What's On Shropshire

WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER

•Until 11th January, Art & Craft 2019, Willow Gallery, Oswestry Exhibition including works by Nefelibata Photography, a collective of four Angleseybased photographic artists: Joan West, Cheryl Hamer, Sharon Eynon and Sian Monument. 9.30am-5pm. Free admission. • Until 24th November, Woollen Woods, Attingham Park, nr Shrewsbury Crafted creatures take over a section of Attingham Park’s Mile Walk once again. 9am-5pm. This is a free event but normal National Trust admission charges apply. • 1st November, Paul Simon’s Graceland performed by London African Gospel Choir, The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury The choir’s repertoire includes traditional and original songs from Africa in African languages and English, but also incorporates interpretations of African-American classics. Choreography adds a unique and spectacular element to their performance. 7.30pm. £27.50. • 1st & 2nd November, They Came From Mars, Birchmeadow Centre, Broseley Or to give it its full title, They Came From Mars And Landed Outside The Farndale Avenue Church Hall In Time For The Townswomen’s Guild’s Co ee Morning. A comedy that will make you laugh yourself silly. £9. Call 07759 799037. • 2nd November, Bonfi re & Firework Display, Brogyntyn Park, Oswestry Oswestry Town Council and Oswestry Borderland Rotary present their fantastic annual fi rework display, with all money going to charity. Managed by volunteers. 6pm-7pm. £5 adults, £1 children. • 2nd & 3rd November, Frost Fair, Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms A wide selection of crafts and Christmas gifts from talented Shropshire craftspeople will help you choose those special gifts for your family and friends. 10am–4pm.

Theatre Severn presents…

Doug Allan: Wild Images, Wild Life, 12th November Join award-winning wildlife cameraman Doug Allan for an evening of behind-the-scenes stories. With highlights from the most challenging assignments of his 35 years spent fi lming wildlife in the remotest places on Earth. 7.30pm. Tickets £20.

The Entertainer, 18th-23rd November Archie Rice is a washed-up entertainer playing a summer season. As his soldier son sails with the task force to liberate the Falklands, his daughter Jean returns from campaigning against the war, and Archie’s professional and personal lives collide with devastating consequences. Starring Shane Richie. 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Tickets from £19.50.

Go on a Santa safari at Hawkstone Park Follies Experience a magical adventure by Land Rover through the illuminated woodland to see Santa in his hillside grotto at Hawkstone Park Follies near Shrewsbury from 29th November to 23rd December. After a warming festive drink you’ll be whisked off across the park, through the Grand Valley, under the Wishing Arch and up the steep hill to Santa’s network of caves. His elves will keep you entertained as you wander around the decorated, fairy-lit caverns and tunnels until you fi nally arrive at your destination – the magical grotto itself, where every child will receive a gift from Santa. Tickets are £20 for children and £18 for adults. Booking essential. hawkstone parkfollies.co.uk

Tess Of The D’Urbervilles, 21st November Hardy’s fi ctional masterpiece traces the life of the young country girl Tess Durbeyfi eld. Driven by family poverty to claim kinship with the wealthy D’Urberville family, the innocent Tess crosses paths with her ‘cousin’, the dissolute Alec, and idealistic gentleman Angel Clare, with tragic results. 8pm. Tickets £15.50.

Mark Watson: The Infi nite Show, 24th November Having been cluster-bombed by yoghurt on Taskmaster and halfkilled on Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls, comedian Watson returns to what he’s best at: being indoors. 8pm. Tickets £21.

Aladdin, 4th December – 12th January Don’t miss this year’s fun-fi lled pantomime, starring the brilliant Brad Fitt, BBC Radio Shropshire’s legendary Eric Smith, Shrewsbury favourite Victoria McCabe and, direct from the National Theatre, Kate Malyon. Show times vary. Tickets from £15.50. theatresevern.co.uk

Yuletide blast from the past at Blists Hill Victorian Town

Travel back more than 100 years to experience the sights, sounds and smells of a traditional Victorian Christmas over the weekends of 7th to 8th and 14th to 15th December at Blists Hill Victorian Town, near Ironbridge.

