Ash rock Shrewsbury's Quarry as Loopfest opens - in photos
A host of big-name acts opened the festival.
Rock band Ash opened Shrewbury’s Loopfest with an Octane-fuelled Friday night performance.
The Northern Irish rockers headlined a packed Friday night bill as thousands of people flocked to the Quarry to begin the bank-holiday weekend.
They were treated to a bill featuring fellow 90s and noughties stars Reef, Bluetones Acoustic from Mark Morriss, and Jess Silk.
Hosted in a giant tent at the foot of Shrewsbury’s picturesque town-centre park Ash delivered a rip-roaring set, pumping out a series of classics - along with fresh songs from last year’s Ad Astra.
A packed tent was treated to raucous renditions of Kung Fu and Girl from Mars, amongst a list that included Shining Light and Goldfinger.
The gig marked the biggest concert yet from the Loopfest organisers with more than 250 artists set to perform across 40 venues in the town before the weekend is over.
Writing on social media the official Loopfest account said they were thrilled at the opening event - and the impressive growth of the festival.
It said: “Wow we have no words.
“Going from a tiny eight venue day party with a budget of 3k just four years ago to this beast of an event. 250 acts, 40 venues.
“One massive town centre party. What an amazing start to the weekend.”
Here are some more photos from the gig;
Reef delivered a rip-roaring performance.
The name Loopfest comes from the loop of the River Severn that marks out Shrewsbury town centre.
Gig goers dressed for the occasion as Shrewsbury's Loopfest opened on Friday.
These brilliant photos were taken by Ian Knight.
The Loopfest entertainment continues throughout the weekend.
It is the biggest multi-venue festival in the West Midlands.
It is one of Shrewsbury’s most loved music festivals, with promises for 2026 to ‘bigger and better’ than every before.
More information about the festival and performers is available online.
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