2020 Calendar of Festivals in the Shropshire Hills
There are annual arts festivals in some of the main towns across the Shropshire Hills – Ludlow, Church Stretton, Bishop’s Castle and Much Wenlock – as well as walking festivals in and around Bishop’s Castle and Church Stretton. And, of course, Ludlow is celebrated for its various food and drink festivals, celebrating the very best of local produce. Ludlow Fringe Festival brings the town to life in the second half of June Church Stretton and South Shropshire Festival takes place across two weeks at the end of July and the start of August, at a range of venues in and around the town. Bishop’s Castle Open Studios runs on the second weekend in June, with Bank House acting as an information hub.
Other popular festivals include Michaelmas Fair is a day full of colour, dancing, steam, music and entertainment (see video here). Plus we have a fair selection of Beer Festivals – unsurprising given the number of craft breweries. More details on most festivals and events can be found on the Events page, or by following the links below.
With many thanks to Shropshire Hills AONB for this data.
FEBRUARY
Wednesday 19th – Sunday 23rd February, Bishop’s Castle Arts Festival
Music, literature and art, workshops, talks and exhibitions.at venues throughout the town.
www.bishopscastleartsfestival.com
Thursday 20th February, Bird box making. Carding Mill Valley, National Trust, 10am, 11.30am & 1pm. Half term family activity. £7.50
MARCH
Monday 30 March Acton Scott Historic Working Farm opens for the 2020 Season
APRIL
Saturday 4th April, Dawn Chorus Walk, Carding Mill Valley, National Trust, 6am. Enjoy the sound of the Valley’s dawn chorus with an expert guide to help identify the singers. £7.50.
Sunday 5th April, Blakemoorgate Cottages, above Snailbeach, 11am – 3pm.
Restored miner’s squatter cottages open. See The Stiperstones NNR Facebook page, email stiperstones.evenst@naturalengland.org.uk or phone 01743 792 294
Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th April, The Shropshire Way 80K Festival, Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre. Choose between the Mighty 80K, the 42K Mammothon and the Half Mammothon for this walking weekend of stunning scenery and delicious food.
Friday 10th – Monday 13th April, Easter Trails, Carding Mill Valley, National Trust 10:30am – 2:30pm. Easter nature trail to earn a chocolatey prize.
Sunday 19th April, Primrose Walk at Walcot Woods, National Trust 10am – 12pm.
A walk through Walcot Woods to enjoy the thousands of spring primroses.
Thursday 30th April – Monday 4th May, Ludlow May Fair.
A traditional May Fair with a large variety of rides and amusements.
MAY
1st May Bank Holiday & Thursday 7th – Sunday 10th May, Mojo Festival
At the Crown & Anchor Vaults, Bishop’s Castle. A Blues & Rock music festival Thursday & Friday evenings, Sat & Sun from 2.00p.m. to close.. Local ales, traditional ciders and food on sale all weekend at the pub and within our covered yard.
Saturday 2nd – Sunday 10th May, Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival. Varied and rewarding walks around the World Heritage Site. www.ironbridgewalking.co.uk
Saturday 2nd May, Carding Mill Valley Bird Walk, National Trust 9.30am – 12.30pm A guided walk to enjoy the seasonal bird song. Your expert guide, Dave Pearce, will help you to identify the resident birds and summer migrants by their different song. £8.
Sunday 3th May, Blakemoorgate Cottages, above Snailbeach, 11am – 3pm.
Restored miner’s squatter cottages open. See The Stiperstones NNR Facebook page, email stiperstones.evenst@naturalengland.org.uk or phone 01743 792 294
Sunday 3th May, Bluebell walk in Walcot Woods, National Trust, 10am-12noon A free guided walk through an ancient woodland with a carpet of thousands of bluebells.
Sunday 3th May, Stiperstones bird walk, 9.30am-12.30pm. A walk led by ornithologist Leo Smith and site manager Simon Cooter to spot some of the special heathland birds on the National Nature Reserve. See The Stiperstones NNR Facebook page, email stiperstones.evenst@naturalengland.org.uk or phone 01743 792 294
Friday 8th & Saturday 9th May, Bishop’s Castle May Fair. All the fun of the fair as the travelling funfair comes to town.