Soak up the festive atmosphere with seasonal entertainment and activities. Meet Father Christmas and enjoy some festive food, or perhaps treat yourself to some fi sh and chips! Explore the traditionally decorated streets then step inside and warm up by the fi reside in the cosy cottages. Sing along with the brass bands and carol singers and take a horse-and-cart ride around the town. Tickets cost £18.50 for adults and £11.50 for children. To book visit ironbridge.org.uk.

Full steam ahead for a Severn Valley Christmas Steam In Lights, 29th-30th November and 3rd-7th, 10th-14th & 21st-23rd December Steaming from Bridgnorth, join a spectacular illuminated adventure along the enchanting Severn Valley and enjoy a dazzling extravaganza of magical creatures, sparkling lights, snowfall and thrills, from the warmth and comfort of a historic carriage. Various evening departure times. Tickets £22 adults, £15 children. Premium Santa Specials, 30th November, 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd & 24th December Indulge in roasted chestnuts, live music and plenty of photo opportunities at the decorated Bridgnorth and Kidderminster stations. Settle into reserved seats in a comfy, decorated carriage for a ride into the countryside with Santa. You’ll have time to chat with the big man himself as he visits every family on the train, handing out exciting gifts and posing for photos. Table for four from £110. The Festive Gin Train, 14th, 21st & 22nd December Travel through the Severn Valley in a luxurious 1936 fi rst-class carriage (once hauled by the Flying Scotsman), while sipping gin cocktails and enjoying a relaxing festive day out with friends. A journey fi t for any gin lover. Tickets £50. svr.co.uk

Fall of the Berlin Wall 30 years on at RAF Cosford

Nature-inspired visits with Santa at Attingham Park

The fall of the Berlin Wall was one of the defi ning moments of the Cold War, and on 9th November RAF Museum Cosford marks the 30th anniversary with three familyfriendly talks at 11.30am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm in its National Cold War exhibition. The exhibition and talks will explain how and why the wall was built, tell stories of some of the brave escape attempts, and take a look at the momentous events of 9th November 1989. Don’t forget to get your pass stamped by the border guard as you go through the ‘crossing point’, and take a photograph of yourself in front of an original piece of the Wall as displayed in the Berlin Wall Hotspot in the exhibition. The museum is open from 10am to 4pm and admission is free. rafmuseum.org.uk

Step through a magical wardrobe to visit Father Christmas and his gnomes at Attingham Park near Shrewsbury on selected dates from 30th November to 23rd December. Make sure you book your visit to see Father Christmas in advance so you don’t miss out on the special experience inspired by nature, which includes a Living Nature baby fawn memento of your visit.

Tickets cost £10 per child. Up to fi ve children can visit Father Christmas together and up to six people can accompany them. Non-members of the National Trust must also pay normal admission. nationaltrust.org.uk/attingham-park

Check out the Czechs

One of the best string quartets in the word, Wihan, celebrate their 35th anniversary with a performance at the Lion Hotel, Shrewsbury, on 15th November. With an outstanding reputation for the interpretation of their native Czech heritage,

the quartet will champion works from their home country alongside one of the ‘father of the string quartet’ Haydn’s virtuoso Op54 No.1 which comes to a comically stuttering fi nale. 7.30pm. Tickets £17. shropshiremusictrust.co.uk

Showtime at Theatre on the Steps

Viva La Coldplay, 2nd November A complete anthology of Messrs Martin, Buckland, Berryman and Champion, with over two hours’ worth of careerspanning material from 2000’s Parachutes to 2015’s A Head Full Of Dreams. 8pm. Tickets £12.

Strictly Abba, 15th-16th November One of the most authentic and accurate tributes to Abba packed full of all your favourite tracks. 8pm. Tickets £13.

