Winsford

It’s a win-win

Cheshire has more than its fair share of delightful market towns nestled among its rolling plains, and Winsford is a perfect example of all the delights they have to offer

Christ Church in the Wharton area of Winsford

Salt solution

when it was designated an official expansion to take the overspill from Liverpool. This saw the development of two new industrial areas on both sides of the town, new estates of both council and private housing and a new shopping centre with a library, a sports centre, a civic hall and doctors’ surgeries. of the Trent & Mersey Canal took the The sports facilities saw Winsford goods through Middlewich in both become a hotspot for several clubs and directions, bypassing Winsford entirely. groups, having its own football team, a premier league swimming club, an athletics club and a cricket club. Winsford Despite this setback, the area continued has been selected to be the home of a to thrive as its salt production increased £70m FA Centre of Excellence, which while other sources nearby began to will be the new home of the England run short. Winsford is still home to women’s football team and should the UK’s largest rock salt mine. The open in 2023. The development will Winsford Rock Salt Mine opened further cement the town’s standing as

Winsford lies on the River Weaver, in 1844 and today still produces one a sporting hub for the area and keep directly south of Northwich. It million tonnes of rock salt a year. the busy town going from strength to developed, along with much of the area, on The disused mines have also found a new strength for many years to come. the back of a salt-mining industry that thrived lease of life – some with the canalisation of the river in the 18th of the area is used century, which allowed freight to be taken to store documents to Runcorn and on via the River Mersey. because the salt

Salt is still produced in the area but the creates a safe, dry current population of around 34,000 are atmosphere in which mainly employed in other local industries as to keep archives. well as in the cities of Chester, Manchester Before proper and Stoke-on-Trent. The town’s mining began, when relationship with Stoke-on-Trent DID YOU brine was roughly and the wider Potteries is a KNOW? extracted from longstanding one. When the The Winsford Rock the ground, improvements to the river Salt Mine claims to areas of were carried out in 1721, be Britain’s oldest subsidence Winsford became the closest working mine formed causing that barges carrying china clay land to collapse Winsford Town Park from Cornwall could get to the in patches known as the Winsford Flashes. Potteries, at the time the major centre of These were put to good use as they refilled ceramic production in Britain. The clay was with water and became popular boating and transported from Winsford by horse, while leisure lakes – still used today for sailing, locally produced salt was also sent on the and popular with walkers and families. same route to be used in the manufacture of salt-glazed stoneware. The finished Sporting spot ceramics then came back via Winsford to be The town is made up of three distinct loaded on boats and sent on to Liverpool. neighbourhoods – Wharton on the west side

This industrious and busy trade route of the river, and Swanlow and Dene on the fell silent in the 1780s when the arrival east. It grew in the late 1960s and 1970s,

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Winsford Flash Sailing Club Stocks Hill, Winsford CW7 4EE www.winsfordflashsailing.com

Weaver Hall Museum & Workshouse

Weaverhall Lane, Winsford CW7 4EB weaverhall.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk

THE 26th ARLEYGARDEN FESTIVAL

Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th June 2021 - 10am to 5pm

Spectacular Floral Marquee Garden tours with Lord Ashbrook & Head Gardener Gordon Baillie Gardeners’ Question Time & Specialist Talks Specialist nurseries & garden accessories Garden entry Schools’ Garden Challenge Countryside Marquee Gifts & Crafts Marquee Jazz & Concert bands

Children’s entertainment

Food traders and refreshments

BOOK ONLINE www.arleyhallandgardens.com/whats-on-at-a-glance

Tickets cannot be replaced or exchanged if lost. No refunds available.

Arley Hall & Gardens, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6NA (Free parking for the festival)

arleyhallandgardens /arleyhall /arleyhall @arleyhall

Antiques & Collectables

£375

www.shropshirestuff.com 07582 965297

Beautiful gardens

Enjoy a walk with the family around the grounds at Thornton Manor Estate, which is open Friday to Sunday until 21st June.

Explore the rose garden, the alluring dell and ornamental pond, the hidden “look-out” and the lakeside, and enjoy hot and cold takeaway refreshments.

The grounds are open from 10am to 3.30pm. To book visit www.thorntonmanor.co.uk.

Let summer be gin!

