Discover February’s Best Events in Shrewsbury: Festivals, Music & More

Hello Shrewsbury. We hope you're all set for another exciting week ahead.

Here’s your latest scoop on everything happening in and around the town.

This week’s edition includes:

🎉 The Darwin Festival: The celebration of Shrewsbury’s rich history begins this week, with events that highlight the town’s fascinating past and its role in shaping the world. Plus, enjoy wine tastings, live music, and so much more happening across town.
🎶 Live Music & Nightlife: Whether you’re into 80s anthems, classical music or techno beats there’s something for everyone, from intimate venues to big nights out.
🏛 Community Events: Get involved with local workshops, community gatherings, and a chance to explore Shrewsbury’s iconic spaces in new ways.
⚽ Sports Update: Catch up on Shrewsbury Town FC’s latest match results, as well as updates from local hockey.

Let’s go.

Disclaimer: Please note that events listed in this newsletter are subject to change. While we make every effort to provide accurate details, we cannot be held liable for any alterations to dates, times, locations, pricing, or content after the email is sent. We recommend checking directly with the event venue for the most up-to-date information. Additionally, we are not responsible for any external links included in this newsletter. Always verify event details with the official event organizer.

FOOD & DRINK 🍽️

Wine Tasting at Glou Glou

📅 Date: Wednesday, 5th February 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Venue: Glou Glou, 17A Castle Gates, Shrewsbury
🎟 Tickets: Here

Enjoy a fun evening of wine tasting at Glou Glou with February’s “Carnaval” theme. Sample five delicious wines, paired with meats, cheeses, and bread. The bar stays open until 11 PM, so there’s plenty of time to explore more after the tasting!

Wine Tasting led by Pablo Rodriguez

📅 Date: Thursday, 6th February 2025
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Venue: GlouGlou, 17a Castle Gates, Shrewsbury
🎟 Tickets: Here

Enjoy a unique wine tasting experience with Pablo Rodriguez, featuring six Lindes de Remelluri wines and two from Bodegas Remelluri’s vineyards. Discover the rich history and terroir of Rioja, expertly paired with local meats, cheeses, and breads.

This is a rare opportunity to explore and learn about one of the region's top producers in an intimate setting. The bar will be open from 4pm-11pm for further enjoyment.

Shrewsbury Restaurant Tour

📅 Date: Sunday, 9th February 2025
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Venue: Various Shrewsbury Locations (Yak & Yeti, Number Four, Osteria, Henry Tudor Inn, The Elephant Underground, The Exchange)
🎟 Tickets: Here

Embark on a culinary journey through Shrewsbury, visiting six handpicked restaurants on Sunday afternoon. From Yak & Yeti to The Exchange, explore a diverse range of flavours as you enjoy this unique tour.

COMMUNITY & OTHER 🤝

Shrewsbury Dialogues: Nicholas Rankin

📅 Date: Tuesday, 28th January 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Venue: Moser Library, Shrewsbury, SY3 7BA
🎟 Tickets: Here

Join celebrated author and former BBC World Service broadcaster Nicholas Rankin for an enlightening evening exploring "The First Draft of History: Why Good Reporting Matters."

Drawing on themes from his acclaimed works, including propaganda, war reporting, and colonial history, this talk promises thought-provoking insights into the vital role of good journalism in shaping our understanding of the world.

Shrewsbury Dialogues: Olly Logan

📅 Date: Thursday, 30th January 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Venue: Barnes Theatre, Shrewsbury, SY3 7BA
🎟 Tickets: Here

Discover the fascinating intersection of science and sport with Olly Logan, performance consultant for British Swimming.

Drawing on his expertise in biomechanics, performance analysis, and innovation, Olly will share insights from his work at the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. Learn how STEM disciplines drive athletic excellence and uncover the secrets behind developing world-class champions.

Cake & Cuppa for Macmillan

📅 Date: Saturday, 1st February 2025
⏰ Time: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Venue: Harmer Hill Village Hall, Shrewsbury, SY4 3EE
🔗 More details: Here

Harmer Hill Village Hall is hosting a cake & cuppa event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. There will be freshly baked cakes courtesy of hunkington house kitchen, hot and cold drinks and a children’s book sale.

Yin Yoga Sessions

📅 Date: Sunday, 2nd February 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Venue: Quaker Meeting House, Coton Hill, Shrewsbury
🎟 Tickets: £12 per class
🔗 More details: Here

Join a calming 90-minute Yin yoga session on the first Sunday of each month. This class focuses on floor-based postures to release deep tension, followed by a soothing Yoga Nidra meditation to help you unwind and prepare for a peaceful night's sleep.

Made in Shropshire Market

📅 Date: Saturday, 8th February 2025
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Venue: The Square, Shrewsbury
🔗 More details: Here

The Shrewsbury Fair in the Square returns on the second Saturday of each month from February to December. This free-to-visit event features up to 45 local art, craft, and food producers showcasing their unique handmade goods. From ceramics and jewellery to baked treats and award-winning local food and drink, there’s something for everyone.

Discovering New Species and Relocating Extinct Plants

📅 Date: Saturday, 8th February 2025
⏰ Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
📍 Venue: Shrewsbury Unitarian Church, High Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 1LR
🎟 Tickets: Here

As part of the Shrewsbury Darwin Festival 2025, join Dr. Maarten Christenhusz for an insightful talk on Discovering New Species and Relocating Extinct Plants. Learn about the fascinating process of identifying new plant species—some of which may already be extinct—and the challenges posed by "Berkeley extinction," where species vanish unnoticed. Discover how modern technology and citizen science are helping locate and protect biodiversity, while offering hope of rediscovering plants once thought lost.

Shrewsbury Dialogues: Professor Matthew Leeke

📅 Date: Tuesday, 11th February 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Venue: Moser Library, Shrewsbury, SY3 7BA
🎟 Tickets: Here

Join Professor Matthew Leeke for an engaging seminar on "Smart Cities, Machine Learning, and Privacy." With urban areas set to house 7 billion people by 2050, this talk explores how machine learning and mobile technology can tackle the challenges of rapidly growing cities.

Matthew will also share insights into studying computer science at a Russell Group university and discuss the role of privacy and dependable systems in shaping our future.

LIVE MUSIC 🎸

A Concert for Two Pianos

📅 Date: Friday, 31st January 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM
📍 Venue: Alington Hall, Shrewsbury School, Shrewsbury, SY3 7AA
🎟 Tickets: Here

Peter Bradley-Fulgoni and John Moore return to Alington Hall for an evening of exceptional music written for two pianos. This concert promises a masterful performance and a chance to experience this distinctive repertoire in a remarkable setting.

Roswell @ The Hive

📅 Date: Saturday, 1st February 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00 PM (Doors open at 6:45 PM, Optional Q&A from 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM)
📍 Venue: The Hive, Shrewsbury
🎟 Tickets: Here

Join the Americana duo Roswell for an evening of close harmonies and candid storytelling, blending influences from mental health to family love and activism. Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear the duo's raw sound, drawing comparisons to artists like First Aid Kit and Fleetwood Mac.

Martin Kemp: Back to the 80s

📅 Date: Saturday, 1st February 2025
⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Afterparty until late)
📍 Venue: The Buttermarket, Howard St, Shrewsbury SY1 2LF
🎟 Tickets: Here (Limited number left)

Join Martin Kemp for a non-stop 80s party with all the classic hits! Come dressed in your best 80s outfit and enjoy an evening of great music, food, and an unforgettable singalong. The fun doesn’t stop, with a free 80s afterparty until late!

Cutting Crew @ Shrewsbury Abbey

📅 Date: Saturday, 8th February 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)
📍 Venue: Shrewsbury Abbey, Shrewsbury
🎟 Tickets: Here

Join Cutting Crew for their 40th Anniversary Tour at Shrewsbury Abbey! Known for their iconic hits and Grammy-nominated success, Nick Van Eede and his bandmates will perform anthemic classics and tracks from their six-album collection.

Brandon Allen - Some Kinda Mean

📅 Date: Saturday, 8th February 2025
⏰ Time: 8:00 PM (Gig start)
📍 Venue: The Hive, Shrewsbury
🎟 Tickets: Here (£23, or £12 for under 22s)

Renowned saxophonist Brandon Allen returns to Shrewsbury Jazz Network at The Hive with his electrifying project Some Kinda Mean. Backed by a stellar rhythm section, the performance pays tribute to the soulful legacy of David Fathead Newman, exploring his collaborations with Ray Charles, straight-ahead jazz, and his funk-infused albums.

Shrewsbury Nightlife

🎸 Tom Hingley @ The Buttermarket
⏰ Fri 31st Jan, 7:00 PM
🎟 Tickets

🎸 DJ: D Dope @ Oil
⏰ Fri 31st Jan, 8:00 PM
🔗 Details

🎸 Guttersnipe Live @ The Bull
⏰ Fri 31st Jan, 9:00 PM
🔗 Details

🎸 Something 4 The Weekend @ The Crown (Abbey Foregate)
⏰ Fri 31st Jan, 9:00 PM
🔗 Details

🎸 DJ Night: Trifecta @ House of Grain
⏰ Sat 1st Feb, 7:30 PM
🔗 Details

🎸 BAZAA Techno @ The Buttermarket
⏰ Sat 1st Feb, 10:30 PM
🎟 Tickets

🎸 Music Bingo @ House of Grain
⏰ Sun 2nd Feb, 2:00 PM
🔗 Details

CRAFT & CREATE 🎨

Watercolour for Intermediates

📅 Date: Thursday, 30th January 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 Venue: 9-10 Milk Street, Shrewsbury, UK
🎟 Tickets: Here

Explore the delicate world of mushrooms and fungi in this intermediate watercolour workshop. Perfect for those with some watercolour experience, you'll refine your drawing and shading skills, mastering textures, layers, and organic shapes. With all materials provided, just bring your enthusiasm.

Introduction to Freemotion Quilting & Applique

📅 Date: Thursday, 6th February 2025
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Venue: Watson and Thornton, 27-28 Mardol, Shrewsbury, SY1 1PU
🎟 Tickets: Here

Join Pascale Thornton for a 2-hour session on free-motion quilting and applique, perfect for beginners and experienced quilters alike. Learn essential techniques to create a beautiful cushion cover, with all materials provided. Enjoy 15% off in-store on the day and refreshments throughout the course.

Sip & Paint

📅 Date: Tuesday, 13th February 2025
⏰ Time: 6:30 PM
📍 Venue: Snoop Shrewsbury, 73 Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury, SY1 1UX
🎟 Tickets: Here

Join local artist Alicia for a relaxed evening of painting at Snoop. Suitable for all abilities, Alicia will guide you through techniques to create your own masterpiece. Choose your own design or use one of Alicia's pre-drawn canvases.

HISTORY & CULTURE 🏛️

DarwIN Festival

February marks the return of the DarwIN Festival, celebrating Shrewsbury’s most famous son, Charles Darwin! With a packed programme of fascinating events taking place in and around town, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

From thought-provoking talks to hands-on activities, the festival offers a unique insight into science, nature, and history.

We can’t include everything here, so be sure to check out the full schedule on Original Shrewsbury.

Medieval Reenactment Group

📅 Date: Saturday, 1st February 2025
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Venue: Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery
🔗 More details: Here

Step back in time with The Corbet Household medieval reenactment group at Shrewsbury Museum. Explore the intriguing lives of women during the Medieval era in Shropshire, with engaging themes, period costumes, and an immersive atmosphere. Entry is free—just pop in and enjoy! Donations to support the museum are warmly welcomed.

The Bronze Age Talk

📅 Date: Wednesday, 5th February 2025
⏰ Time: 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
📍 Venue: Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery
🎟 Tickets: Here

Join Dr Natasha Harlow, a renowned archaeologist and educator, for an engaging talk on the Bronze Age. Delve into the lives of our ancient ancestors and discover how their artefacts reveal stories of the past. With 25 years of experience, Natasha brings history to life in this captivating evening. Tickets are £10 and include a glass of wine—perfect for a midweek cultural outing!

Charles Darwin: From Shrewsbury Schoolboy to International Scientific Super Star

📅 Date: Wednesday, 12th February 2025
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM (Arrival between 10:30 AM and 10:45 AM)
📍 Venue: Moser Library, Shrewsbury School, SY3 7BA (Ashton Road entrance)
🎟 Tickets: Here

Explore the life and legacy of Charles Darwin, Shrewsbury's most renowned former pupil, through an illustrated talk featuring his personal letters and other unique items from the Shrewsbury School Archives.

This lecture offers a fascinating glimpse into Darwin’s character, achievements, and the profound impact of his work, including the groundbreaking Origin of Species.

LOCAL NEWS THIS WEEK 📰

Shrewsbury Prison: Paranormal Guides Wanted

Shrewsbury Prison is seeking enthusiastic individuals to take on a unique role as Paranormal Team Leaders for their new Ghost Hunting Behind Bars experience.

The former jail, now a popular tourist attraction, is known for its eerie atmosphere and long history of paranormal activity.

As a team leader, the successful candidates will guide guests on spine-tingling evening tours, helping them explore the prison's haunted past.

Visitors will use various ghost-hunting tools such as EMF readers, Table Tipping, and Spirit Boards while investigating the site’s most notorious spirits, including a young boy from the Georgian era.

This thrilling role offers an opportunity to bring history and the supernatural together in a truly unforgettable experience.

Need a venue for your event or workshop?

Raven Studios, located at the English Bridge, offers a flexible and affordable hall ideal for a wide variety of community events.

