More than three quarters of weekend tickets have already been sold for this year’s Shrewsbury Folk Festival with organisers still to reveal a major headline act. On this year’s line-up at the West Mid Showground will be folk legend Richard Thompson making a rare appearance with his Electric Trio, while first-time visitors include Turin Brakes, Steeleye Span and Fisherman’s Friends.
Around 7,000 people are expected to descend on the town from August 24 to 27 to visit the four main stages, workshops and classes, dance tent, craft fair and prosecco, ale and cider stalls. There are also fringe events at town pubs with dance displays in the centre of Shrewsbury and a parade through the streets on Saturday afternoon.
One of this year’s highlights is the Launchpad stage, which aims to promote and foster young talent. The festival is appealing for solo performers and groups aged 16 to 26 who live in Shropshire, Mid Wales, or the West Midlands to pitch for a place. Each of the successful candidates will be expected to perform a 30-minute acoustic set at least three times over the weekend.
Organiser Sandra Surtees says, “We still have a couple of headline acts to reveal but this year’s line-up is packed full of everything from traditional and contemporary folk to world music so there’s something for everyone.”
To apply for Launchpad or buy tickets, go to shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk – you can also follow the festival on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
