Shropshire Star

Audlem Festival seeking sponsors

Thousands of people are set to flock to a village as part of its spectacular annual festival.

Published

The Audlem Festival is once again bringing some of the best musical and artistic talent to the village, near Market Drayton.

The five-day event, which will run from May 25 to 29, will feature music, artwork, exhibitions, dancing and face-painting. The village's pubs will be the focal point for music lovers.

Ralph Warburton, one of the organisers, said: "Preparation for the five-day festival over the May bank holiday weekend began last October, setting out our aims and establishing our budget. Each year we have to raise a quite considerable amount of money to be able to offer a wide range of live music performances – around 80 separate acts representing rock, soul, funk, jazz, classical and folk.

"We are supported locally by our main stage venues, the pubs in Audlem – The Lord Combermere, The Bridge and, we are happy to be able to confirm, The Shroppie Fly, which is under new management and looking to enjoy a new lease of life.

"Our fundraising drive is the only reason we can offer the festival completely free of charge to all who come along to enjoy not only the stages but also the music, poetry and art events in the Scout hall, the Methodist church hall, St James' Church and around the village.

"This year has been particularly tough, however, with several significant supporters from previous years dropping out and grants from the likes of Cheshire East not being renewed.

"We are of course continuing our fundraising drive right up to the point when we send our programme to press, and should anyone wish to place an advert or support the festival in any way, please do get in touch with us."

The Audlem Festival began in 2000 as an idea by then-resident Paul Moran. It has since developed into an annual treat. For more information visit www.audlemfestival.com/

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