The Shifnal Festival was an annual Music, Arts and Culture Festival held in the market town of Shifnal, Shropshire.[1]

Shifnal Festival
DatesPenultimate week of September or early October
Location(s)Shifnal, Shropshire
Years active(1890s–1904/5), 2010–2012
Websitehttp://www.shifnalfestival.com

History

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Little is known about the origins of the festival. A book published in 1904 by Harold Sadler suggests the festival was a local event held in the grounds of Aston Hall to the east of the town. Aston Hall was at the time owned by Colonel Howard-McClean. Sadler's book marks the festival as being The Hadley Orpheus Choir's first competitive success.[2]

Revival

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Research carried out as part of the Shifnal Town Plan[3] in 2008 suggested residents of the town were interested in staging a festival of arts, culture and entertainment. A committee was formed of volunteers and a date was announced for the first modern Shifnal festival in September 2010. The committee secured funding from the town council and applied for a series of grants from a number of sources.[4]

The Shifnal Festival should not be confused with V Festival, a music festival that was held until 2017 at the nearby Weston Park (although the Weston Park address is classed as "Nr Shifnal").

Format

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The festival aimed itself at all age groups and claimed to provide something for everyone. Typically incorporated into the programme were:

  • Live Music.
  • An art exhibition which featured pieces my local artists. A theme was often given for the pieces to conform to.
  • A photographic exhibition, which was often themed and formed part of a competition.
  • A form of drama or performing arts show.
  • Dance workshops or classes.
  • Craft workshops and fairs.
  • A spirituality element such as choral singing or religion based art.
  • Spoken word and poetry events.
  • A Film event.
  • A family fun day.
  • Fringe events organised by local businesses and groups.

Awards

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In 2010 the Festival was Commended by the Action for Market Town Awards. The award is displayed on the Festival's website[5]

Festivals

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2010 Festival

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17–26 September 2010.

2011 Festival

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13–25 September 2011.[6]

2012 Festival

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4–7 October 2012.[7]
The 2012 festival took on a victoriana theme and included a vintage fair.
At the close of the festival, the organising committee disbanded due to lack of funding to continue with the annual running of the festival.

References

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  1. ^ "相続財産の課税評価額". shifnalfestival.com. Retrieved 18 August 2016.
  2. ^ "Shifnal Festival » Chairman's Forward". Archived from the original on 12 September 2010. Retrieved 19 October 2010.
  3. ^ http://www.shifnaltownplan.org[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ "Shifnal Festival » Shifnal Festival 2010". Archived from the original on 11 September 2010. Retrieved 17 February 2010.
  5. ^ "相続財産の課税評価額". shifnalfestival.com. Retrieved 18 August 2016.
  6. ^ "Dates for your Diary…". Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 16 March 2011.
  7. ^ https://twitter.com/shifnal_fest/status/169817742248120320[permanent dead link]/photo/1