Oswestry will be feeling the love at a new event to celebrate its history and culture
Residents of a town in Shropshire have been encouraged to show some love ahead of Valentine's Day as a new festival is launched.
"Love Oswestry" will give local people the opportunity to watch or take part in a number of cultural events throughout Saturday, February 12.
It comes after an idea was put forward by Oswestry's Cultural Consortium – a group involved in the town's culture and heritage – which forms part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone, funded by Historic England.
Councillor Mark Jones, mayor of Oswestry, said: "I’m really glad that the very special nature of Oswestry is recognised by Historic England.
"And I’m even more glad that Love Oswestry gives us all a chance to do some great things and to celebrate what’s really special about our town.
"I’m sure everyone will have a brilliant day and big thanks to the people and organisations involved in the Cultural Consortium who haven given us a day to remember."
The programme involves Oswestry’s Library, Museum, Cambrian Railway, Tourism Information Office and Business Improvement District (BID).
Local cultural organisation – Designs in Mind – have set up a lantern parade which will be led by young people as part of the day's finale.
And, Shropshire-based Twisted Techno have organised a music programme for the event which will end with a free concert in the Hermon Arts building.
Local people have been able to sign up for writing and music workshops, free guided tours of the town, and there is folk music in the pubs and on the streets.
They will also have the chance to write about the things they love in Oswestry and their ideas will be turned into an “Love Letter to Oswestry” by local poet Emily Wilkinson.
Graham Mitchell, chair of Oswestry Consortium, said: "I’m really delighted that the members of our group have pulled out all the stops to put on this exciting programme with something for everyone.
"It has been a real team effort and we hope that the people and businesses in Oswestry will have a great day, with the promise of more to come throughout the year."
Samantha Jones, HAZ coordinator said: "We are really excited about a very special day that brings alive Oswestry’s culture and heritage and lets people find out more about this historic, friendly and surprising town.
"Historic England will be delighted to see this great example of how programmes like this can be great fun for people of all ages."
