Something for everyone at Wellington Festival

The annual set of events will run from Saturday until Tuesday, May 14 and includes a host of free talks, walks and activities with something for everybody.

It will begin with a meet the author event on Saturday, with 12 writers including Mavis Gulliver, Simon Whaley and Christopher Owen set to discuss their work. The meeting will run from 10am until 2pm at Wellington Library in the civic centre.

On Sunday the Wellington Walkers are Welcome group will host a bluebell walk. Beginning at 2pm outside the leisure centre, walkers will visit the slopes of the Wrekin looking for bluebells.

And on May 7, Tutbury Castle curator Lesley Smith will give a talk on the sexual exploits of the Tudors. From contraception to conception, the lecture is not suitable for those under 16 or who shock easily.

Other events in the days that follow include art workshops, poems and pints, woodcraft and the nationally acclaimed play Atlantic Ladies, which will return to the event for a second time.

The musical follows the exploits of Shropshire’s famous sea-going heroines.

The Atlantic Ladies hit the national headlines when they completed a record-breaking row right across the ocean from The Canaries to the Caribbean.

Councillor Cindy Mason-Morris, mayor of wellington and chair of the festival, said she was thrilled that the event had so much local interest.

“The Wellington Arts Festival has something for everyone and can be enjoyed by people across the board, from local residents to people who travel from all over Shropshire, the West Midlands and further afield, to take part in the festivities,” she said.

“It’s perfect for those who want to try something new, or learn a little more about what this wonderful town has to offer.

“We are thrilled to have been given the opportunity to bring the Arts and craftsmanship back to our market town for another year and look forward to another successful year of celebration.”

For a full list of events visit wellingtonartsfest.co.uk