Whether you’re hosting music events, band practices, art workshops (such as painting or life drawing), or wellbeing groups, this versatile space can be adapted to suit your specific needs.

As a community interest venue, Raven Studios is committed to supporting local initiatives. The hall’s adaptable layout makes it perfect for everything from workshops to small performances and group gatherings.

For availability and rates, get in touch with them to book your spot today and be part of this great local resource!

PHOTO OF THE WEEK 📸

This week’s stunning aerial shot of the Quarry in Shrewsbury comes courtesy of SY View, a Shropshire-based commercial drone operator. With Civil Aviation Authority approval and full insurance, SY View offers breathtaking high-resolution images and videos that provide a unique bird’s-eye perspective.

Specializing in a wide range of services, from stunning imagery for marketing materials to detailed roof inspections, SY View works alongside Roofrite Shropshire for both commercial and domestic property inspections. Roof inspections start at just £100 – an efficient and cost-effective way to ensure your property is in top shape.

We’re grateful to SY View for allowing us to share this incredible shot of the Quarry, capturing Shrewsbury from a whole new angle.

Submit your photo of Shrewsbury to @ShrewsburyScoop on Instagram or Facebook to be featured next time.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK 🗣️

With so many historical events happening in February, we want to know your thoughts on the town’s history:

Reply to this email with your answer and we’ll feature some of the best answers in the next newsletter.

SPORTS DIGEST 🏆

Shrewsbury Town Football Club ⚽

Shrewsbury Town suffered a dramatic 1-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic on Saturday, 25th January, with Thierry Small scoring the winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

The game was largely uneventful in the first half, with Shrewsbury goalkeeper Jamal Blackman making an early save from a Luke Berry free-kick. Shrewsbury’s best chance came in the 90th minute when Jordan Shipley missed a sitter, failing to connect properly with a Luca Hoole cross.

In the dying moments, Charlton capitalized on a loose ball and Small slotted home the winner, leaving Shrewsbury to reflect on a missed opportunity.

Next up, Shrewsbury will face 5th-placed Stockport County on Tuesday, 28th January.

Loan Players Update
Shrewsbury Town manager Gareth Ainsworth has confirmed his intention to keep loan trio Leo Castledine (Chelsea), Funso Ojo (Port Vale), and Josh Feeney (Aston Villa) at the club.

With the departures of Arsenal's Charles Sagoe Jr and Aston Villa's Tommi O'Reilly, two loan slots are now available. However, Ainsworth is prioritizing the retention of the current loanees, who are integral to the team's fight against relegation.

New Forward Signing
The club has strengthened its attacking lineup with the addition of Ricardo Dinanga from AFC Telford United for an undisclosed fee. The Republic of Ireland-born forward has been in prolific form this season, scoring 12 goals in 28 games.

Dinanga, who signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, started his career at Cork City and was a regular in Coventry City's under-23 side. He also featured as an unused substitute in the Sky Blues’ 2021-22 Championship campaign.

Goalkeeper Extension
Goalkeeper Jamal Blackman has extended his stay at Shrewsbury Town for the remainder of the season. Since joining on a short-term deal last month, the 31-year-old has made six League One appearances.

Blackman, who began his career at Chelsea, previously worked under Gareth Ainsworth during their time together at Wycombe Wanderers in the 2016-17 season.

Shrewsbury Town Women
By the time you're reading this, the result will already be decided as Shrewsbury Town Women faced Solihull Sporting earlier today at the Community Pitch.

Shrewsbury Hockey Club 🏑

Saturday, 1st February
U12 Boys and Girls compete at Wrekin College. Women’s teams play throughout the morning and early afternoon, with matches against Wolverhampton, Telford, Beacon, and Bridgnorth. Men’s teams face Stone, North Stafford, Stafford, and Cannock across various venues.

Sunday, 2nd February
Men’s Masters Over 45s compete in a cup match at Kingswinford. U8 and U10 teams have training in the morning. Women’s teams play Ashbourne and Leek, while the Men’s 5th host Stone in a friendly.

Events, Clubs & More

If you would like Shrewsbury Scoop to feature your sports club or event, please reply to this email with the details and we can include it in future newsletters.

GET IN TOUCH 👋 

If you have something you'd like to share or be featured, whether it’s a pet story, eco-friendly tips, or a special business promotion, we’d love to hear from you.

Reply to this email or let us know on Facebook or Instagram what sections you'd like to see, or if you have content to share for these exciting new additions.

Thank You!

Thank you for reading Shrewsbury Scoop this week and supporting local business.

Be sure to share the newsletter with anyone else who would enjoy it!

See you next week,

Will - Shrewsbury Scoop.

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