Ludlow Assembly Rooms, Ludlow

Ludlow Spring Food Festival - May

We decided to create a weekend event, centred on Ludlow Castle, where the emphasis is on enjoying some of the great food and drink produced in and around Ludlow and the Marches, coupled with some music and other entertainment for all the family. We're aiming for a great atmosphere, with seriously good beer, bread, bangers and much much more!

We've joined forces with the Marches Transport Festival , which is usually held on the same weekend every year, so you'll also be able to see a fascinating collection of vintage and classic cars, motorbikes and commercial vehicles at the same time.

Entry to Ludlow Spring Festival also includes entry to the whole of Ludlow Castle, the wonderfully atmospheric ruined castle that towers over the neighbouring countryside, hills and forests.

And the town of Ludlow itself is well worth a visit in its own right. It's one of the finest small towns in Britain, with a fascinating mixture of medieval and Georgian architecture, surrounded by unspoilt countryside.

Ludlow Green Festival - August

We aim to raise awareness of the massive environmental challenges facing us all and, at the same time, demonstrate how you can enrich your lives by treading more lightly on the earth. The Green Festival has events and activities for all ages to help you along.

Come on! Go green for the day..... You could stay that way!

Ludlow Mangalonga - August

The Magnalonga is a food and drink walk of about seven miles. It starts and finishes in Ludlow: a journey where you combine a walk through unspoilt countryside with some of the best food and drink from the Marches.

The walk (it's leisurely and fun, not a race!) takes you up and down footpaths, tracks and quiet lanes through unspoilt countryside with fine views all around. This year, we'll be exploring country footpaths and quiet lanes between Ludlow and the countryside surrounding the town. There may well be stiles, steep hills and rough tracks to navigate!

Ludlow Food Festival - September

As well as the food producers, throughout Ludlow's historic town centre there was seemingly no end of food-related events, such as the famous Ludlow Sausage trail and the Festival Loaf trail, not forgetting all the old favourites both inside and outside the Castle, including great demonstrations, talks, food vendors and more.

This was Britain's first successful food and drink festival when it started back in 1995. It's grown considerably since then, with large numbers of visitors from throughout the UK, as well as from overseas - but we've stayed firmly with our original idea of highlighting the great food and drink that is available in the Marches, and to have a great time!

Ludlow Medieval Fayre - Last weekend in November

The best medieval show in the land - over 100 stalls selling seasonal gifts with a medieval flavour.
A castle full of medieval entertainment for all ages.

For News and Updates visit ludlowmedievalchristmas.blogspot.com

Hay Festival - End of May/Beginning of June

Hay Festival is a gathering in the staggering beauty of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

How the light Gets In Festival of Philosophy and Music - May/June

HowTheLightGetsIn, the world’s largest philosophy and music festival, is back. Join us from 31st May – 10th June 2012 for inspirational debates, world-class live music, comedy, cabaret and of course, our legendary parties.

A limited number of Festival Live tickets are now available at EarlyBird prices. They give you access to the festivals live music events, and will only be available until the line-up is announced.

Crunch Festival - November

Hay Winter Festival - December

Festive magic for all the family

Our twelfth winter Festival went off with a bang! Audiences relaxed with friends and family, laughed fit to burst, and enjoyed the finest stories, music, food and company.

All the writers and performers were compelling and entertaining. Their books will also make perfect Christmas gifts. Our wonderful bookseller, Pembertons, can provide autographed copies of many of them for you if you were unable to come in person.

Other

Malvern Spring Gardening Show - May

The plants and people show kicks off the gardening season with a whole host of glorious gardens, plants and beautiful features.

Shropshire County Show - May

The Shropshire County Agricultural Show is the showcase and testing ground for stock breeders as one of the first major agricultural shows to be held in the year in the UK.

The event, which has been running for more than 120 years, is now much more than just an agricultural show and caters for a wider audience than ever before. It has become an event for everyone where town meets country for a day of education, entertainment and enjoyment.

