LOOPFEST

LOOPFEST, at its heart, is about getting lots of folk out and about in the town discovering new music. It’s a community festival that encourages inclusivity, and that’s why it’s free.

And just because it’s free doesn’t mean it’ll be naff. The event is brimming with the brightest emerging talent from Shropshire and across the UK, the kind of artists you hear on BBC Radio 6 Music, BBC Radio 2, or even Radio 1. In fact, you can hear LOOPFEST ambassador and local lad DJ Chris Hawkins spearheading new music daily on BBC National Radio.

Over the early May bank holiday weekend (3-5 May, 2024), you’ll have a choice of twenty-five venues across Shrewsbury to explore, all curated and kitted out by the LOOPFEST team. The theme is Robots in Space, and the event falls on Star Wars day no less.

In 2024, LOOPFEST will feature internationally recognized artists performing at Shrewsbury Castle, starting with The Futureheads on Friday, 3rd May from 6pm for the festival opening celebration. On Saturday, 4th May from 11am to 5pm, Shrewsbury Castle will feature children’s entertainers and much-loved local artists, later followed by headliners Nubiyan Twist until 10pm.

On Sunday, 5th May, entertainment starts from midday until 10pm and features acts such as Beardyman and Dutty Moonshine Big Band. All headline events are ticketed, with funds raised invested into the wider free entry festival, of which you can choose from a further 250 artists to enjoy across the LOOPFEST weekend.

Noteworthy highlights also include the transformation of St. Mary’s Church into a 500-capacity live music venue featuring an array of electronic and ambient music, traditional entertainment at the Shrewsbury Square, plus a wide range of bands, acoustic performers, spoken word, and much more at venues throughout the town, from the outer rim at In Good Hands Cafe to the emperor's helm at Albert’s Shed.

May the fourth (and fifth) be with you.