Shrewsbury Folk Festival: Brewery joins forces with event to help youngsters showcase talents

Wood's Brewery, which is based near Craven Arms, will sponsor a pop-up venue called The Launchpad at this year's event at the West Mid Showground over August Bank Holiday.

They are appealing for solo performers and groups aged 18 to 26 who live in Shropshire, Mid Wales or the West Midlands to pitch for one of the five places available at the festival.

Each of the successful candidates will be expected to perform a 30-minute acoustic set at least three times over the weekend at The Launchpad.

James Owens, from Wood's Brewery, said the South Shropshire micro brewery, famed for its beers including Shropshire Lad and Shropshire Lass, was delighted to be able to offer a platform to young musicians in partnership with the festival.

"Shrewsbury Folk Festival is one of the top events of its kind and the opportunity to play there is a great step for young musicians," he said.

"The Launchpad will be an informal space but it will be good experience for performers and the chance for them to reach an new audience.

"We know there's a wealth of young talent out there and can't wait to hear from acoustic, folk and traditional musicians."

Festival director Alan Surtees welcomed the new partnership, which is a progression of the event's previous pop-up performer programme.

He said: "We've supported young and emerging musicians for several years, having them perform all over the festival site.

"For many, it can be the first time they've ever had the opportunity to take part in an event like ours.

"It's good performance experience and the chance to learn more about the industry and how it operates."

Last year, thousands of people from across the country flocked to the event to see acts including The Levellers perform.

The event was named the Midlands best music festival in the 2017 What's On reader awards.

To apply for one of the available places, performers must be aged between 18 and 26 on August 25, resident in Shropshire, Mid Wales or the West Midlands, and available to attend the festival from August 25 to 28. In return, they will receive free ticket to the festival, on-site camping, and a contribution to travel expenses.

To apply, send a short biography, links to performances (Soundcloud, YouTube etc) and contact details to jo@shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk before May 31.

Only the selected performers will be contacted.

This year's festival line-up features headliners Loudon Wainwright III, Eric Bibb, former Bellowhead frontman Jon Boden, Sarah Jarosz, The Unthanks, Oysterband, The Young'uns, Jamie Huddlestone, Maz O'Connor, Le Vent Du Nord, Jon Boden and Seth Lakeman.

Weekend and day tickets can be booked through www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk or by calling 0115 807 7900.