafts; main ring entertainments; family fun dog show; "a real Shropshire experience". 11.00 - 17.00 £5 adults; children free
The Friends of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums will be hosting a Teddy Bears Picnic and Family Fun Day to celebrate 40 years’ involvement in and around the museums.
Waltz your way through picnics, parties and posh frocks in this classic Regency rom-com. Outdoor performance by Heartbreak Productions. SPONSORED BY WACE MORGAN Tickets available from Theatre Severn Box Office 01743 281281 7.30pm (gates open 6.30pm). Adult £12.00 / Child £9.00 in advance or £14.00/£10.00 on the door
Three days of entertainment with drama, courtesy of Kaleidoscope Theatre and Blists Hill’s own Prince Albert Players, and sing-a-longs in the New Inn Public House. Other fun activities include china smashing, donkey rides, skittles and traditional games.
The Midlands Top Folk Festival will be once again entertaining the crowds in Shrewsbury. Headliners for 2009 include Proclaimers, Eric Bibb, The Dhol Foundation, Seth Lakeman, Show of Hands, The Chair, Spooky Men's Chorale, Patrick Street, Chris Wood and Megson.
Blists Hill Victorian Town
Ironbridge Gorge
Tel: 01952 884 391
Email:
Blists Hill Victorian Town will be hosting a themed event over the Bank Holiday weekend of 29 - 31 August based on the much-loved Victorian novel, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Visitors who come dressed as Alice, or another character from the book, will receive a small prize with the best entrants winning a voucher to have their picture taken in costume by the Victorian town's resident photographer.
Oldbury Wells School and various locations around
Bridgnorth
Tel: 07929 835796
Email:
FAMILY EVENT with loads of activities to explore together. It is divided into various zones-Entertainment,F un and leisure, Sports, Family Entertainment, Food, Arts, Under 5's, Community Education, so you can sit and listen, participate or test your skills, relax and have some really nice food and drink.
A fantastic spectacle of hundreds of vehicles, full Arena Programme and over 1,000 exhibits. Superb steam engines, beautifully preserved private and commercial vehicles and much more plus Olde Time Fair and 20-acre working field. 9.30am – 6.00pm . Adults £10/Seniors £9/Children £1 tickets on the door
The Teddy Bears will once again be making their annual visit to the railway. This year they have asked if they can be more involved so instead of just sitting watching the trains and having their picnic they will be around the site interacting with our visitors. Sweets will be given to Children bringing their own Teddy.
Dale End Park,
Coalbrookdale, Telford, TF8 7DR
Tel: 01952 432769
Email:
Attracting coraclers from all over the country. There will be sprint races, relays, the highly competitive coracle polo match, other daft games, stalls and activities and the chance to have a go yourself. 12-4:30pm
An inspirational comedy for everyone about Charles Darwin's early life. Warm your heart and fire your imagination as we consider burning questions concerning bugs, big bangs and body-snatchers. A joyful, visual spectacular from the award winning Pentabus Theatre. Origins is written by Steven Canny and John Nicholson, whose work with Pentabus Theatre Artistic Director, Orla O'Loughlin has transferred to the West End to critical acclaim: 'UNFAILINGLY HILARIOUS' (Guardian). SIMPLE-SEEMING GAGS ARE TRANSFORMED INTO THEATRICAL GEMS... DAZZLING PERFORMANCES (Observer). GUT-BUSTINGLY HILARIOUS AND LIBERATINGLY RECKLESS (Times). 7:30pm. Adults £12 / Concessions £8
Severn Valley Railway
Bridgnorth to Kidderminster
Tel: 01299 403816
Email:
The seaside comes to the Severn Valley-A beach, Donkey rides, Open-top bus, Punch & Judy Shows, Magic Shows, Bouncy Castle and Playpit, Fortune Teller, Sticks of Rock, Vintage Slot Machines, Ice Cream, Model Railway, Carousel, Candy Floss and named holiday trains such as 'The Cambrian Coast Express'.
More than 130 top quality small independent food and drink producers from the Marches. Great demonstrations, talks, trails, sample your favourite foods.