Inspector Drake & The Black Widow, 21st-23rd November A treat for comedy lovers as Doreen writer David Tristram reunites the original cast of his cult Drake movies for a relentless assault on the funny bone. Gill ‘Doreen’ Jordan (pictured below) joins Alan Birch and Steve Witney in a comedy whodunit, as the world’s greatest detective investigates the death of oil tycoon John Johnson. Murder is usually no laughing matter, but in Drake’s surreal world, nothing is as it seems. 7.30pm. Tickets £18.

The Stones, 13th-15th December With all the energy and charisma of the Rolling Stones themselves, The Stones pay a faithful tribute to the sound and look of original. Performing hits such as ‘Satisfaction’, ‘Honky Tonk Woman’ and ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’. 7pm. Tickets £17. theatreonthesteps.co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 2ND-10TH NOVEMBER

•2nd November, Shropshire Artisan Fayre, Forge Urban Revival, Wakes Building, Oakengates, Telford Celebrate unique art, wonderful craft and fab food at this fayre that promises to showcase some of the best of Shropshire’s art, craft and food producers. Expect more than 30 stands and a fabulous café. 10am-2pm. Free admission. • 7th November, Big Country: Return To Steeltown, The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury The Scottish rock band, formed in the early 1980s and originally fronted by the late Stuart Adamson, celebrate the 35th anniversary of their second album Steeltown. As well as songs from the album, the band will perform more classic hits and live favourites. 7pm. £24.75. • 7th November, Rock For Heroes, The Place, Telford Hits from your favourite rock and pop artists peformed by a live rock band and superb singers, raising funds in support of Help For Heroes. 7.30pm. £18.50.

•10th November, Rowan Rheingans Solo: Dispatches On The Red Dress, Hermon Chapel Arts Centre, Oswestry A deeply connecting, intimate and courageous new live show by two-time BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner Rowan Rheingans (Lady Maisery, The Rheingans Sisters) who invites you to spend this Remembrance Sunday in a life-a– rming musical refl ection of history. 7pm. From £10. • 10th November, Market Drayton Winter Fair, Festival Drayton Centre, Market Drayton The popular annual festive event showcases a fabulous range of gifts, homeware crafts, food and more. There will be more than 40 stalls to peruse and an award-winning co˜ ee shop for you to enjoy too. 10am-4pm. Free admission.

Get a taste of Shrewsbury Chocolate Festival Shropshire’s sixth annual Chocolate Festival serves up a range of delights, workshops and delicious fun on 16th and 17th November at St Mary’s Church, Shrewsbury.

Join a wonderful array of award-winning chocolate makers, bean-to-bar producers and chocolatiers at this free festival, with is open from 10am to 5pm. The demo stage will have a range of talks, tastings and demonstrations, and the children’s lollipop workshop will be running over the two days. The event also hosts an evening with Joanne Harris, bestselling author of Chocolat, on 15th November from 6.20pm. Joanne will be talking about her latest book, The Strawberry Thief – the fourth in a series of novels that began with Chocolat. facebook.com/ ShrewsburyChocolateFestival DID YOU KNOW? It takes 1,000 cocoa beans to make 1kg of chocolate

Make treasured festive memories at Park Hall Park Hall Farm Experience near Oswestry is pulling out all the stops this Christmas to deliver a magical time for children from 23rd November. The Santa Experience runs on weekends from 23rd November and then daily from 21st to 24th December. The Santa package includes a very special visit to Santa with a generous present, festive drinks and treats in Santa’s Grotto, and admission to the Amazing Elf Academy where you can pick up some special tips from the elves to make your Christmas fun. All-day entrance to the farm and the daily activities are also included.

Tickets cost £15.95 for over-twos, £10 for undertwos and £9.50 for adults. parkhallfarm.co.uk

Don’t be spooked at Whittington Castle

Do you dare to brave a ghost tour of Oswestry’s Whittington Castle on 1st November? Join other visitors for a look around the castle where you will encounter the ‘ghosts’, who will tell you their spooky and spectacular tales.

