The town made famous by the medieval mysteries and monastic murders of Brother Cadfael will once again be stepping back in time to celebrate the period of history which laid the foundations for so much of its present-day appearance.
One of the major highlights of the three-month long 'Shrewsbury Summer Season', the town's Medieval Weekend is scheduled to take place over the weekend of July 7th to 9th, and will include a range of family friendly events including pageantry, music, dance, drama, talks, and workshops.
The Brother Cadfael series of books, written by local author Ellis Peters – along with the TV adaptations starring Sir Derek Jacobi - helped to introduce an entire generation of readers all around the globe to medieval Shrewsbury. In the same way it provided the perfect backdrop for those novels, the town these days still lends itself naturally to medieval-themed events.
The Quarry, for example, will be become the venue on Saturday July 8th for jousting by the Knights of Arkley, martial demonstrations by Les Miles de Marches, falconry displays, re-enactments and 'sweet airs' played in The Dingle. Jack the Jester, a set of stocks and a ducking stool, meanwhile, will ensure there is never a dull moment during an afternoon of free outdoor entertainment.
That same evening, the chart-topping Mediaeval Baebes will be in Shrewsbury to perform a concert of harmonious traditional period music and verse in ancient and modern language in their own provocative and witty style.
Other events lined-up for the weekend include a talks by Ted Maidment on William the Conqueror, Shrewsbury's Medieval Heritage by Madge Moran, and Edward the First by Laurence Le Queste; a free Fair in the Square and Grand Medieval Procession; a Walking Tour of Medieval Shrewsbury; a full-day Living History event in the Castle grounds; and workshops for children to make banners, shields and a medieval dragon.
The Shrewsbury Summer Season now lays claim not only to a growing number of internationally acclaimed performers who are asking to be a part of this annual festival, but also – in 2006 – a total of 365 cultural and artistic events over 100 days.
Historically, Shrewsbury was amongst the pioneers of the so-called summer "Season". In the 18th century, visitors flocked to the town during the summer to promenade around the streets, squares and medieval shuts to attend concerts, plays, parties, balls and exhibitions. Even the town's Music Hall was built to accommodate the crowds. But the annual extravaganza began to fade once the railways offered easier access to London and the likes of Royal Ascot, Henley Royal Regatta and Covent Garden.
Its 21st century revival is once again helping to put Shrewsbury under the spotlight. And copies of a programme of events are now available free of charge either by writing to Shrewsbury Tourist Information Centre at The Music Hall, The Square, Shrewsbury, SY1 1LH; or by telephoning 01743-281200.
Full details are also available on the dedicated website www.shrewsburysummer.co.uk
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