Call for south Shropshire blues day to become two
An annual festival of blues music could be a two day event next year, organisers say, after a successful third outing – though it would need more volunteers.
South Shropshire Blues Club's Farmhouse Blues Day attracted hundreds of people to hear the music at Wheathill Court Farm near Burwarton, between Luldow and Bridgnorth, at the weekend.
Now club founder Maurice "Moz" Arnold has said those attending have called for it to be a two-day event next year – though that would need to be carefully thought out he said, and may prove too big an undertaking.
Mr Arnold also said he will be taking more of a back seat role next year after five years as the driving force behind the club, which regularly raises thousands of pounds for charity.
He said the Farmhouse Blues Day on Saturday was to raise money for Cancer Research UK and Rupert's Revenge Charity, the latter raising money for six-year-old Bridgnorth boy Rupert Beckett who has cancer.
He said about 280 people came on the day and, while money was still being totted up, the festival was success despite worries over rain on the day.
He said: "We made a good profit for the two great causes. It was a lot of hard work for the organising team and a few helpers and the wonderful Howells family who made their farm available, well done to one and all.
"The South Shropshire Blues Club has been running for about five years and despite these difficult times, is still going from strength to strength.
"We are always looking for suggestions to improve the club. Some of the suggestions that we had this year included possibly having a two day festival next year but this would involve having a lot more helpers and we may start to lose our intimate club atmosphere.
"Also suggested were things like a shuttle bus from Bridgnorth to Ludlow and back again, calling at Wheathill court Farm on each run.
"Most people bring fold up camping chairs, but what about some straw bales to sit on as well or a wooden floor by the stage to dance on instead of the grass?
"Whatever happens, don't miss the Farmhouse Blues Day next year."
The club was started by Mr Arnold in Bridgnorth in 2012, but today is based in Ludlow with regular events at Ludlow Brewery and the Rose and Crown, and organised by a team of blues lovers, including musician Jack Brett and publicity officer Stacie Jones.
The next events will be a Blues Jam at the Rose and Crown on August 19 and a Blues Barbecue at the same venue on August 27.
