Shropshire Star

Thousands head to Shrewkfest at Eastridge Farm - in pictures

Ukulele players from across the UK came together in a small part of the county this weekend as the craze continues to revive.

Published
Haley Scott, Andy Skelton and Alison Leath from the Shifnal Ukes as they entertain the crowd at the first Shropshire Ukulele Festival at Eastridge Farm

Shrewkfest took place for the first time at Eastridge Farm, Habberley, near Pontesbury, on Friday evening and Saturday, with around 300 people attending.

Organisers welcomed people from all over the UK, with some coming from as far as Germany.

The Ukulele has made a revival in recent years, with a number of festivals popping up across the UK.

Organiser Dave Cowton wanted to bring an event to Shropshire, and he was delighted with the success of the first festival.

He said: "There have been a host of new festivals around the UK as the ukulele makes a comeback.

"There was nothing really around here, there is the folk festival and things in the quarry but we wanted to bring something a little different.

"So that is why we started this and the first one was brilliant, it has been a major success and once we've had time to rest and recover we will begin planning for next years."

The number of acts and guests had a meet and greet session and jam on Friday evening, with a couple attending from Germany and Scotland.

Around 300 people attended the event, with around 15 local solo acts and bands taking to the stage throughout the two days.

Shropshire Ukulele Massive were one of the main acts along with a host of other names on the bill.

The event on Saturday ran from midday until the late hours, and Dave, who is part of the ukulele massive, wants the event to grow again next year.

He added: "We will start working hard again soon, and hopefully it can grow alongside the other festivals that have popped up across the UK."