A wonderful day out for all the Family. Plenty of traditional stalls and attractions for everyone,as well as the farmyard and tractors, live music, childrens games and the scarecrows of course. From 12.30pm Adults £2 Children £1
Featuring all available diesel traction on both passenger and demonstration freight turns. Our class 104 DMU will will be used as hauled stock, with both the RB004 railbus and 08 in service. Guided tours of the signal box at Lightmoor Junction, recently acquired from Network Rail.
Weston Park,
Weston-under-Lizard, Nr Shifnal, TF11 8LE
Tel: 0845 230 5175
Email:
The traditional country pursuits fair with world class clay pigeon shooting to game and coarse fishing demonstrations, gundog competitions, falconry displays, ferret racing, antiques, fine arts, rural crafts and over 600 trade stands. 9am each day
La-di-da smartypants Mr. Chris Addison with a special, one-off revival, exclusively for the Shrewsbury Darwin Festival, of his critically acclaimed 2003 stand-up show. The subject is the evolution of Mankind itself, discussed through the medium of jokes, lies, whimsy, half-truths, a fair amount of sweating. 8pm £10.00 - £14.00
Severn Valley Railway,
Bridgnorth to Kiddermionster
Tel: 01299 403816
Email:
The UK's premier steam railway event, with continuous running for three full days. Experience an extensive train service between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth throughout the weekend.
The Wharfage & Merrythought Village Area,
Ironbridge
Tel: 01952 254959
Email: kennethtoyne@uwclub.net
A day of family fun and entertainment in the beautiful, historic Ironbridge Gorge. Including: Crafts, Victorian Funfair, Open air entertainment, Street Market, Music and Bands, Pig Roast, Bouncy Castle, Art Exhibition, Flower Festival, Heritage talks, walks and displays, Antiques & Collectibles stalls, Micro Brewery and more...
The Beagle Ball will be held at the Lion Hotel, to which Charles Darwin returned on the night of the 4th October 1836, after nearly five years on the Voyage of the Beagle. This glittering occasion in the Adam Ballroom will include a complimentary drink, buffet, dancing to Green Ginger and a magic lantern lecture by Charles Darwin himself! Dress is Period or Evening Dress. See Shrewsbury Heritage Celebrations website for details. £25
The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust and The Shropshire Guild of Contemporary Craft are, for the fifth year, bringing together an inspirational mix of some of the finest craftspeople in the West Midlands for the Guild's prestigious annual flagship exhibition, Gorgeous.
Festival Centre,
Market Drayton
Tel: 01630 654 444
Email:
A new musical play by by Chris Eldon Lee. It’s Shropshire in the Sixties and the Silhouette girls are in stitches! Thousands of Salopians worked for the Silhouette Underwear factory and this is their story. Comedy, nostalgia, local history, 60s music and oodles of undies!
A new musical play by by Chris Eldon Lee. It’s Shropshire in the Sixties and the Silhouette girls are in stitches! Thousands of Salopians worked for the Silhouette Underwear factory and this is their story. Comedy, nostalgia, local history, 60s music and oodles of undies!
5th 6th 12th, 13th 19th & 20th December. Ride the train to visit Santa in his grotto. Children receive a present. Adults receive a hot drink and a mince pie.
This popular North Shropshire Brass Band will once again delight audiences of every age at their annual Christmas Concert. If you want to 'get in the spirit of Christmas' this is the place to be ! 7.00 pm Adult £6.00 / Child in full-time education �4.00
various locations around
various locations around
The Castle, 
The Quarry and various locations around
Severn Valley Railway,
Shropshire Wildlife Trust Centre,
Snailbeach Lead Mine,
Linden Fields
The Quarry,
The Quarry,
Shrewsbury Castle Grounds,
Cleobury North
The Square,
The Quarry,
Attingham Park,
Blists Hill Victorian Town,
Shrewsbury Castle Grounds,
West Mid Showground,
Onslow Park,
Telford Steam Railway,
Theatre Severn,
Weston Park,
Festival Centre,