Sunday 10th May, Dawn Chorus Walk, 6.30am. Get to know your bird song on this short walk, led by local wildlife expert Dave Pearce. £7.50 plus optional breakfast at Stiperstones Inn afterwards. Bookings only. See The Stiperstones NNR Facebook page, email stiperstones.evenst@naturalengland.org.uk or phone 01743 792 294
Thursday 14th – Sunday 17th May, Bishop’s Castle Walking Festival. Friendly guided walks to suit all abilities. Led by experienced guides. Evening entertainment also planned.
www.bishopscastlewalkingfestival.co.uk
Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May, Ludlow Spring Festival.
Barrels of fun, feasting, live music and motors. www.ludlowspringfestival.co.uk
Saturday 16th May, Duck races in the Carding Mill Valley stream, 11am-4pm Try your luck with the ducks! Prizes for every race. Fundraiser for Stretton Climate Care.
Sunday 24th & Monday 25th May, Walcot Hall Open Day
The gardens and arboretum of this former home of Clive of India are open for charity under the National Garden Scheme from 1.30p.m. to 5.30 p.m. both days. www.walcothall.com
Monday 25th May, Plant Sale. Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, 10am – 4pm. A selection of local nurseries will be holding a plant sale at the farm along with plant based activities throughout the whole weekend.
Wednesday 27th May, Springtime Bird Walk in Carding Mill Valley, National Trust 6.30pm A guided walk to identify and enjoy the seasonal birds of the Long Mynd’s hills and streams. Your expert guide, Dave Pearce, will help you to identify the resident birds and summer migrants. £11.
Thursday 28th May, Little Trekkers, Carding Mill Valley, National Trust, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Family walk led by the National Trust ranger team.
Sunday 31st May 31, Arbor Day at Aston on Clun, from 1.15pm
The last Tree Dressing ceremony in this country. Procession of flags made by local school children and led by a fiddler & hurdy gurdy player from the village hall to the famous black poplar tree. Admission is free with donations towards entertainments.
JUNE
Monday 1st June, Evening bird walk, 7.30pm
Explore the Stiperstones at the best time of the day with local wildlife expert Dave Pearce. Listening out for drumming snipe and churring nightjar. Bookings only, £7.50.
See The Stiperstones NNR Facebook page, email stiperstones.evenst@naturalengland.org.uk or phone 01743 792 294.
Wednesday 3rd June, Upland Bird walk, Long Mynd, National Trust, 6.30pm. A guided walk to identify and enjoy the seasonal birds. This walk takes in some of the best spots for bird life on the Long Your expert guide, Dave Pearce, will on hand with spotting and ID tips. £11
Friday 5th – Sunday 7th June, Bishop’s Castle Open Studios, 10am – 5pm. Artist’s Open Studios and Artisan shops in and around the town. www.bcopenstudios.co.uk
Saturday 6th June, Fleece to Yarn. Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, 10am – 4.30pm. See the bicycle powered sheers in action sheering our sheep, the see what the spinners & weavers do with the fleeces
Sunday 7th June, Blakemoorgate Cottages, above Snailbeach, 11am – 3pm.
Restored miner’s squatter cottages open. See The Stiperstones NNR Facebook page, email stiperstones.evenst@naturalengland.org.uk or phone 01743 792 294
Friday 12th & Saturday 13th June, Walcot Hall Opera
The annual opera performed by Opera a la Carte returns to the Ballroom for the 15th year running with a captivating performance of La Traviata www.walcothall.com
Thursday 18th – Sunday 21st June, Church Stretton Walking Festival.
Guided walks in the heart of the Shropshire Hills. Includes the Mynd Drover Challenge, a 26-mile sponsored walk. www.churchstrettonwalkingfestival.co.uk
Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st June, Clun Gardens Open Weekend.
Many gardens in the village and surrounding area open to the public.
Saturday 20th June – Sunday 5th July, Ludlow Fringe Festival. Music, street theatre, dance, comedy, performing and visual arts. https://www.ludlowfringe.co.uk/
Wednesday 24th June, Meadows Walk, Carding Mill Valley, National Trust, 11am-1pm, A free guided walk in the recently restored Jinlye meadows. Enjoy the carpet of wild flowers.
JULY
Saturday 4th July, Bishop’s Castle Tandem Triathlon www.tandemtriathlon.org.uk
Saturday 4th July Meadows walk, Carding Mill Valley, National Trust, 11am-1pm. A free guided walk in the recently restored Jinlye meadows. Enjoy the carpet of wild flowers.
