Church Stretton Arts Festival is the highlight of the Arts scene in South Shropshire.

The Church Stretton Arts Festival returns in full strength for 2023. We’re kicking off with an exciting concert by the Katona Twins followed by a programme of events which runs from Saturday 29th July to Saturday 12th August. There’s something for everyone: folk, rock, and classical music; poetry and drama; as well as a special children’s matinée . The well-loved Art Exhibition will be held from Tuesday 1st August to Saturday 12th August.

Full details of what we offered can be found on the Arts Festival Website strettonfestival.org.uk.

In our Festival, you will find a range of performance arts to suit all tastes, and also the Art Exhibition which attracts well over a hundred exhibiting local artists.

We have:

• Classical music concerts
• Contemporary music concerts
• Drama
• Speakers
• Free coffee concerts
• Free organ recitals
• Art, Crafts and Photography Exhibition
• Workshops

The Exhibition

The Exhibition is a non-competitive showcase for amateur and professional artists, craft workers and photographers living within 30 miles of Church Stretton. You will find hundreds of paintings, collage, photography and various forms of craftwork on display. Most of the work in the exhibition is for sale.

Workshops

We host workshops led by locals artists in different media. This gives you a chance to try new skills in a small group, which previous attendees have found most enjoyable.

Around and about

Church Stretton has a good selection of independent shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. Close by is the well-known Carding Mill Valley, managed by the National Trust, from where you can start numerous walks on the Long Mynd which afford superb views over the surrounding countryside. There’s a tea-room and shop there too.

While here for the Festival, why not go a little further afield to these other excellent destinations:

• Ludlow is a short drive down the A49, or accessed easily by train, and is well known for its shops and food outlets.
• Shrewsbury, a similar distance northbound, and also easily reached by train, has a multitude of old buildings, whilst also providing a good range of shops and eateries.
• Ironbridge is a not-too-distant 45min drive away and if you’ve got time is an absolute must, as it is the birthplace of the industrial revolution.