Celebrate the arrival of summer with a gin-tasting session at Tappers Gin Distillery in Birkenhead on 19th June. A tour of the distillery will be followed by a tasting led by Dr Steve Tapril. Guests can enjoy four G&Ts while Steve talks about the botanicals and flavours. The evening begins at 7pm and tickets cost £25.

www.eventbrite.co.uk

LEARN LINOCUT

Join tutor and artist Catherine Carmyllie for a series of three linocut and print workshops at Chemist & Co Studio, Hoylake, starting on 21st May. The sessions will teach you how to create a single colour print, mix colours, create multiple block prints, use the two-print press and more. The course costs £90, excluding materials. For more see www.facebook.com/ clevercleverhands.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

1ST-22ND MAY

•1st May,

Handweaving, The Barn,

Heswall Learn how to set up a frame loom and accomplish several woven techniques in this introduction to handweaving course led by Kirsty Jean. Noon-4pm. £40. www.thebarnwirral.co.uk

•1st-2nd

May, Puppy Socialisation, Dogs Go,

Raby Teach your puppy how to socialise and get used to being around other dogs. Held in Dogs Go’s purpose-built Bark Park, these sessions are aimed at small puppies under six months. There is a crèche area for very small or nervous pups, as well as two further large enclosed areas. Sessions run every weekend and cost £5 per dog. www.dogsgo.co.uk

•12th May, Freshwalk, New Brighton Enjoy a leisurely stroll that mixes fresh air, street art, great views and the history of the town. Led by Margo Storey from Heart of Liverpool Tours, the walk begins at 11am and ends at 1pm with a picnic lunch on the seafront. £15. www.freshwalks.co.uk

•22nd

May, The Celebrated Fundraising Concert, West Kirby Arts

Centre Join West Kirby Arts Centre’s house band The Celebrated as they perform a concert in aid of the charity Tyddyn Môn. The concert will feature the lyrics of Bob Dylan’s songs arranged to suit The Celebrated’s own style and fl air. 7.30pm. £8. www.westkirbyartscentre.org.uk •22nd May, Tappers Gin Fifth

Birthday Party, Birkenhead

Tappers Gin is turning fi ve and to mark the occasion it is opening its doors for some socially distanced celebrations. Enjoy an array of G&Ts and carefully curated cocktails, and meet the maker, Dr Steve Tapril, who will be on hand to answer any questions and give you a sneak peek into the working distillery. 6pm-10.30pm. £6, including a free G&T on arrival. www. eventbrite. co.uk

Music and more at West Kirby Arts Centre

Phil Chisnall & Split Level,

5th June Hear Phil perform solo, with a mix of self-written material and covers, then performing with Lynne Strange. 7.30pm. Tickets £8.

Raphael Callaghan, 11th June

Raphael returns with songs from his new album, Blue Lies. Expect vocal wizardry and stellar slide guitar. 7.30pm. Tickets £7.

Mersey Belles & Beaus, 19th

June Danielle, Rosie, Liam and Ged play various combinations of ukulele, banjo and bass, presenting a mix of vintage favourites and retro-infused pop classics. 7.30pm. Tickets £8.

Ciderhouse Rebellion, 25th

June A new folk duo comprising violinist Adam Summerhayes and master accordionist Murray Grainger. 7.30pm. Tickets £12. www.westkirbyartscentre.org.uk

IN TUNE AT FUTURE YARD

Live shows are back at Future Yard in Birkenhead. See four-piece Penelope Isles on 19th May, buzzing new Glasgow band VLURE on 15th June and rock outfit Black Country, New Road on 20th June.

All ticket holders will be allocated a “pod” within the venue. To book tickets, visit www.futureyard.org.

GET GREEN FINGERS

Make Hamilton in Birkenhead is hosting two Green Fingers workshops focusing on the fundamentals of plantkeeping: Keeping Houseplants Alive And Thriving on 8th May and Edible Greens On Your Balcony Or Backyard on 15th May. Tickets cost £30. To book your place, visit www.makecic.org.

Showbiz at the Floral Pavilion

Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli are reunited in the musical experience Judy & Liza at Floral Pavilion, New Brighton, on 4th June. The production tells the turbulent tale of the stars against the backdrop of their 1964 London concert and stars Emma Dears and Helen Sheals. www.floralpavilion.com

On stage at Gladstone eatre

David Harper: A Romp With The Georgians, 20th June

Join the star of BBC’s Bargain Hunt for historical stories. 2.30pm-5pm. Tickets £18.