Sunday 5th July, Bishop’s Castle Carnival, from 12 noon. One of the oldest and possibly the best traditional town carnival with steam engines, vintage cars and floats followed by fun, games and music on the playing fields. www.bishopscastlecarnival.wordpress.com
Sunday 5th July, Blakemoorgate Cottages, above Snailbeach, 11am – 3pm.
Restored miner’s squatter cottages open. See The Stiperstones NNR Facebook page, email stiperstones.evenst@naturalengland.org.uk or phone 01743 792 294
Saturday 11th July, Hay Meadow Festival, Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, 11am – 6pm.
Join us for a fun filled family day to celebrate wildflower meadows and their wealth of wildlife. Have a go at scything, hay-bale lobbing, guided walks, music, refreshments, craft stalls and children’s activities.
Friday 10th & Saturday 11th July, Bishop’s Castle Real Ale Trail.
Based in and around the town’s six historic pubs and two real ale breweries. A huge variety of Beers and ciders from Shropshire and the surrounding borders are represented as well as a great selection from the rest of the UK. Live music across the town on both the Friday and Saturday. Contact any of the pubs for details.
Sunday 12th July, Ludlow Green Festival in Castle Square. Celebrating all things ‘green’. Eco-friendly stalls, food, music, kid’s activities and much more.
Sunday 12th July, The British Stone Skimming Championship, Walcot Hall, 12pm – 5pm.
Take part in the various stone related events or just watch the fun. Bring a picnic.
Monday 20th – Sunday 26th July A special celebration of the 100 year old Chalet Pavilion in Carding Mill Valley, National Trust.
Wednesday 22nd & Wednesday 29th July Twilight Wildlife of the Mynd, National Trust 8pm. A special evening experience with our expert wildlife guide and tracker Dave Pearce. Spend dusk with Dave and his thermal vision equipment watching the Long Mynd’s resident and visiting wildlife. A family-friendly nature treat.
Saturday 25th July. Wheels and Wagons. Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, 10am – 4.30pm. See all our vehicles out on the parkland, see the wheelwrights tyring at the forge.
Saturday 25th July – Sunday 2nd August, Clun Carnival. Including an Art & Craft Exhibition, and Show Day procession on 1st August.
Saturday 25th July – Saturday 8th August, Church Stretton Arts Festival. The 53rd consecutive festival of music and visual arts in the heart of the Shropshire Hills.
AUGUST
Sunday 2nd August, Blakemoorgate Cottages, above Snailbeach, 11am – 3pm.
Restored miner’s squatter cottages open. See The Stiperstones NNR Facebook page, email stiperstones.evenst@naturalengland.org.uk or phone 01743 792 294
Wednesday 5th & Wednesday 12th August Twilight Wildlife of the Mynd, National Trust 8pm. A special evening experience with our expert wildlife guide and tracker Dave Pearce. Spend dusk with Dave and his thermal vision equipment watching the Long Mynd’s resident and visiting wildlife. A family-friendly nature treat.
Thursday 6th August, Burwarton Show. The best one-day agricultural show in the country! Fun for all the family with livestock, heavy horses, activities, stalls and much more. www.burwartonshow.co.uk
Sunday 9th August, Ludlow Magnalonga Food & Drink Walk. A journey where you combine a walk through the unspoilt countryside with some of the best food and drink from Ludlow and across the Welsh Marches. magnalonga.co.uk
Saturday 15th August, Shropshire Food Fair, Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre.
Celebrating all this wonderful area has to offer, join local food and drink providers as they showcase their products for you to try and buy. FREE ENTRY.
Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th August, Acton Scott on the Homefront, 10am – 4.30pm. Join us for our 1940’s event and experience life on the wartime farm. Stalls, music, re-enactments etc.
Friday 14th – Sunday 16th August, Farmer Phil’s Music Festival, Ratlinghope.
Rock festival in the hills! A family friendly music festival complete with on-site camping.
Saturday 22nd August, Minsterley Show. Shropshire’s oldest and most prestigious agricultural show. A fun filled family day! www.minsterleyshow.org.uk
Monday 31st August, Purslow Show, 12 – 5.30pm Small country show with something for everyone; dog show, gymkhana, beer tent and entertainment.
SEPTEMBER
Sunday 6th September, Blakemoorgate Cottages, above Snailbeach, 11am – 3pm.
