Trisha Shetty (Editor)

Shifnal Festival

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Location(s)
  
Shifnal, Shropshire

Dates
  
Penultimate week of September or early October

Years active
  
(1890s–1904/5), 2010–2012

The Shifnal Festival was an annual Music, Arts and Culture Festival held in the market town of Shifnal, Shropshire.

Contents

History

Little is known about the origins of the festival. A book published in 1904 by Harold Sadler suggests the festival was a local event held in the grounds of Aston Hall to the east of the town. Aston Hall was at the time owned by Colonel McClean. Sadler's book marks the festival as being The Hadley Orpheus Choir's first competitive success.

Revival

Research carried out as part of the Shifnal Town Plan in 2008 suggested residents of the town were interested in staging a festival of arts, culture and entertainment. A committee was formed of volunteers and a date was announced for the first modern Shifnal festival in September 2010. The committee secured funding from the town council and applied for a series of grants from a number of sources.
The Shifnal Festival should not be confused with V Festival, a music festival at the nearby Weston Park (although the Weston Park address is classed as "Nr Shifnal").

Format

The festival aimed itself at all age group and claims to provide something for everyone. Typically incorporated into the programme were:

  • Live Music.
  • An art exhibition we features pieces my local artists. A theme was often given for the pieces to conform to.
  • A photographic exhibition, which was often themed and forms part of a competition.
  • A form of drama or performing arts show.
  • Dance workshops or classes.
  • Craft workshops and fairs.
  • A spirituality element such as choral singing or religion based art.
  • Spoken word and poetry events.
  • A Film event.
  • A family fun day.
  • Fringe events organised by local businesses an groups.
  • Awards

    In 2010 the Festival was Commended by the Action for Market Town Awards. The award is displayed on the Festival's website

    2010 Festival

    17–26 September 2010.

    Main article: Shifnal Festival 2010

    2011 Festival

    13–25 September 2011.

    Main article: Shifnal Festival 2011

    2012 Festival

    4–7 October 2012.
    The 2012 festival took on a victoriana theme and included a vintage fair.
    At the close of the festival, the organising committee disbanded due to lack of funding to continue with the annual running of the festival.

    References

    Shifnal Festival Wikipedia