The Take That Experience,

26th June The ultimate tribute act mark more than a decade in existence with their best stage show yet! 7.30pm10pm. Tickets £22. www.gladstonetheatre.org.uk

Volunteer for good

Could you spare some time to help keep the Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm, Bidston Hill, in tip-top condition?

The urban farm is run by a charitable trust with the aim of providing an enjoyable and educational experience for children and adults. Volunteers meet from 9am to 4pm on the third Thursday of each month. If you’d like to get involved, visit www.tamoshanterfarm.org.uk.

Stunning run in Port Sunlight

The 2021 Port Sunlight Festival of Running takes place on 13th June. The course, set entirely within the village’s road network, is suitable for experienced and novice runners alike. There are 5k and 10k distances, as well as a 1K fun run for children. Entry costs from £20. entries.runabc.co.uk

Music for all at Birkenhead Priory

The world’s largest DIY music festival comes to Birkenhead Priory on 21st June.

Make Music Day, part of the international Fête de la Musique, takes place in 700 cities across 103 countries and celebrates music in all its forms. The Priory event will be livestreamed and a live audience may be permitted. Visit www.makemusicday.co.uk.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

5TH-17TH JUNE

•5th June, Funhouse Comedy

Club, Gladstone Theatre

Enjoy an evening of comedy with Gary Delaney, comedy twosome Raymond and Mr Timpkins, and bubbly Brummie Lindsey Santoro. 7.30pm. £12. www.gladstonetheatre.org.uk

•5th June, Bee Happy: An

Introduction To Bees And Beekeeping, Make Hamilton,

Birkenhead Learn all about the life of a honey bee colony and the stages of hive activity through the year. Discover the equipment needed to keep bees, pull on protective gear and gain some handson experience with the Make Hamilton hives. All equipment provided. 1pm-4pm. £40. www. makecic.org/events-courses

•6th

June, NGS Open Garden, 24 Old Greasby

Road, Upton Take a peek at this surprising suburban garden. The front and rear gardens incorporate innovative features for climbing and rambling roses and clematis, and there are a wide variety of cottage garden plants as well as a productive kitchen garden. 11am-4pm. £4 adults, free for children. www.ngs.org.uk

•12th-

13th June, Wood Carving For Beginners, Ness Botanic

Gardens A two-day course led by renowned woodcarver John White, designed to teach the basic techniques needed for all types of wood carving. The course covers pattern and design development, setting out, tool selection and sharpening, and relief carving. All tools and materials supplied. £150. www. liverpool.ac.uk/ness-gardens

•17th June, Drink & Draw, Make Hamilton, Birkenhead Join a relaxed life-drawing session with a complimentary glass of wine and plate of cheese! The session is open to over-16s. 6.30pm8.30pm. £12. www. eventbrite.co.uk

Theatre Severn highlights DID YOU KNOW? Shappi Khorsandi Lesley Garrett, 16th May Join Britain’s most popular soprano for is the daughter of Iranian political an evening of song and satirist Hadi chat. Accompanied by Khorsandi pianist Anna Tilbrook. 7.30pm. Tickets £29.50. Macbeth, 24th-26th May This Kenton Cool: Everest The through on TV and then exciting new production of Cool Way, 30th May One of letting it all slip away. Shakespeare’s bloody tale the world’s most successful 7.30pm. Tickets £16.50. explores the damaging and and revered climbers talks psychological e ects of war, about his life of adventure, betrayal and destructive from the current state of political ambition. 2.30pm Everest to the jungles of and 7.30pm. Tickets £25. Bolivia. 7pm. Tickets £19.50. Stewart Lee, 27th May Two Shappi Khorsandi, 20th new sets: Tornado questions June Join Shappi for Stew’s position in the comedy a show packed full of marketplace; Snowfl ake sharp-tongued gags and examines his worth in a cultural observation – this society demolishing the liberal is Shappi’s warts-and-all values he has been keen to journey through the 1990s espouse. 8pm. Tickets £25. comedy scene to breaking

The Simon & Garfunkel Story: 50th Anniversary Tour, 27th

June Following a worldwide tour and standing ovations, The Simon & Garfunkel Story is back! Using huge projection photos, original fi lm footage and a live band, it features all the hits including “Mrs Robinson”, “Cecilia” and “Homeward Bound”. 7.30pm. Tickets £21.50. www.theatresevern.co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