Restored miner’s squatter cottages open. See The Stiperstones NNR Facebook page, email stiperstones.evenst@naturalengland.org.uk or phone 01743 792 294
Thursday 10th September, 10.30am – 1pm Changes over Time, Carding Mill Valley, National Trust. Our Ranger team have a unique insight into the Long Mynd and how it alters over the seasons and years. In this special illustrated talk you can delve into this special, ever-changing place.
Friday 11th – Sunday 13th September, Ludlow Food Festival. 25 years – Inside Ludlow Castle with over 180 local food and drink producers and suppliers: real food, ale, cider, perry, wine and more from the Marches, with samples and tastings. foodfestival.co.uk
Saturday 12th September, Newcastle on Clun Village Show, 12.30 -5pm. Includes Garden and Produce Show, Dog Show , children’s games, live music, bar and hot food, cream teas, local produce & cake stall
Saturday 13th September, National Heritage Open Days in Bishop’s Castle
Look out for Heritage Open Day opportunities in early September 2020 at www.heritageopendays.org.uk
Saturday 19th September, Michaelmas Fair, Bishop’s Castle, 12noon until late. Live music; dance; street performance; stalls; steam and vintage vehicle processions, stalls and an evening lantern procession – plus much more. www.michaelmasfair.co.uk
Saturday 19th – Sunday 27th September, Landscape for Life– Celebrating our special Shropshire Hills landscape, see www.shropshirehillsaonb.co.uk for more information.
Friday 25th – Sunday 27th September, Clun Valley Beer Festival. All the pubs along the beautiful Clun valley join in this event. Transport is provided between pubs. www.cvbf.co.uk
OCTOBER
Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th October, Long Mynd Hike.
50 mile route across the Shropshire Hills includes 8,000ft of climbing and completed within 24hrs. Entries online only www.longmyndhike.org.uk
Sunday 4th October, Blakemoorgate Cottages, above Snailbeach, 11am – 3pm.
Restored miner’s squatter cottages open. See The Stiperstones NNR Facebook page, email stiperstones.evenst@naturalengland.org.uk or phone 01743 792 294
Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th October– Steam Threshing. Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, 10am – 4.30pm. The visiting steam engine powers our threshing machine to turn our crops into feed and bedding for our animals.
Sunday 25th October, Autumn Apple Day, Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre.
Celebrate National Apple Day with family activities, demonstrations and a themed menu. Free Entry.
Tuesday 27th October, Apple Day at Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, 10am – 4.30pm. See the traditional horse-powered cider mill and press, bring your own apples for juicing.
Wednesday 28th October, Halloween Craftiness at Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, 10am – 4.30pm. All sorts of fun things to make for Halloween.
Thursday 29th October, Meet the Grazers, National Trust, 10am-12noon, Join Area Ranger Patrick for a very leisurely stroll along the Batch Valley and hear about the work the National Trust carry out ably assisted by their flock of Hebridean sheep.
Friday 30th October, Bonfire & Fireworks, Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre.
Kick off half term with a bang at this fun filled family night of bonfire and fireworks.
Thursday 30th October, Bird feeder making, Carding Mill Valley, National Trust, 11am – 2pm. Family half term activity.
Saturday 31st & Sunday 1st November– Steam Threshing. Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, 10am – 4.30pm. The visiting steam engine powers our threshing machine to turn our crops into feed and bedding for our animals.
NOVEMBER
Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th November, Frost Fair, Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre.
Enjoy the stalls of local crafts people as they showcase their homemade gifts, decorations and a whole range of homemade products. FREE ENTRY.
Saturday 14th November, Stars in your Skies, The Patrick Moore Story, Carding Mill Valley, National Trust, 8 – 10pm, The final Stars evening of the year concentrates on the popular and charismatic astronomer.
Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th November, Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre.
Celebrate the start of the festive season medieval style! Over 100 stalls, music, entertainment and workshops in Ludlow Castle. ludlowmedievalchristmas.co.uk
DECEMBER
Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th December, Castle Artists Christmas Exhibition, Public Hall, Bishops Castle, 10am – 5pm. around 15 local artists come together to show ‘Affordable Art’, which can include paintings, linocuts, watercolours, sculpture, photographs, textiles, ceramics and cards www.castleartists.co.uk/
Saturday 5th December, Bishop’s Castle Christmas Cracker & Craft Show. St John the Baptist Church, Bishop’s Castle, 2 – 6.30pm. Lights switch on at 6pm.
Street food, music, Santa’s Grottos, parade, fireworks and late night shopping.
Sunday 6th December, Clun Christmas Lights, 5.30-7pm. www.clungreenman.org.uk
