subject: Shrewsbury Folk Festival [print this page] Think mist rising from the fields at dawn, Shrewsburys Old Town in the distance, as you unzip your tent and climb out onto the dewy grass. Think incredible Folk music, old and new. Think being lolled into a trance, lying in the grass amongst good friends, under the red and gold August sunYoure obviously thinking of Shrewsbury Folk Festival.
The festival takes place annually at the Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Show Ground, within the city centre, on the beautiful banks of the River Servern, and within easy walking distance of most hotels in Shrewsbury.
Shrewsbury Folk Festival is one of the favourites on the British summer folk festival circuit, set apart by its dance displays, childrens activities and the exceptional range of catering venues, bars and beer tents. 2011s festival took us by surprise with new, bigger stages, bigger marquees, bigger dance tent and big screens, and opened with world class acts like Bellowhead and Cara Dillon. More than 65 acts performed, including a range of competing Morris Dance troupes.
Regulars Bellowhead took the Friday slot, getting the crowd going with hits from their superb album Burlesque, bringing back all manner of lost, olde English folk ballads with a flair and vigour to rival any contemporary rock or pop band.
Cara Dillons impeccable Irish vocals have been making her a name around the world, and this performance was no exception. A lulling potion of classical and contemporary, were pleased she made it this year.
Other notable performances came in the form of Home Service, whose reappearance on the scene after an absence of 20 years was due to the discovery of a previously unseen recording from Cambridge 1986, as well as classics, The Oysterband, whose potent blend of acoustic folk rock with searing lyrics has earned them a massive following in the UK and abroad.
Shrewsbury Folk Festival is back from 24th to 27th August 2012, so be sure to book your Shrewsbury hotel in advance. We cant wait to see what surprises theyve got up their sleeves for this one!