MAY AND JUNE

•West Midland Safari Park, near Bewdley

The safari park is now open with measures in place to keep everyone safe. Guests follow the test-andtrace procedures on arrival. It is hoped that the daily talks and shows will return from 17th May, followed by indoor animal exhibits including Lorikeet Landing, Reptile House and Aquarium. Check the website for details. www.wmsp.co.uk

•Stargazing, Long Mynd

and Carding Mill Valley Four locations across the Long Mynd have been designated as Dark Sky Discovery Sites, where it’s possible to see the Milky Way with the naked eye. www. nationaltrust.org.uk/cardingmill-valley-and-the-long-mynd

Ready for adventure

Shrewsbury’s Love2Stay has reopened for outdoor activities, including water sports, outdoor swimming, archery, woodland school and an assault course.

Whether you’re an active family, a fitness fanatic couple or are looking for a teambuilding day out, Love2Stay has you covered. The possibilities are endless and the memories will last a lifetime. The coffee shop is also open for takeaways from 8.30am to 4pm daily.

Booking is required for any of the activities, although not for use of the playground, dog walk and dog agility course. Everyone is asked to heed current advice on social distancing.To book, visit www.love2stay.co.uk/activities/adventures.

ON SAFARI IN OSWESTRY

The British Ironwork Centre near Oswestry is open for visitors to explore the sculpture park and outdoor spaces, and is perfect for those who enjoy a leisurely walk while admiring unique sculptures. The UK’s largest metal safari park, with over 100 sculptures, also has a fabulous collection of art to explore. The current display includes the Knife Angel, made from over 100,000 knives and weapons taken from the UK streets, the Spoon Gorilla, designed in collaboration with Uri Gellar; and an array of metal safari animals. Dogs are more than welcome in the sculpture park. For more details, visit www.britishironworkcentre.co.uk.

Tour a haunted prison

Shrewsbury Prison is said to be the second most haunted jail in the world, and from 19th May you can see what lurks behind the high prison walls in the dead of night on a Ghost Tour.

Every Wednesday evening at 7.30pm and 9.30pm, a guide with an exceptional knowledge of the prison – particularly the ghostly tales and spooky experiences that regularly occur – takes visitors on a spooky torch-lit trip.

Tickets should be booked in advance and cost £20 for adults, £15 for children over 12 years. www.

shrewsbury prison.com

A bird’s eye view of nature

You can now enjoy the fascinating lives of our feathered friends without leaving your home by tuning in to CJ Wildlife’s live nesting webcams.

Discover the effort that goes into building nests, whether they’re in natural locations or nest boxes, before birds breed and lay eggs.

The webcams run 24 hours a day and allow you to marvel at the hatching chicks and feed routines of owls, storks, peregrine falcons, garden birds and even a pair of white-tailed eagles. They provide a front-row seat to the world hidden within the nest box.

To see for yourself, follow @CJWildlife on Facebook and Twitter, or visit www.

birdfood.co.uk/webcams

for more information.

•Oswestry

markets The town’s vibrant indoor market is held every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, selling everything from fresh cakes and bread to antiques and gifts. The outdoor street market can be enjoyed every Wednesday and Saturday, and includes a number of quality plant sellers and food producers. A monthly artisan market is held on the last Friday of each month.

•Market Hall, Shrewsbury The Market Hall welcomes visitors on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with some stalls also trading on Thursdays. All stalls should now be open as usual, allowing shoppers full access to the various specialists in groceries, meat, fi sh, fl owers, gifts, clothes and a whole lot more. 8am-3.30pm. www. markethallshrewsbury.co.uk

•Outdoor adventures, Attingham Park, near

Shrewsbury Whether you’re visiting on a weekday, weekend or half-term break, there’s plenty to see and do on your family walk at Attingham Park. The Field of Play is open for you to explore. Make sure you book your timeslot in advance. Usual National Trust admission applies for nonmembers. www.nationaltrust. org.uk/attingham-park

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

MAY AND JUNE

•Room To Roam, Dudmaston

Estate, nr Bridgnorth There’s plenty to explore in the wider Dudmaston Estate, which stretches across 3,000 acres. Car parks in Comer Woods, Hampton Loade and the Sawmill are open all year and parking is free for National Trust members. www.nationaltrust. org.uk/dudmaston

•Fresh food, Holly Farm Garden Centre, Prees, nr Whitchurch

Fresh fruit and vegetables are in stock, along with locally baked bread, fl our and lots of other delicious goods. Pick-your-own crops to be confi rmed. www. hollyfarmgardencentre.co.uk

