Watch more of our videos on Shots! and live on Freeview channel 276 South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo, singing legend Elkie Brooks, Ireland’s Mary Black and chart-topping country pop twins Ward Thomas are among the top names on the bill for the four-day festival at the DMOS People West Mid Showground from August 23 to 26. The family and dog friendly festival has become one of the country’s leading folk events since it moved to Shrewsbury in 2006 and now attracts around 7,000 visitors annually, with the majority camping on the riverside site. As well as a stellar line-up of folk, Americana, blues and world music across four music stages, there is a dance tent hosting ceilidhs and other social dances, individual youth and children festivals and dozens of workshops in everything from songwriting to crafting.
Dance teams will take to the streets of Shrewsbury on August 24 and 25 to perform in The Square and outside St Mary’s Church at the top of the Pride Hill. The festival also has a craft shopping arena, food village and five real ale and cocktail bars. Festival director Sandra Surtees said she was looking forward to another successful event.
“This year’s line-up is one of the most exciting yet with an incredible variety of music from across the world,” she said. “But there’s so much more than just the music to enjoy, it really does have to be experienced to understand the scale. It’s a great day out or weekend for families or groups of friends.