Festival secures site for 10 years

The Shrewsbury Folk Festival has been guaranteed a home in the town for at least the next 10 years after organisers reached an agreement with showground bosses.

The festival at the West Mid Showground is expected to draw in more than 5,000 visitors during the four-day event, which started today.

Showground spokesman David Tudor said: "We have signed a new deal to host the event for the next 10 years, which is good news for us and for the festival,"

Alan Surtees, festival founder and director, was delighted with the new deal. "Agreeing a 10 year lease gives the festival a fantastic future," he said.

"It will give us the chance to work with the West Midlands Showground to enhance the site to benefit the festival and the showground.

"The showground is an ideal site for us because it means we can have everything in one place - camping, the craft fair and the musicians."