Festivals get help from their friends

Shropshire Festivals will get by with a little help from their friends - the local events company has launched ‘Friends of Shropshire Festivals’ to raise much-needed funds to weather the devastating loss of income due to Covid-19.

They had no choice but to cancel all seven of their major events this year, but now loyal festivalgoers can become ‘Friends of’ the Shrewsbury Food Festival, Shropshire Oktoberfest and Shropshire Kids Festival.

Sales of the annual membership will enable the events to continue next year and each option includes tickets to the chosen 2021 event plus some exclusive extras.

Beth Heath, for Shropshire Festivals, said: “This has been an absolutely miserable year in the events sector. We rely on ticket sales, exhibitor fees, and sponsorship to make all of our events happen and without those revenue streams, the future of our company is at risk. We still need to pay for infrastructure and staff now, to ensure we can hold events next year. We need support now.

“We would never expect something for nothing, which is why we have launched ‘Friends of Shropshire Festivals’ to offer our loyal visitors something extra special.

“Not only would they be investing in tickets to a brilliant event next year, they will receive some fabulous extras, like an exclusive chef school breakfast at Shrewsbury Food Festival or a special dinosaur experience at Shropshire Kids Festival.

"It also makes a really thoughtful gift for someone who would love the VIP treatment. By becoming a friend of the festival for 2021 you would be supporting a local family-run business and protect some much-loved festivals on your doorstep.”

Find out more at: www.shropshirefestivals.co.uk 

Pictured: Beth Heath and her family enjoying a Shropshire Festivals event