Organisers of the Shrewsbury Folk Festival were today hoping for record breaking crowds over the four-day event after thousands of people packed into the West Midlands Showground for the opening day.

Advance ticket sales have already pointed to the highest gate takings of all time and with weather permitting the turnstiles are expected to take another pounding today. Organisers said last night was a success.

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Opening acts, including comedian and musician Adrian Edmondson, helped to get the crowds rocking and christening the first night of one of Shropshire’s biggest festivals.

And with a stellar line-up of performers yet to take to the stage the carnival atmosphere will be continuously streamed live to a global audience through the show website.

Festival organiser Alan Surtees said the event had got off to a fantastic start.

He said: “The festival will bring a real fusion of music with traditional British folk mixed with other sounds from around the globe. There is so much going on for people to take part in both day and night, there are dozens of workshops, a dance marquee and a festival for children.

“We hope to see more than 6,000 people on site over the four days after our day tickets were sold out way in advance.”

Musicians set to appear include Bellowhead, Cara Dillon, Dervish and special guests Billy Bragg, Michael McGoldrick Big Band, Drever McCusker Woomble with Heidi Talbot & Boo Hewerdine, Genticorum, Jackie Oates Band and Hans Theessink.

Others lined up are Richard Shindell, Lucy Kaplansky, John Otway and Wild Willy Barrett, Belshazzar’s Feast, Kerfuffle, Kerr Fagan Harbron, Lucy Ward and Tom McConville.

Jo Cunningham, speaking from the festival, said: “We had a great night last night with Jackie Oates, Richard Shindell and Adrienne Young.”

Organisers have unveiled T-shirts to commemorate the event helping visitors to show support for the growing folk campaign.

Visit www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk