Saturday 2nd May - Line Up
Art Exhibition 10 - 3
'Flock to the Mere'
St Mary's Church Celebration of Flowers 10 - 5
Quilting Exhibition - Quaintly British
Knit & Natter Exhibition - Ismay's
Canal Boat Art Traders - Wharf head
Artisan Market Food & Drink - Wharf Head 11-4
Ellesmere Girl Guiding - Nature journaling with Go Out Get Arty
Join our Girl Guides at the Mere to discover the lost art of nature journaling - suitable for all ages so bring the family and a pencil!
The
Jebb Garden
10am - 4pm
Workshop - Fizzgigs making birds for children
Create your very own 'Flock to the Mere' with our amazing Fizzgigs - Free workshop open to all.
The
Town Hall
10am - 12pm
1pm - 3pm
Forgotten Tales from WW2 with Shaun Higgins
Heroes in the Sky is a theatrical storytelling presentation which brings to life forgotten tales from the aerial war in Britain during WW2. From stories of pilots and derring-do, to anecdotes from the homefront, the lives of civilians as well as female pilots, the piece has a strong Shropshire flavour, with a number of references to local wartime activity. In turns humorous and reflective, this is a chance for an audience to gain an insight into an overlooked corner of history, through the lens of a quasi-theatrical storytelling experience.
Our Space
10:30 - 11:30am
Ellesmere College Choir & Musicians
Nothing beats live music from young talent live in the street ! The wonderful choir and musicians from our own Ellesmere College will perform to delight you.
The Promenade
11am
The Cross
11:30am
Workshop - Fused Glass
Brought to you by The Makers Nest one of our fabulous new traders at The Market Hall. Please head to their facebook page to book (essential) : Price £45
The Market
Hall
11am - 1pm
Diddi Dance for kids
Diddi dance - movements, rhythms and fun activities in a range of musical styles for children including pre-schoolers
The Town Hall
11:30am -12 noon
12:30 - 1pm
Talk about Dame Agnes Hunt with Alison Utting
Local author and performer Alison Utting brings to life the extraordinary story of Dame Agnes Hunt in this powerful one-woman performance that’s been receiving rave reviews
From the very first moment, you’ll be swept into Aggie’s world — her determination, her humour, her love, and the journey that led to the creation of what is now Oswestry’s world-renowned orthopaedic hospital.
Our Space
11:45am - 12:45pm
Millie Evans Sings
Millie Evans - Vocals4everyoccasion
Millie is a versatile singer performing hits from the 1950s to today. From vintage classics to modern chart-toppers, she brings energy, emotion, and crowd-pleasing music to any event.
Covering hits from the 1950s to today, she delivers powerful vocals and vibrant performances designed to light up any occasion.
The Black Lion
12 noon - 1pm
Flute Recital by Claire Dymond
Claire was born and raised in Shropshire, having lived in South, central and now Ellesmere with her family. She has had a lifelong love of music, with the flute being her primary instrumental and the recorder her second.
She has performed throughout her life on a solo basis as well as in various ensembles, and she has also taught both flute and recorder.
St Mary's Church
12:30pm
Trixi Field Jazz
Trixi Field is a jazz chanteuse, pianist, ukulelist, songwriter and composer based in Ellesmere, offering jazz standards, blues, latin numbers, and original songs.
Come along for some laid-back, romantic-mood jazz at the Ellesmere Arts Festival:
Moolah
1pm - 2pm
Gracechurch Historical Dancers
Gracechurch Historical Dancers specialise in performing dances from the Tudor period through to
the Regency era. Dressing in colourful, authentic Georgian costume, accompanied by very own talented group of musicians, who play authentic tunes on traditional instruments.
The Wharf Head
2pm - 2:45pm
St Mary's Church
3:15pm - 3:45pm
Clare Harrison Sings
Clare Harrison is a well-loved performer whose programme will be a mixture of classical songs, light opera, sacred pieces, spirituals, folk music, show tunes and jazz.
Her relaxed style and hugely varied repertoire keeps her in great demand, with over 90 solo performances last year alone. She has performed on several occasions at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, including performances with the World Choir and Welsh composer Karl Jenkins.
Clare first visited Ellesmere over 30 years ago while on a narrowboat holiday! She fell in love with the town and is delighted to be able to support the Ellesmere Arts Festival!
She may even arrive here on her narrowboat!
St Mary's Church
2pm - 2:45pm
The Black Lion
4pm - 4:30pm
Talk about St Marys' by Mother Pat
Our very own The Revd. Preb Pat Hawkins, Vicar of Ellesmere, and Honorary Chaplain to the King, will talk about the history of St Mary's Church
St Mary's Church
2:45pm - 3:15pm
Organ Recital by Anthony Dowlen
ANTHONY DOWLEN read honours music at Durham University and studied the organ with Conrad Eden, organist of Durham Cathedral, and afterwards did his teacher training at Magdalene College, Cambridge. He commenced his teaching career at Blundell's School in Devon, later moving to Shropshire to become Director of Music at Ellesmere College.
Further appointments have included Precentor and Director of Music at Radley College and Director of Music at Abberley Hall. Since retiring from full time teaching he has taught the piano at both Prestfelde School and Packwood Haugh School, where he was acting Director of Music in 2010. He has conducted the Beaumaris Singers, Ellesmere Voices, Shrewsbury Cantata Choir and the Oswestry Musical Theatre Company. He now occupies his time as a freelance organist playing for a number of churches in north Shropshire.
St Mary's Church
3:45pm - 4:30pm
Madoc Guitar Duo
Madoc are a guitar-based duo based in North Wales / Cheshire. Paul and Arfon perform up-tempo, feel-good hits spanning 8 decades - drawing influences from the worlds of folk, country, pop and rock.
A chance meeting through their involvement with local choirs brought them together, along with a love of close-harmony singing. The result is a brand-new ensemble for a brand-new Arts Festival!
The Black Lion
6pm - 6:45pm
The Lindy Hop and Shrewsbury Swing Dancers
The Lindy Hop is an American dance which was born in the African-American communities of Harlem, New York City, in 1928 and has evolved since then - come and experience it for yourselves !