Flax Mill lit up to mark event

Shrewsbury's historic Flax Mill was lit up in a spectacular light show last night, after a man who designed some of Blackpool's world-famous illumination's brought it to life.

Digital media artist Andy McKeown, from Shrewsbury, turned the Grade I listed building into a stunning visual attraction as he helped launch an open weekend at the site.

The Friends of the Flax Mill, based in Ditherington, have organised public open days running today and tomorrow from 10am to 5pm.

Mr McKeown will also be conducting a similar light show at dusk today. There will be an arts exhibition by Flax Mill Arts from 10am to 4pm; family entertainment with Jack the Jester; demonstrations and displays; flax spinning with Maralyn Hepworth; brewing and iron working and brick making.

Councillor Alan Mosley, who helped form the group, said: "Created nine months ago, the Friends have gone from strength to strength and are now able to offer a weekend of tours and activities on site."

He said the group had become a limited company with planned to provide many more activities to make the site more accessible to the local community.

This year is expected to be pivotal for the future of a £30 million scheme to transform the Flax Mill site into homes, offices and shops.