•History Comes To Life, Ludlow

Castle One of the fi nest medieval ruins in England has reopened to the public. Set in the glorious Shropshire countryside at the heart of the bustling market town, the castle is open from 10am to 5pm. A one-way system in place and face coverings are compulsory. No pre-booking necessary. Adults £8, children £3.50. www.ludlowcastle.com

•Until 25th May, Assassins, Old Market Hall Cinema

Watch At Home The audacious murder of the brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in a crowded Malaysian airport sparked a worldwide media frenzy. At the centre of the investigation are two young women who are either cold-blooded killers or unwitting pawns in a political assassination. This movie goes beyond the headlines to question every angle of this case. Certifi cate 12A, tickets £9.99. www.oldmarkethall.co.uk

•7th May, Hussey Pizza Drive-Thru, Albright Hussey Manor Hotel, nr

Shrewsbury The weekend just got better, with drive-through pizza. Drive up the long drive, over the moat, then give your order to one of the team and proceed to the collection area. Each 14in pizza will be cooked fresh and should take around fi ve minutes. The drive-through is open 4.30pm to 7.30pm. Pizzas from £9.75. To see the full menu before you go visit www.albrighthussey.co.uk.

Make a splash in Shrewsbury

The annual Shrewsbury River Festival takes place on 6th June in Quarry Park and on the River Severn. The festival will feature various races and demonstrations on the river, canoeing, coracles, local independent craft stalls, children’s fancy dress and other competitions, as well as live entertainment. Come and enjoy a fantastic day of family fun, while learning about water safety awareness. Pirate fancy dress is encouraged.

Since his youth, the late Graham Galliers was always passionate about improving access to the river for everyone, thereby benefi ting the local tourist economy. One of the initial driving forces behind the Shrewsbury River Festival, he felt that the fun family event was a fantastic way of introducing people of all ages to the many facets of the river.

Entry to the Shrewsbury River Festival is free thanks to the hardworking committee of volunteers, independent stallholders and local supporters and sponsors based in the town. For a more details about the event, visit www.shrewsburyriverfestival.com.

Magical evening of pantomime

Follow the yellow brick road to Alderford Lake near Whitchurch for a magical outdoor theatre experience from 29th May to 4th June.

Immersion Theatre presents The Wizard Of Oz, a magical summer pantomime guaranteed to have you in stitches. Join Dorothy on her quest to the Emerald City with her loyal friends: the brainless but cheeky Scarecrow, the cowardly Lion and the heartless, tap-dancing Tin Man. Tickets cost £16.50 for adults and £13.50 for children. www.alderford.com

Diesel Bash at Severn Valley Railway

Experience the sounds, sights and smells of heritage diesel power with a full day of haulage and the chance to clock up the miles on Severn Valley Railway at its 2021 Spring Diesel Bash.

From 13th to 16th May, you can travel 100 miles behind your favourite diesel engines with your own private compartment or socially distanced table.

Day tickets start from £30. For more information and timetables, visit www.svr.co.uk.

Enter the wilderness

It’s Wilderness Week at Hawkstone Park Follies near Shrewsbury from 29th May to 6th June.

Make the most of the school half-term with an adventure in the 100-acre Follies. It’s the perfect place to explore caves, find trolls, cross bridges, climb towers, build dens, spot wildlife and let off some steam. Tickets must be booked in advance. For details, visit www. hawkstoneparkfollies.co.uk.

Time for a bargain hunt

Fans of all things vintage have two events to look forward to over the coming months. Shrewsbury Flea takes place at West Mid Showground in Shrewsbury on 8th and 9th May, followed by Oswestry Antique & Collectors Fair at Oswestry Showground on 12th and 13th June.

Both events, organised by Jo’s Events, are often the location for BBC’s Bargain Hunt. The shows are open 8.30am to 3.30pm on the Saturday, and 9am to 3pm on the Sunday. Entry costs £3.50. www.josevents.co.uk

Derwen College Garden Centre reopens

Derwen College Garden Centre & Gift Shop in Gobowen, near Oswestry, has reopened to welcome gardeners and shoppers.

The garden centre and shop, which provide work experience to students with special educational needs and/or disabilities, have an abundance of seeds, plants, shrubs, trees, gifts and cards for sale.

