Shrewsbury Folk Festival brings £1 million boost to town

Further cash poured in to the town with people staying at local hotels, visiting pubs and making the most of Shrewsbury's shops.

Organisers of the four-day extravaganza, which ended on Monday, are delighted with the event's success - which has put the town firmly on the festival map.

Alan Surtees, director of the festival, said: "The Folk Festival is a great asset to Shrewsbury town's visitor economy. We know that Shrewsbury Folk Festival accounts for about £1 million visitor spend in Shrewsbury.

"That figure is in addition to the actual costs of putting on this four-day spectacular, many local suppliers, pubs, hotels and other businesses benefit from the trade that this festival generates by supplying services, equipment and expertise."

Thousands of music fans from all over the UK and beyond braved the wet weather to attend the sell-out event, which was held at the West Mids Showground in Berwick Road last weekend.

Artists including Seth Lakeman, Lau, Molotov Jukebox, Megson, The Dhol Foundation, The Full English, Cara Luft and headliners Bellowhead kept festival-goers entertained.

Children were able to hone their circus skills, practice Japanese drumming and take part in a lantern parade. Campers filled the grounds with colourful tents, many adorned with bunting.

A team of hardworking volunteers kept the grounds of the 56-acre showground spotless while the 'Tidy Team' picked tonnes of litter.

Mr Surtees added: "Here at the festival we are committed to bringing people to Shrewsbury and we are determined to support the town's businesses as much as we can in the run up and during the four day event.

"The Folk Festival is ideal opportunity for local people to get involved in the fun, whether it be as a sponsor, a volunteer, steward, member of the Tidy Team or on the gate.

"Without the people of Shrewsbury, the festival would not be the great event it is. The atmosphere this weekend was amazing and testament to the hard work of everyone involved in the festival. Plans are already underway for next year's event."

The folk Festival began in 1997 and was staged in Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury's Quarry before settling in the West Mids Showground.