What’s on this August in Shrewsbury?

Shrewsbury’s calendar of events is plentiful in August, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, a music lover, or simply just looking for a fun family day out, here’s a top pick of what’s on in Shrewsbury this August:

Summer Festivals

Shrewsbury Flower Show (August 9th & 10th): The show is one of the country’s premier flower show events and is held in The Quarry, Shrewsbury’s beautiful 29 acre parkland. It is just as enthralling for gardening enthusiasts as it is for people who appreciate floral displays. Shrewsbury Flower Show enables you to immerse yourself in a world of blooms and expertly designed gardens from the UK’s top nurseries and growers.

In addition to the stunning floral displays, Shrewsbury Flower Show offers a vast array of entertainment from sheep dog displays to an air show from RAF Falcons and live music acts.

The extensive range of food and craft stalls are complimented by street food from around the world and displays from celebrity chefs.

The show is rounded off by a magnificent firework and drone display each day, which you can watch from the arena side or cross the river bridge to the riverside pub The Boathouse Inn, which offers a great view from the beer garden.

Shrewsbury Folk Festival (August 23rd-25th): Immerse yourself in a celebration of folk music, world music, and Americana at Shrewsbury Folk Festival hosted at The West Mid Showground just outside Shrewsbury town centre. The festival has gained international acclaim with the line up including some of the best-known UK, North American and Canadian folk singers.

Shrewsbury Folk Festival offers much more than just music, there are craft workshops, silent discos and circus skills for kids, yoga, craft workshops and countryside walks for adults and dance tents for ceilidhs, workshops and shows.

The shopping arena provides the perfect opportunity to discover the talent of local and national crafters with products ranging from pottery to handmade cards, leather belts and plenty more. You will certainly not go hungry at Shrewsbury Folk Festival, as there are street food sellers offering cuisine to suit all tastes and a diverse range of alcoholic and soft drinks including hot chocolate made with real chocolate, smoothies, prosecco, gin and cocktails.

Shrewsbury Steam Rally (25^th-26^th August): Step back in time in Onslow Park at the annual Shrewsbury Steam Rally, one of Shropshire’s biggest events. There are over 1,200 exhibits to see, including a magnificent display of vintage steam engines.

In addition to parades of classic cars, motorcycles and heavy horses, there are demonstrations of historic farming techniques showcasing the influential role majestic shire horses played.

The ever-expanding craft marquee enables you to fulfil any requirement for homeware or gifting and you will be able to grab a bite to eat from one of the many food stalls while you are walking round the festival.

Family Fun

Harry Potter Outdoor Cinema Experience at Attingham Park (August 29th): Starting a week-long programme of outdoor cinema at Attingham Park showing well known film classics, the programme commences by bringing the magic of Harry Potter to life under the stars. A wonderful way to spend the evening, so pack a picnic, grab your comfy blankets, and step into the wizarding world of Harry Potter with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Shrewsbury Arts Trail (Throughout August): Explore the town on a self-guided art trail, discovering a diverse range of sculptures located in some of the town’s well-known beauty spots including Shrewsbury Castle, The Dingle in the Quarry Park and St Mary’s Church.

Work from local and regional artists can be discovered in the Market Hall, The Parade Shops and Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery and pieces from well-known artists including Halima Cassell, Damien Hirst and David Hockney are also being displayed in  the museum.     

Curious about Shrewsbury’s historic buildings?

Medieval Stained-Glass Reception and Talk (August 16th): Delve into the history and beauty of the stained-glass windows at St. Mary’s Church with an evening reception including a talk from speaker Robert Walker an authority on Stained glass in Shropshire.

Why not take a break to stay in your stunning holiday lodge at Oakwood Valley Lodges, or hire a lodge to discover what’s on in Shrewsbury in August.