Folk Around and Find Out: Top 10 Not to Miss at Shrewsbury Folk Festival 2025

Located just a short walk from the town centre and with bags of parking, it’s a great day out or a weekend away for the whole family and attracts people from across the country and as far afield as Australia!

As well as four music stages, there’s a dance tent for ceilidhs, workshops, displays and dance shows where you can party ’til late, dedicated festivals-within-a-festival for the kids and teens to keep them busy with music, dance, crafts, circus skills and much, much more.

Add to that workshops and activities from yoga, crafting, song writing, countryside walks and more to singarounds and music sessions and it’s an action-packed weekend. Best of all, it’s  included in your ticket price.

An artisan shopping arena, fabulous food village, real ale and cocktail bars with on-site camping and glamping top off the perfect festival experience. You can even bring the dog!

There’s also a free bus into Shrewsbury over the weekend (Saturday/Sunday) so you take the chance to explore the medieval town centre and incredible selection of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.

We’ve taken a look at this year’s impressive line-up, topped by beloved folk rockers The Levellers, to unearth some musical gems for you. In no particular order, here’s a heads up on 10 of the many acts to look out for:

Dan Owen | Friday August 22 / Saturday August 23, Sabrina & Village Stages

Catch Shrewsbury’s own Dan Owen performing two sets at his home town festival. Known for his arresting, husky vocals and gritty, blues-infused pop/rock, Dan has been making waves across the UK and Europe as his career rises.

This Flight Tonight - The Songs of Joni Mitchell | Friday August 22 / Saturday August 23, Pengwern & Severn Stages

From the stable of acclaimed singer songwriters Zervas & Pepper, this is an intimate tribute to the music of Joni Mitchell, presented as it would have been performed in her early performances. Expect two very different shows with classics from million-selling albums such as Clouds, Ladies of the Canyon, For The Roses, Court and Spark, featuring many cuts from Joni’s 1971 landmark release, Blue.

El Pony Pisador | Saturday August 23 / Sunday August 24, Pengwern & Severn Stages

It’s hard to describe just what to expect from the music and songs of Spanish El Pony Pisador from Spain. Suffice to say, you’ll leave with a massive smile on your faces and sore feet from dancing. Audience participation is a must! There was such an overwhelming response to the band’s debut in 2024, organisers HAD to have them back.

Oysterband | Saturday August 22 / Sunday August 24, Sabrina stage, Dance Tent & Severn Stage

In a huge coup for the festival, Shrewsbury will host the final ever UK festival performance from these folk legends. It’ll be a bittersweet farewell but dance along to their last ever ceilidh, find out more about their career journey in an ‘Audience with’ Q & A session and sing along to their anthemic classics in their final ever festival UK show on Sunday night.

Project Smok | Sunday August 24, Sabrina Stage

One of 15 Scottish bands specially selected for a Scottish showcase at this year’s festival, Project Smok take traditional music from north of the border and turn it on its head. Whatever your preconceptions of ‘Scottish folk music’ are, leave ’em at the door.

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy | Sunday August 24 / Monday August 25, Pengwern & Severn Stages

In another festival exclusive, Celtic superstars and power couple Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy will perform their only shows in England at the festival as they tour outside of North America for the first time in 25 years with their band that includes some of their multi-talented children. Catch ‘em while you can!

For the full festival line-up or to book daytickets, visit shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk. Tickets are close to sold out, so to guarantee entry, book in advance.