Live music, good food galore and a flower show: Why I'm looking forward to this summer in Shropshire
After enjoying a few days of glorious sunshine, we're getting very excited about some of the events coming to Shropshire this summer.
There's loads to do when the sun shines in Shropshire that won't appear on any calendar - from enjoying a bevvy or two in one of our incredible pub gardens, to renting a canoe to take a paddle down the Severn, or even just packing a picnic to take in the scenery at any one of our beloved beauty spots.
But some huge events are coming to the county this summer and they have us all very excited for the next few months.
Alderfest 2024
Alderford Lake near Whitchurch welcomed thousands to its inaugural event last year starring McFly, Sam Ryder, Aston Merrygold and Heather Small.
This year's event promises two days of activities and music for all the family.
And there's some nostalgia planned for us millennials - with S-Club, Atomic Kitten and boy band mash-up Boyzlife on the line-up.
They join big names like Example, Scott Mills and Ultrabeat at the festival on July 5 and 6.
Tickets and more information are available online at alderfest.com.
Live at Ludlow Castle
After the huge success of last year's concerts, more big names are returning to the iconic setting of Ludlow Castle for a series of concerts in July.
July 25 will see nineties rockers James perform, along with The Pigeon Detectives, Sleeper and The Clause.
Mercury Prize-winning rock band Elbow will be at the castle on July 26, performing with Villagers, Nadine Shah and Katherine Priddy.
Madness and The Zutons will perform on July 27, while globally renowned pop star Anne-Marie will be supported by Caity Baser, Georgia and Beth McCarthy on July 28.
Tickets and more information are available online at liveatludlowcastle.co.uk.
Wellington's late-night markets
Wellington Market's late-night events have returned! The incredibly popular evening events have come back for summer, much to the relief of fans.
On the last Saturday of each month, the historic market will be keeping the doors open until 10pm, with live music and pop-up bars accompanying the regular traders.
Visitors can enjoy a bite to eat from the fabulous food vendors of the indoor food court, including Park Street Kitchen, Bubbly’s Kitchen, Red Dragon Noodles, Gorgeous Pizza Company, Odd Pals, and The Welldeck.
Outside, in the Market Yard, live entertainment accompanies tasty treats from Red Brick Craft Beer Bar & Food, Hungry Dogs, AJ’s Kitchen Bar & Food and several pop-up stalls.
Kids are free, dogs are welcome, and adults just pay £2 at the door. The events are planned for Saturday, July 27, August 31 and September 28.
Shrewsbury Flower Show
The flower show is renowned as one of the UK’s premier horticultural shows, attracting exhibitors from all over the country.
It has been held for more than 130 years and is organised by the Shropshire Horticultural Society – a registered charity that has awarded numerous grants to organisations and activities across the county since its launch.
But it's not just pansies, peonies and oversized parsnips - there's live music from Take That and Mumford & Sons tribute acts, a farmyard circus, a spectacular parachuting display from the RAF Falcons and, of course, the infamous fireworks.
The popular event is set to return to the Quarry in Shrewsbury on Friday, August 9 and Saturday 10.
Tickets and more information are available online at shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk.
Camp Bestival Shropshire
This year is the third time that the family festival will be held at Weston Park.
And big names including Faithless, Paloma Faith, McFly and Rick Astley will headline this year's Camp Bestival, which is set to take place from August 15 to 18.
Orbital, The Darkness and Scissor Sisters star Jake Shears also feature on the star-studded line-up.
Tickets and more information are available online at shropshire.campbestival.net.
Ludlow Food Festival
Ludlow Marches Food and Drink Festival is marking the 30th edition of the town centre food festival from September 13 to 15.
This vibrant three-day celebration highlights the region’s rich heritage of great food and drink from quality makers and bakers.
This year, it will also play host to the British Fire Cooking Championships as well as a judging appearance by TV's Kate Humble.
Tickets and more information are available online at foodfestival.co.uk.
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