Packed programme for summer

A packed programme of events including performances by hit singer Katie Melua and 1980s music icons will be wowing the crowds in Shrewsbury this summer.

Managers were today launching this year's Shrewsbury Summer Season, after securing a variety of celebrities, theatre productions and concerts that they hope will make this year's festivities as popular as ever.

The five-month season brings together the town's summer events and includes an 80s concert and performance by Katie Melua in The Quarry.

Other highlights of this year's season include a performance by tenor Willard White. Other major events are Shrewsbury Folk Festival and the Shrewsbury International Street Theatre Festival.

The 80s concert will feature the county's hit group T'Pau who will share the billing with Heaven 17, Nick Heyward and Toyah.

Summer Season steering group chairman John Moore said: "We've built our reputation on variety and quality and this year's programme certainly reflects that.

"In the Shrewsbury Summer Season, Shropshire has an event to be proud of. We hope to be able to maintain the standard in future years for residents and visitors alike."

The programme of events, which was being launched at the Lion Hotel, will run from May until September.

There will be 100 days of concerts, exhibitions and events that will cover a variety of tastes and interests.

Mr Moore added: "As the Theatre Severn nears completion on the banks of the River Severn, the sense of purpose and evolution that flows past it and around it is symbolised by the Summer Season.

"A season that has been and we hope will continue to be borne out of partnership between local government and the community, both making the best sense of the other, working towards common, shared goals of excellence and entitlement for the inhabitants of Shrewsbury and the county of Shropshire."

For details visit www.shrewsburysummer.co.uk or call (01743) 281281. Leaflets will also be available around the town.

By John Kirk