Tours take place at 6.30pm and 7.45pm, and the tearoom will be open for refreshments before the tour. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 for children, although it isn’t suitable for younger children. To reserve your place, call 01691 662500 or email info@whittingtoncastle.co.uk.

On screen at Kinokulture

ROH Live: Concerto/ Enigma Variations/ Raymonda Act III, 7th November A mixed programme highlighting the versatility of the the Royal Ballet, from its classical origins in the works of Marius Petipa to the homegrown choreographers who put British ballet on the map. 7.15pm. Tickets £16.

Utting (Under Milk Wood, The Accrington Pals) and is a fast-moving telling of the tale accompanied by traditional music of the period, with tunes collected by Hardy himself. Starts at 7.45pm. Tickets £8.

NT Live: Present Laughter, 28th November Matthew Warchus directs Andrew Scott (Sherlock, Fleabag) in Noël Coward’s provocative comedy. Captured live from the Old Vic in London, this is a giddy and surprisingly modern refl ection on fame, desire and loneliness. 7pm. Tickets £12. kinokulture.org.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 14TH-21ST NOVEMBER

At Festival Drayton Centre Andy Rouse: Wild Animal Muses, 9th November The wildlife photographer brings his new show to Market Drayton, showcasing animals that have inspired him from his favourite leopard, Olive, to Muninya the mountain gorilla. 7.30pm. Tickets £16.50. Market Drayton Flower Club Christmas Open Evening, 18th November National fl oral demonstrator Ian Lloyd is a third-generation fl orist, an expert in wedding designs and an RHS Chelsea Flower Show judge. 7.30pm. Tickets £10. Hal Cruttenden: Chubster, 23rd NovemberHal’s daughters chose the title of his new show. He’s now on a diet. 8pm. Tickets £18. Michael Portillo: Life – A Game Of Two Halves, 26th November Although his political career came to a humiliating end in 1997, Michael has since endeared himself to many with his obvious respect for the workmanship found in the great railways of the world. 7pm. Tickets £22. Sleeping Beauty, 5th-8th December The team behind 2018’s Jack & The Beanstalk are back with a dazzling new pantomime, with jaw-dropping special effects. 6pm. Tickets £12.50. A Dickensian Christmas, 22nd December Celebrate Charles Dickens’ life and times through his writings and scenes from his best-loved novels, with a seasonal twist. Starring Robert Powell and Susan Jameson. 2.30pm. Tickets £21.50. festivaldraytoncentre.com DID YOU KNOW? Robert Powell was in Dickens’ The Mystery Of Edwin Drood on TV

Bishop’s Castle theatre treat Mid Wales Opera perform Mrs Peachum’s Guide To Love & Marriage at SpArc Theatre, Bishop’s Castle, on 23rd November – a rumbustious, tragicomic tale of love, loyalty and London gin. With melodies both familiar and new, from ‘Lillibolero’ to ‘Greensleeves’, the characters may live in the gutter but musically they’re looking to the stars. The performance is at 7.30pm and tickets cost £14. midwalesopera.co.uk

Father Christmas’s Ironwork grotto

A night that’s sure to go with a bang

The British Ironwork Centre near Oswestry opens its Santa’s grotto on 30th November, with visits available on various dates until 23rd December. Meet Santa and his team of elves to fi nd out if you’ve been on Santa’s nice list this year. Tickets are £8.50 for children and £1 for adults; booking is essential. Travel through Wonderland, meet Santa, have a special photo, pick a present and enjoy a treat in the café. british ironwork centre.co.uk

Shrewsbury Firework & Bonfi re Spectacular will wow crowds at the West Mid Showground on 2nd November. There will be two fi reworks displays, one at 6.15pm for young children and a louder version at 7.45pm. There will also be one of Shropshire’s largest bonfi res, a funfair and plenty of food and drink.

