Free concerts at the 2010 Church Stretton & South Shropshire Arts Festival!
Coffee Concerts at St Laurence’s Church, Church Stretton
For 2010 the 44th Church Stretton & South Shropshire Arts Festival are running another series of six admission-free Coffee Concerts with music by local musicians at the newly refurbished St Laurence’s Parish Church, in the centre of Church Stretton.

The concerts begin at 10.15am, ending at 11.00am, with coffee, tea, lemonade and home-made biscuits offered afterwards in the church by Berry’s Coffee House (with a retiring collection and proceeds to St Laurence’s Church and the Mayfair Community Centre).

Monday Piano duets played by Barrie Mackay and Richard Walker
Tuesday Capriccio Wind Quintet, programme to include Peter and the Wolf with narration
Wednesday Music for classical guitar played by Marek Orszulik
Thursday Jazz standards and tunes from the shows with the Dave Huke Trio
Friday Concert for children given by children and Susie Allan (to include Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant)
Saturday Baroquenroll – music for recorder and piano from baroque to modern

Music Director Richard Walker said: “Once again we look forward to some really first class music-making with for what promise to be some entertaining and varied concerts which are suitable for audience of all ages. We hope that both residents and tourists will once again enjoy this splendid attraction on our festival scene”.

For full details visit: www.strettonfestival.org.uk

Alice’s adventures in wonderland - Blists Hill Victorian Town
Blists Hill Victorian Town will be hosting a themed event during the weekend of 31st July and 1st August based on the much-loved Victorian novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Charles Dodgson written under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll. First published in 1865, it tells the story of seven-and-half-year-old Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world.

Visitors who come dressed as Alice, or another character from the book, will be able to take part in the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, with the best entrants winning a voucher to have their photograph taken in costume by the Victorian town’s resident photographer, Roland Percy Smitheman.

Blists Hill’s actors will be portraying characters from the book and acting out scenes at various locations throughout the town. Visitors can play croquet with the Queen of Hearts and attend the trial of the Knave of Hearts who is accused of stealing the jam tarts. The Kaleidoscope Theatre Group will also be performing cameo mimes featuring Lewis Carroll’s characters.

Youngsters can have a go at various hands-on activities such as colouring Alice themed illustrations and playing with Victorian toys. They can also follow a clue-led trail to find the Cheshire Cat; anyone who discovers his hiding place can claim a free fruit flavoured lolly at the Bank.

A Passport, to all ten of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums valid for twelve months and multiple return visits, costs £21.95 per adult, £17.60 for the 60 plus, £14.25 for students and children and £59.95 for a family of two adults and three children aged up to 18 years in full time education; under 5s free. Individual museum entry tickets are also available.

Learn About Ingenious Egyptians in the Ironbridge Gorge
Sailing boats, glass, paper, honey and the 365-day calendar were all discovered by the Egyptians. These and a host of other interesting facts will be revealed at Ingenious Egyptians, a month-long event taking place at the Enginuity Design & Technology Centre in the Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire from Saturday 1st to Tuesday 31st August.

Visitors will be welcomed into an Egyptian ‘stage set’ and invited to celebrate the amazing science and technology of the Egyptians by participating in a range of hands-on activities including making a pewter amulet, building a pyramid, designing and testing a sailing boat and learning about hieroglyphs to decode a Pharaoh trail.

For the more flamboyant, there will also be the chance to take part in the interactive Ingenious Egyptians show. Look out for the mummies!

The shows and hands-on activities will take place daily between 10.30am and 4pm with a break for lunch. There will be a nominal charge for some of the hands-on activities.

Open daily 10am-5pm Enginuity is one of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums. A Passport to all ten valid for twelve months and multiple return visits costs £21.95 per adult, £17.60 for the 60 plus, £14.25 for students and children and £59.95 for a family of two adults and three children aged up to 18 years in full time education; under 5s free. Individual museum entry tickets are also available. Activities and workshops vary day-to-day and some carry an extra charge in addition to the museum admission fee.

For further information, contact the Ironbridge Tourist Information Centre on Tel: 01952 884 391 or visit www.ironbridge.org.uk. The Gorge is easily reached via the M6 and M54 motorways exiting at Telford (M54 junction 4 or 6).

The Rockin Reverend Says 'Elvis Lives!’ @ Arts Festival
A church minister, Steve is known as the “Rockin Reverend” and regularly officiates at weddings. Steve and his wife Barbara were married 15 years ago in the United States but renewed their vows in England.

Steve Caprice has been a fan of Elvis since he was introduced to his music when he was just seven years old and says Elvis’s music inspired him to become a performer and entertainer.

His early performing years took him to the United States where he was fortunate to come into contact with Billy Ray Cyrus and Dolly Parton. Steve says that his spell in the ‘bible belt’ of America had a profound effect on him which was to change his life considerably in the following years. Steve works for the United Kingdom Outreach Ministries and came to find that his calling was to use his abilities as an entertainer to ‘spread the word’ in a manner of speaking. Steve’s work takes him across the country and indeed he’s travelled to the United States to perform too. In 2007, Steve was the UK Elvis Gospel Award Winner in a competition which took place in Porthcawl.

