Shrewsbury Folk Festival praised for boosting town's economy

Marquees are going up at the West Mid Showground in Berwick Road ahead of the start of the four-day event tomorrow.

The event is held every August Bank Holiday weekend and draws about 7,000 people every day.

Mr Kawczynski said: "Many people just do not realise what an amazing event they have on their doorstep.

"I was extremely impressed last year when I came with my daughter about the scale of the festival and how much there was to do.

"Thousands of people travel from across the country, spending their money in and around the town and we have to thank the festival directors and volunteers for making that possible."

Every year, dancers perform at open air venues in the town, and musicians play in local pubs. A free shuttle bus brings people into the town centre on Saturday and Sunday.

Festival director Alan Surtees said: "It is wonderful to get the recognition from someone like our local MP about the important role the festival plays.

"We run a festival we are very proud of and we are delighted it supports local businesses and retailers."

For the first time this year, there will be a dance parade through Shrewsbury, starting from the Castle at 1.30pm on Saturday.

There will be a free workshop tomorrow from 2pm to 4pm at the Morris Hall in Bellstone for anyone who wants to join in the inaugural dance parade.

It is open to anyone, not just people with festival tickets, and is suitable for families but children must be accompanied by an adult. No booking is required.

There are still a handful of weekend and day tickets available and people can still book online at www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk. Tickets won't be posted out but visitors should bring the e-mail receipt to claim their wristbands. There will be restricted camping near the river on the showground this year because a group of local residents campaigned to have restrictions made on numbers there as part of the festival licence.