The Garden Café has also reopened and is providing a breakfast and lunch menu, drinks and snacks to take away or eat al fresco in the walled garden.

A new charity shop, The Vintage Advantage, has also launched on the site, selling quality clothing, accessories and homewear to bargain hunters.

For more information, including opening times, visit www.

visitderwen. co.uk.

to bargain hunters.

For more information, including opening times, visit www.

visitderwen. co.uk.

King of the castle

Take a trip back in time on an exciting outdoor adventure experience at a historic ruin from 29th May.

Adventure Out! Games allows you to assemble comrades and unleash your inner adventurer in dramatic locations including Acton Burnell Castle in Shrewsbury, Buildwas Abbey near Ironbridge, Clun Castle near Craven Arms and Haughmond Abbey in Upton Magna.

Go into battle against the clock and search for clues and puzzles along the way. Costumed characters bring the games to life. Tickets cost from £10 per person. www.adventureoutgames.co.uk

Diff erent strokes for Willow artists

A new exhibition at Willow Art Gallery in Oswestry, Painting With Words, allows three established artists to show another side of their artistic talent. Maggie Furmanek (print), Sara Piper Heap (metalwork) and Judith Harrison (collagraphs) will showcase hand stitching, lino-printing and stained glass, alongside their traditional work. The exhibition opened on 24th April and runs for seven weeks. The artists will be at the gallery on Saturdays.

www.willowgalleryoswestry.org

Beautiful blooms in Wem

Sunningdale garden in Wem is open to the public on 9th May as part of the National Gardens Scheme, just in time to appreciate the 100-year-old wisteria that flowers in May and climbs 30 metres into a tree, covering it with flowers. The garden is open from 11am until 4.30pm. Entry costs £4 for adults and children go free. Drinks and cakes are on sale. Tickets are available on the gate or in advance from www.ngs.org.uk.

Climbing high at Park Hall Farm

Park Hall Countryside Experience near Oswestry is looking forward to a summer of fun, as its outdoor and indoor spaces reopen. There’s plenty of outdoor fun to be had, including two adventure playgrounds. The Crazy Farm Adventure Course and Woodland Adventure Play Area allow children to scramble, climb or fly on the zip wire. From 17th May the venue reopens its indoor areas with an exciting new soft play zone and other new additions coming soon. Tickets are £10.95 (free for under-twos). www.parkhallfarm.co.uk

Horsing around at Blists Hill

Enjoy the Heavy Horse Themed Weekend at Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge, from 1st to 3rd May. Find out more about these gentle giants and the role they played in Victorian England. Alongside the museum’s resident shire horses, there will be several guest animals showcasing the work of horses in industrial times.

All activities will be outdoors and be able to watched from a safe social distance. Tickets should be bought in advance wherever possible. For prices, visit www.ironbridge.org.uk.

Explosive evening at Weston Park

Don’t miss an evening of amazing fireworks at a drive-in event at Weston Park, near Shifnal, on 22nd May. Three of the UK’s best firework companies will compete against each other with displays perfectly choreographed to music. You’ll also witness an an aerobatic performance from AeroSparx and the event will be capped off by a firework display from the organisers, MLE Pyrotechnics. Tickets costs £22 for adults and £12 for children. To book, visit www.fireworkchampions.co.uk.

Chamber music’s new venue

The prestigious Whittington Music Festival returns on 20th to 22nd May with three concerts at Holy Trinity Church, Oswestry. The move to the new venue allows for social distancing. The festival brings no fewer than 15 first-class musicians to Shropshire, all of whom have played at prestigious venues at home and abroad.

For full details of the line-up, as well as prices and information on how to book tickets, visit www.whittingtonmusicfestival.org.uk.

Roxy Music tribute step up in Bridgnorth

Roxy Magic bring a night of Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry classics to Bridgnorth’s Theatre on the Steps on 25th and 26th June.

Roxy Magic recreates material that spans four decades, from futuristic/nostalgic art rock, through to classic standards and sophisticated adult-orientated rock. Their aim is to give the audience a fabulously entertaining evening – highquality musicianship and Bryan Ferry look and sound-alike singer Kevin Hackett do just that.

