First acts confirmed for Shrewsbury Folk Festival

Shrewsbury Folk Festival has announced the first names on its 2027 line-up as it gears up for two special anniversaries next year.

The festival, which has become one of the UK’s best loved folk events since it was first held in Bridgnorth in 1997, will mark its 30th event next year as well as celebrating 20 years at its home at the DMOS People West Mid Showground.

The festival was established by husband and wife Alan and Sandra Surtees, who met at a folk festival.

After starting with just 700 festivalgoers, it outgrew the original site in Bridgnorth and moved to Shrewsbury in 2006 before settling at the showground in 2007.

Next year’s festival takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend from the 27th to 30th with organisers promising a mix of folk favourites, new discoveries and some exclusive-to-Shrewsbury performances.

Among the first artists unveiled are folk legend Richard Thompson, who will be joined on stage by a select line-up of musical friends in an exclusive performance for the festival, shanty superstars Fisherman’s Friends and the pioneers of African/Afro-Cuban fusion Orchestra Baobab.

Joining them on the bill will be The Young’uns, Grace Petrie, Fanny Lumsden (Australia), Edward II, Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra (Norway), Morgan Toney (Canada), Grainne Duffy (Ireland), Saltburn Smugglers, Deira (Spain), Down In Laurel Canyon, David Eagle from The Young’uns with his one-man stand-up comedy show, Belver, Detta Kenzie & Sam Kelly, Jali Bakary Konteh & Sarah Deere-Jones, Blue Lass, The Gentle Good and Louise Rogan & Friends.

More artists will be announced early next year.

Director Sandra Surtees, who still leads the festival team, said: “Celebrating 30 years of the festival and 20 years at our showground home is going to be an amazing party!

“The line-up will include some of our favourite artists, some incredible talents never seen before at the festival and some special shows just for Shrewsbury.

“I never imagined in my wildest dreams 30 years ago that the festival would grow into one of the country’s most loved folk events and I’m truly humbled by the ongoing support from festivalgoers, my team, our volunteers and all the contractors and suppliers, many of which we’ve worked with for a long time.

“We have a very loyal audience who come back year on year, trusting us to deliver a high-quality festival but with the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of the smaller event we started out as. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and look forward to celebrating that in August.”

The festival has four music stages, a dance tent hosting ceilidhs, bals and contra dances to shows and displays from morris and dance sides, children and youth festivals, workshops, sessions and singarounds.

There are also craft and music fairs, six real ale, wine and cocktail bars, a diverse food village and camping and glamping options for those staying on-site.

Day and weekend tickets are on sale at www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk with a payment plan available so visitors can spread the cost of tickets over monthly payments.