Town Season proving a big success

Organisers of this year's Shrewsbury Summer Season today called the series of events a "tremendous success" with many shows sold out.

Almost 90 days in and organisers say the season is still going strong.

Highlights so far have included Heartbreak's sell-out production of JM Barrie's classic Peter Pan in the grounds of Shrewsbury Castle and a specialised exhibition of 2D and 3D pieces being held at the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery.

Arts development officer Maggie Love today said that despite a couple of initial worries, ticket sales were a success.

She said: "At the start, ticket sales were very slow but despite this many shows ended up being completely sold out.

"My personal highlight has to be last Friday's Paganini at the Lion. It was an amazing way to celebrate such an important historical anniversary and there was a great atmosphere.

"There's plenty more to come yet for the season, including some of our most popular events, such as Charley's Aunt, the Shrewsbury Folk Festival and the street festival."

This year's season marks the festival's five-year anniversary and Ms Love said she was delighted to reach the landmark.

She said: "The town residents are now fully aware of the Summer Season, and are particularly thrilled with free events such as the music at St Chad's Church and the Teenage Kicks at the Quarry."

She added: "This year's festival has arguably been the most successful so far.

'It will be the longest that we've run for and the response we've had this year has been very positive".

Plans are already afoot for next year's Summer Season. Ms Love said: "There are lots of ideas in the pipeline."

Visit www.shrewsburysummer.co.uk

By Mai Perry-Gosling