The sound of fairground organs, the sight of classic steam engines in action, and artists performing inside a giant bubble . . . this year’s annual Michaelmas Fair in Bishop’s Castle promises to be the best ever.
The streets will be transformed when the fair is staged next weekend, September 23 and 24. Union Street, leading up to the showground, will be packed with craft stalls and provides a venue for several of the weekend’s entertainments.
Tractor organiser Pete Griffiths (right) is preparing for the fair with a 1947 series 2 Field Marshall and 1908 Burrell traction engine.
The event begins with a grand procession on the Saturday from 12.30pm.
It is followed by music from Ffonic Folk Band, who performed successfully last year, and Djembe Drums in the Market Square.
Members of Shropshire-based Kaleidoscope Theatre, whose patrons including Wendy Craig, Judi Dench and Alan Titchmarsh, will perform their own stunning blend of performing arts below the Town Hall.
Internationally-acclaimed performance group Heir of Insanity will perform their act in their purpose built bubble on High Street on Sunday.
And for ale enthusiasts there will be a special One for the Road exhibition on pubs and breweries in Shropshire.
A group which goes under the banner Trading Faces will perform Inner Spark, an episodic comedy about unusual people who meet in the park.
The show is performed by young people and lasts about 20 minutes. Suitable for anyone unlikely to be frightened by a teenager in a friendly caricature mask!
Ian Marchant will be signing books in the Three Tuns, and there will be exhibitions by the Arts Society and the Embroiders Guild along with a young musicians’ competition.
Throughout the day, street entertainers will keep the crowds happy and a parade of steam engines and a wonderful collection of classic tractors and cars will provide a trip down memory lane.
In the evening there will be a lantern procession from the church at 7.45pm and bands at the Three Tuns.
The fun continues on the Sunday with a grand procession at 3.30pm followed by similar programme of entertainment to the previous day and a comedy night in the Three Tuns in the evening.
For more information about the Michaelmas Fair visit http://www.michaelmasfair.org.ukben/
By Ben BentleyPopular stories:
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