Shropshire border festival hailed as huge success
An annual festival brought some of the best musical and artistic talent yet to a village on the Shropshire border.
The five-day Audlem Festival has been described as one of the best the village has seen by organisers after new acts took part and thousands flocked to the village, near Market Drayton, for the free music and arts festival and annual carnival.
Ralph Warburton, chairman of the Audlem Festival committee, said: "In spite of the rain, it was a real success.
"We had people in the pubs until half two in the morning enjoying the music and everything on offer.
"There were lots of families enjoying the weekend, and it's been a really happy community here for the whole festival."
Mr Warburton said: "Festivities all kicked off on Thursday night with a poetry slam, when two women and I made a Simon Cowell-style panel, and judge a group of poets on their work. It is great fun being Simon.
"Then there's been all the acts around the pubs, we've had over 80 artists and bands this year, all performing different types of music.
"There was also the annual art exhibition held at the Methodist church.
"This year, visitors got to see works from local and national artists, as well as an amazing aboriginal style piece by children from St James Primary School, which is just outstanding."
For Mr Warburton, the highlight of the festival was a new concert, featuring a range of choirs throughout the day.
He said: "We had five choirs singing between 2pm and 10.30pm, during different slots.
"The ages ranged from children as young as 7 to pensioners and grandparents, and it was just brilliant."
The event was free to the public, and was funded through money raised by the committee during the year.
Mr Warburton said: "It cost about £15,000 to host, which goes to the performers and the logistics of holding the festival.
"I think it's great that it's completely free, it lets more people come and enjoy what's on offer."
Audlem Carnival gave local and national charities a place to raise funds and awareness of their causes.
"The carnival has been going since 1812, even before it was rolled in with the music and arts festival," said Mr Warburton.
"With the usual fun fair, it's a huge opportunity for charity stalls to hold different things to raise some money."
Mr Warburton added that the committee was grateful for the support and would soon begin planning next year's event.
