More than 51,000 Shropshire properties were plunged into gloom after a bird flew into overhead electricity cables, causing a massive power cut.

The bird flew into the overhead lines at about 7pm yesterday.

Homes and businesses in and around Shrewsbury town centre bore the brunt of the power loss which lasted for about 30 minutes.

Rebecca Mara, Central Networks spokeswoman said in all 51,562 properties were affected. Most were in central Shrewsbury.

“It started just after 7pm and it was over by about 7.30pm and was caused by a bird which flew into one of our overhead power lines,” she said. “We apologise to everyone affected by the power cut and for any inconvenience caused but it was beyond our control.”

A team of engineers was sent to mend the damaged power line , she added.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said the power cut hit a yoga class she was attending.

“We were in the middle of the class and it went dark so we thought ‘it’s quite difficult to do this now’ so we stopped for about 15 minutes before the power came back on,” she said.

“We were told for health and safety reasons that we would have to leave until the lights came back.”

Jo Cunningham, a member of Shrewsbury Folk Festival organising committee, said the extravaganza was hit by the power cut, but only for about 15 minutes.

“We were affected by the power cut for a little while,” she said.

“It didn’t fail to dampen spirits and nobody was really bothered at all.”

About 5,000 people are attending the sold-out four-day festival at the West Mid Showground.