This year’s Shrewsbury Folk Festival is yet again promising a fantastic four day festival packed full of music, dance, and entertainment, all on one site near the heart of Shropshire’s county town.

Now in its fifth year in Shrewsbury, the festival has built up a proud reputation as one of the country’s leading folk events which blends traditional music with international artists.

The outstanding line-up for the August Bank Holiday weekend at the West Mid Showground includes supergroup the Afro Celt Sound System which has chosen Shrewsbury as one of its few festival appearances this year.

With appearances from Irish singer Cara Dillon and Billy Bragg, Ade Edmondson and the Bad Shepherds with their unique take on folk/punk, high energy performances from Bellowhead, and folk stalwarts Drever, McCusker, Woomble with Heidi Talbot and Boo Hewerdine, Dervish and Guests and the Michael McGoldrick Big Band the festival promises something for everyone.

Shrewsbury is also renowned for the international musicians it chooses to appear at the festival,  this year is no exception with a welcome return for Argentina based Richard Shindell who will be making a rare appearance with Lucy Kaplansky.

Acclaimed Danish Blues and roots musician Hans Theessink will make the journey to Shrewsbury as will the young Norwegian band Majorstuen.

But it’s more than just a music festival, there’s also a packed programme of dance, workshops, and entertainment at the showground in Berwick Road from August 27 to 30.

The festival includes a strong traditional dance element with a dedicated dance marquee and a village stage for dance displays.

There’s also a children’s festival, a youth programme “Refolkus” for 12 to 25 year-olds, a craft fair, a range of on-site caterers and bars that are the envy of many another festival, and events and music sessions around Shrewsbury.

The fantastic campsite means you’re never more than a few moments from a venue but you can still pitch up next to your friends and have your vehicles next to your tent or caravan.

Free on-site WiFi, free buses into town, an excellent on-site shop, a huge free car park, dance displays, an open mic competition, and friendly, helpful stewarding teams help to complete the atmostphere that keeps many festival goers coming back year after year.

www.shrewsburyfolkfestival.co.uk contains all the information you need to know with an online ticket booking facility.