His award was presented by Charles Stone, Elvis’s tour manager in the early to mid-1970s. Steve was particularly pleased to meet Charles who commented to Steve that he was one of the best Elvis impersonators he’d ever seen. Elvis impersonator Steve Caprice, aged 43, played groom for the day to an audience of up to 40 Presley lookalikes.

A festival spokesman said: “Church Stretton audiences are in for a real treat on 2nd August, when Elvis Lives! And funds will be raised by a proportion of ticket sales going to the Jeans for Genes charity”

… Steve is a great supporter of Jeans for Genes because his wife, Barbara, has common variable immunodeficiency or CVID, a genetic disorder which affects her immune system. His father and his nephew have muscular dystrophy, a genetic condition which gradually weakens their muscles. Steve and his colleagues at GRT Productions have been collecting money for Jeans for Genes and they’ll also receive a proportion of the ticket sales from each performance.

Festival Brochures can be obtained from Church Stretton Visitor Information Centre, or visit www.strettonfestival.org.uk. Tickets and Festival details are available from Gloria Carter, Ticket Secretary, Bracken End, 49 Ludlow Road, Church Stretton SY6 7AD (01694) 724106, John R Thomas (florist) 3 Sandford Avenue and Church Stretton VIC, Church Street, Church Stretton. Ring and Ride Transport is available free for all events, including the Coffee Concerts and the Organ Recitals; please telephone: ‘Ring and Ride’ (01694) 720025. Arts Exhibition information from Joan Arnfield 01694 724170.

Little Red Riding Hood - Theatre Show
Come and join us on a Summer's afternoon, for another fun-filled childrens puppet show at the Hive in Shrewsbury town centre!

'A hungry wolf, a dizzy granny, dancing butterflies and a Woodsman who lives next door... all played by two talented actors... who gets to play who? And what's this about Robin Hood?...'

Aimed at 3 to 7 year olds - and grown-ups too!

Event Time: 2pm
Event Location: The Hive Music and Media Centre, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, SY1 1TE
Event Website: www.hiveonline.org.uk
Event Tel: 01743 234970
Admission Adult: £6.50
Admission Child: £4.50

Charity Companion Dog Show

The Companion Dog Show
Wellington (Shropshire) Canine Society
In Aid Of Severn Hospice (Reg. Charity No. 512394)

Entries Taken From 12.00 Noon
Entry Fees £1.50 per Class or 5 Classes With Same Dog for £5.00
Judge: Mr K Ellis (Railfield) – commencing at 1.00pm

Rosettes to 5th Place
Raffle & Refreshments
Free parking at ringside or very close to ring

All Enquiries to Muriel Bailey 01952 740209

Event Time: Starts at 12.00noon
Event Location: Allscott Sports Ground TF6 5EQ Near Telford

Ludlow Magnalonga
The Magnalonga is a food and drink walk of about seven miles. It starts and finishes in Ludlow: a journey where you combine a walk through unspoilt countryside with some of the best food and drink from the Marches.

The walk (it's leisurely and fun, not a race!) takes you up and down footpaths, tracks and quiet lanes through unspoilt countryside with fine views all around. This year, we'll be exploring country footpaths and quiet lanes between Ludlow and the countryside surrounding the town. There may well be stiles, steep hills and rough tracks to navigate!

During your journey, you make several stops for refreshment, at each of which you will partake of a course of a meal based mostly on the local produce of the area. At each stop your food will be washed down with local real ale, or traditional local perry or cider, or other drink with a local connection. You will also be given some bottled water.

The Ludlow Magnalonga, now in its ninth year, is based on a similar and very successful event organised by our wine-making friends in Ludlow's twin town of San Pietro in Cariano, near Verona in Italy - the home of Valpolicella.

We are sure you will enjoy this unusual day out - but book soon, it's very popular and we can only cater for a limited number of people.

Tickets cost £19.95 (children £15.95), including food and drink, and must be bought in advance, by post or online at www.magnalonga.co.uk.

Call 01584 873957 for further details.

Telford Pride
Telford's 2nd Annual Gay Pride. The event is being open by Aaron and Adam from Emmerdale and Bad Lashes from the X Factor.

The day will begin at 12.30 and be full of stage acts including drag artists singers and performers through the day until midnight.

It is a day to celebrate diversity and unity and last years event was supported by over 2000 people and won and outstanding contribution award and the Birmingham Pride Ball awards.

Location: The Three Furnaces Bridgnorth Road, Madeley, Telford
Website: www.gaytelford.com or follow us on Facebook
Event Tel: 01952 588521

Peter and the Wolf - Theatre Show
Come and join us for another exciting childrens puppet show at the Hive in Shrewsbury town centre!