The concert starts at 8pm and tickets cost £16. For details visit www.theatreonthesteps.co.uk.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

18TH MAY-20TH JUNE

•18th May, NGS Open Garden, Pooh Corner, St Martins

Filled with bees, birdsong and the soft colours of May, Pooh Corner is a plantswoman’s garden. Developed over 30 years, the garden gives particular emphasis to shadeloving perennials, unusual shrubs and climbers, some of which are rarely grown outdoors. 11am-4pm. Light lunches and refreshments available. Adults £5, children free. Booking essential. www.ngs.org.uk

•25th May & 26th June, NGS Open Garden, Brownhill House,

Ruyton XI Towns A unique twoacre hillside garden with many steps and levels. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of plants and styles from formal terraces to woodland paths. The lower areas are for the sure-footed and mobile, while the upper levels with a large kitchen garden have many places to sit and enjoy the views. Kit cars are also on show. 10am-5.30pm. Adults £5, children free. Booking essential. www.ngs.org.uk

•27th May, Wedding Open Afternoon, Lion Quays Resort,

nr Oswestry If you’re planning to tie the knot, then take the opportunity to view the Lion Quays function rooms set up for a wedding and discuss the options for your special day with the resident wedding team. There’s a complimentary glass of fi zz and canapés too. 11am5pm. Free entry but booking is required as numbers are limited. www.lionquays.co.uk

•29th & 30th May, Shropshire Outdoor Show, Whittington

Castle nr Oswestry An event for bushcraft, survival and outdoor pursuits enthusiasts, set in the castle grounds. If the outdoors is your thing, why not go along to see what it’s all about? 10am-4pm. Adults £6, children free. www. shropshireoutdoorshow.co.uk

•18th-20th June, Model Air & Camping Event, Weston Park,

nr Shifnal See model aircraft displays over the three days from top display pilots. There will also be trade stalls, onsite camping, a bar, a craft fair and entertainment. Four-night camping ticket £75. www. westonparkmodelairshow.co.uk

From rags to

records

Rory Graham, better known as Rag’n’Bone Man, speaks to Shire about his new single and forthcoming tour, and how he has found lockdown and fatherhood

Rag’n’Bone Man shot to fame in 2016, By Misadventure, is a collaboration with Pink haven’t sung most of the songs in public when his gravelly baritone could be called “Anywhere Away From Here”. All the before properly, so I don’t really know heard singing his hit single “Human” on tracks on the new album were recorded in how they’re going to make me feel. every radio station. With such a distinctive Nashville and were designed as “live first” “That’s always the worry when you write voice, it was easy to recognise his subsequent works: the music was rehearsed, recorded and songs – when you play live you have to string of hits, including ready to be taken on tour – just look people in the face when you’re saying “Skin” and “Giant”. The in time for lockdown. Now, a these things. The worry is that it will be too singer-songwriter is now year later than planned, Rory is emotional. But I can’t wait for that. I just releasing new material – “I am going about to hit the road and finally want to see people’s faces. I can’t wait!” something he’s been ready to do for quite some time! to cry – 100 take his new music to the masses. When the world turned upside down last year, per cent! I Ready to roll “We’re all ready,” he says. “Me there never seemed to be cannot wait!” and my band are really well the perfect time to release rehearsed because we were able a new record. “The worry to get together over the summer was that it would just get to record sessions. Originally we put off and off until everything was ‘back thought it would be just a good opportunity to normal’,” he says. “But now feels like to play together, but it was a great because the right time – I can’t sit on it forever!” now we know the songs really well. We

The first release from his new album, Life played them loads and everybody’s just itching to get on that tour bus again. “I’m so bad at being at home for long periods of time. I just sort of walked around the house aimlessly. I really didn’t know what to do. It has been Rag’n’Bone Man’s son was born in cool because I got to spend time with 2017, and the impact he has had on the my family, but at the same time it feels singer’s life is a theme woven into the new like a limb has been cut off because album’s lyrics. “I think you just become a part of my life was taken away. less selfish as a person,” he says about “It feels positive at the moment, though. fatherhood. “It definitely broadens your It feels as though we’re on the brink of it. thought process, but it also makes me a It’s right in front of us and we’re so ready.” lot more worried about the future. Like, The tour will take Rag’n’Bone Man what have I done bringing a child into across the UK, calling at the edges of this world? It’s crazy at the moment. the Shire patch in October, when he “All I want for my son is freedom – plays Manchester and Birmingham. He freedom of expression, freedom of thought believes it will be an emotional return and freedom to love whoever they want. to the stage. “I’m going to cry – 100 And there’s a lot of that on this album. This per cent! It will be emotional because I record is the most honest I’ve ever been.”