Thousands of the finest livestock compete for big prize money and prestigious trophies. The most knowledgeable judges in the land and from overseas take part and many of the prized animals go on to achieve the highest championship status in the agricultural show calendar.

The Show plays a major role in the special displays about rural life in Shropshire and beyond. Children get to see real livestock and learn about rural life and times, and the skills and crafts of the countryside. The subjects covered are very much part of the National Education Curriculum.

Dozens of traders provide a showcase of goods from across the county and beyond and a fabulous food hall is full of the tastes of Shropshire ready to be sampled and savoured.

Shobdon Food Festival - June

2012 will play host to the 8th annual Shobdon Food Festival. During that time, we've established ourselves as one of the region's best-loved culinary events. We pride ourselves on offering producers an additional shop window for their skills while providing visitors with a beautiful, relaxed, family-friendly environment within which to taste and enjoy and, if sufficiently tempted, buy the sumptuous food and drink on offer.

Amazingly, 2012 also represents the 30th anniversary of organising Flower Festivals in Shobdon. Back in 1982, the idea of hosting a village flower festival was thought up as a way of boosting ailing church funds. Since then we have also been able to donate thousands of pounds to a variety of good causes from local clubs and societies to national charities.

The Region’s Premier Agricultural Show offering excellent entertainment for all the family and showcasing the best of British food, farming and rural life.

Do you want a fun day out in the Worcestershire countryside with family and friends? Do you like to see magnificent animals, rural crafts and even a bit of stick making? Or maybe some food sampling from the finest producers washed down with a cool glass of cider? Or how about watching the White Helmets and their fantastic formations! Well its all here.

Shrewsbury Carnival and Show - June

Themed floats, walking groups, marching bands and dancers will take to the streets of the town centre.

Shrewsbury Town Crier and our soon to be chosen Carnival Crier will lead the parade with the Mayor and Mayoress of Shrewsbury, Carnival Queen, Carnival Princess and attendants.

The Shrewsbury Carnival will begin at 10am with a number of activities taking place in the Quarry Park and Morris dancing in Shrewsbury’s Square.

Ledbury Poetry Festival - June/July

The Ledbury Poetry Festival takes place over ten days each July. We are the biggest and best poetry festival in the UK, featuring poets from all over the world. If you think you know what poetry is, come along and we’ll surprise you. There are live readings, performances, workshops, open mics, music, exhibitions, films, family events, street events, a slam and much more. This is our fifteenth year - join us for a celebration of poetry in the rural heartland of England.

“The Ledbury Poetry Festival is the best in the country.” - Andrew Motion

The Royal Welsh Show - July

Over 227,000 see Royal Welsh Show

The Royal Welsh Show upheld its reputation as the biggest and best attended event of its kind in Britain when more than 227,000 visitors passed through the gates of the showground at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells.

Church Stretton Arts Festival - End of July/ beginning August

Shrewsbury Flower Festival - August

Coinciding with harvest time, The Festival of Herefordshire celebrates all that is scrumptious about the county.In 2012, the Festival moves from Hereford Racecourse into the heart of Hereford, High Town and the surrounding streets, Hereford Cathedral and on to Castle Green. Producers will be exhibiting their home-grown, artisan made food and drink, giving you the chance to meet the makers, growers and chefs behind the county’s very best flavours.

Demonstrations in the live cookery theatres, talks, competitions, hands-on experience, a wealth of events to be experienced over an exciting weekend.

The Festival takes another step forward as it broadens its base to encompass all that is best that is Made in Herefordshire – art, craft, music and drama.

Malvern Firework Spectacular - October/November

The Royal Welsh Winter Fair - November

The two-day Royal Welsh Winter Fair, acclaimed one of the finest prime stock shows in Europe, opens at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells on the Monday 28th November. The fair has a produce and handicraft show, trade stands with great ideas for christmas presents, visitors can also see and buy some of the best food and drink produced in Wales which is available in the showground’s new £1.6m Food Hall.

For more details contact 01982 554406

Royal Welsh Showground, Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, Powys, LD2 3SY