'Welcome to Russia! When the story man goes in search of a new tale to tell, his journey leads him to a Russian forest and a meeting with Peter's ancient grandfather who tells him the exciting story of the day Peter caught the big hungry wolf! Sergei Prokofiev's world famous tale bursts into life in this thrilling new production!

Suitable for ages 3+

Event Time: 2pm
Event Location: The Hive Music and Media Centre, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, SY1 1TE
Event Website: www.hiveonline.org.uk
Event Tel: 01743 234970
Admission Adult: £6.50
Admission Child: £4.50

'Turtles are old, millions of years old - as old as dinosaurs, as old as some hills. Go to Turtle Hill and experience an imaginative journey through the evolution and learning of this most fascinating and ancient creature. In the beginning Turtle was shiny and fast, always impatient, always in a hurry - but then one day, he had a terrible accident...'

Suitable for ages 5+

Event Time: 2pm
Event Location: The Hive Music and Media Centre, 5 Belmont, Shrewsbury, SY1 1TE
Event Website: www.hiveonline.org.uk
Event Tel: 01743 234970
Admission Adult: £6.50
Admission Child: £4.50

Shrewsbury International Street Theatre Festival
Established by Bill Ferguson in 2005 and now in its fifth year, the SISTF takes place during the first weekend of September in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. Supported by Shropshire Council and the Arts Council England, SISTF offers the best performers from all over the world to the 30,000 people that attend the three-day family friendly event.

In addition to Woody Bop Muddy the roster of performers for SISTF 2010 so far includes: Checker Board Guy, Galumpha, Haggis and Charlie, Hot Nuts & Popcorn, Jeff Moche, Lords of Strut, Party Animals, Shay Horay, Stacy Clark (High Strung), Betty Brawn (the Strongest Lady Alive), Tumble Circus, John Higby from Yo Yo People, walkabout characters Magic Kev, The Flying Buttresses, The Wardens, as well as a comedy Torture Tour of Shrewsbury from commissioned artists Emma Lloyd, Gareth Jones, Matt Barnard, Peter Murray and Petra Massey.

All performances are free to attend and donations to the acts are encouraged. The one event that is paid for is Moonlight Madness in the Castle, with Woody Bop Muddy. Tickets are £10. Details of when they go on sale will be available on the website or on Facebook.

Event Website: www.shrewsburystreetfest.co.uk

Maesbury '10 Canal Festival
Enjoy a great day out for all the family including narrowboats, crafts, competitions, childrens entertainment, great food and drink, live music, steam railway, landrover exhibition and much, much more!

Entry and activities free during the day.

The event will be held at Canal Central, Maesbury Marsh, Nr Oswestry, SY10 8JG.

For more details visit: canalfestival.co.uk or call 01691 830403.

Throughout the historic town centre there's seemingly no end of food-related events, such as the famous Ludlow Sausage trail and the Festival Loaf trail, not forgetting all the old favourites both inside and outside the Castle, including great demonstrations, talks, food vendors and more.

This was Britain's first successful food and drink festival when it started back in 1995 - we've stayed firmly with our original idea of highlighting only the great food and drink that is available in the Marches, and to have a great time!

Whether you are a serious foodie or someone who just appreciates good food and drink, there's more than enough at our festival to ensure that you, and your friends and family, have a great time. There's a great festival atmosphere in Ludlow throughout the weekend - and you'll certainly be able to taste the difference.

Ludlow has been chosen as the venue for the first ever British Street Food Awards, which have been set up to recognise the best of the 10,000 mobilers who sell their wares on our streets.

Food journalist and broadcaster Richard Johnson - along with some of the biggest figures in British food (including Marco Pierre White, Mark Hix, Antony Worrall Thompson and Thomasina Miers) - have compiled a shortlist.

But the final cook-off will be taking place over the weekend of the Ludlow Food Festival, in close proximity to the castle and all the other Festival events. Come and see the miracles that can be worked in kitchens the size of a postage stamp, and vote for your favourite.

See http://www.foodfestival.co.uk or call 01584 873957 for further details.

Lawley Fun Day
To mark the occasion of Lawley Playing Field and Lawley Village Green being granted village green status the parish council is organising a Fun Day with fun being the emphasis of the day.

The event is for everyone in the parish to enjoy a good day out, and entry is completely FREE OF CHARGE.

There will be lots of fun activities on Lawley Village Green, Lawley Playing Field and at Lawley Community Centre.

Lawley Primary School is also contributing to the event. So put the date in your diary. SATURDAY 11 SEPTEMBER 2010 12 midday until 4pm.

Car Boot Sale
Car boot sale on Wem recreational ground between 9am – 1pm in aid of the Wem Christmas festival.

£5 a pitch for sellers.

To book a pitch call 01939 232963.

Wem Christmas Festival
Join us for the Wem Christmas Festival on Thursday December 2nd for the annual Christmas lights switch-on, nativity procession, schools and church choirs, stalls in church hall and town hall.

Shrewsbury town crier Martin Wood will be in attendance.

The Wem Christmas Festival takes place at various locations including the town hall between 5.30pm & 9pm.