Gates open at 4pm. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children; under-sixes are free. westmidshowground.co.uk

Santa Paws makes a welcome return to Bradeley Green Make sure your dog doesn’t miss Bradeley Green’s popular Santa Paws event on 7th December. Not only will you and your pooch have the chance to meet the man himself, all dogs will receive a special gift from Santa while their humans enjoy a free drink and mince pie, seasonal music, Grinshill wreaths, tombola and much more. Bradeley Green is open from 9am to 5pm and will be extending its opening times until 8pm on the 14th, 21st and 28th November and 5th December. petcetera.co.uk

•14th November, Local Produce Market, Castle Square, Ludlow Shropshire’s largest farmers’ market, boasting 35 stalls of fresh local produce including meats, dairy, fruit and vegetables, baked goods, artisan charcuterie, apple juice, plants and some craft. Takes place on the second and fourth Thursday of the month throughout the year.

•16th November, Cultivating Gratitude, Pathway To Peace Retreat, Stapleton Hall, near Shrewsbury The Way of Creativity hosts a peaceful day retreat with creative sustenance for the spirit. E„ ortlessly transform life’s humdrum moments into deep contentment and stay connected to silver linings in di… cult times. A great preparation for winter. 10am4.30pm. £55. wayofcreativity.org • 16th & 17th November, Gorgeous Christmas Craft & Food Fair, Enginuity, Ironbridge Combining the best of contemporary craft from the Shropshire Guild of Contemporary Craft and selected designers from Shropshire and neighbouring counties. The emphasis is on showcasing local talent and skill. 10am-4pm. Free admission. • 16th & 17th November, Oswestry Antique & Collectors’ Fair, Oswestry Showground Featuring three large halls and outdoor space fi lled with stalls. 8.30am-4pm. £3.50 or £.250 for over-60s. josevents.co.uk • 21st November, Christmas Lights Switch On, Bailey Head, Oswestry Complete with a huge stage for all the local choirs and schools, VIP guests, fun family characters, street food, fi reworks and, of course, great lights. 4pm-6.30pm.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 22ND-30TH NOVEMBER

•22nd November, Swing & Ratpack with Neil Kristopher, Lepone’s, Oswestry A fabulous evening of nostalgic swing and Ratpack classics with a two-course meal and glass of fi zz. £25. leponesitalian.co.uk • 23rd November, A Fabulous Festive Fair, University Centre, Shrewsbury The Two Vegans will be hosting this fair, with over 50 stalls including vegan food, cakes, chocolate, gifts, toiletries, cosmetics, clothing, accessories, charity stalls and more. 10am-3pm. Free admission.

•24th November, Make Your Own Lampshade, ArtShack, Shrewsbury Join Amy Smith in this workshop, where she’ll teach you how to make your own lampshade. You simply bring a selection of fabrics to the workshop (minimum of one-metre lengths), then Amy will take you through the steps of how to successfully stretch the fabrics on to the 30cm drum lampshade. 10am-1.30pm. £40. To book call 07751 362171.

Arts come Alive across the county Pedlar’s Tales, Church Stretton Library, 2nd November; The Qube, Oswestry, 8th November; Wem Town Hall, 15th November; The Talbot Theatre, Whitchurch, 22nd November The Fetch Theatre presents a highly visual family theatre show incorporating puppetry and mask work. Mountain Music, Aston on Clun Village Hall, near Craven Arms, 2nd November Join Little Bulb Theatre/Farnham Maltings as they weave a tapestry both historical and fantastical, in an unforgettable evening of story and song. With sumptuous threepart harmonies and a foot-stomping fourpiece string band, it takes you on a musical migration to the birth of what we now call country music. 7.30pm. Tickets £10. Máire Ni Chathasaigh & Chris Newman: Celtic Christmas Strings, Silvester Horne Institute, Church Stretton, 6th December; Bitterley Village Hall, Ludlow, 7th December; Chelmarsh Parish Hall, near Bridgnorth, 20th December Máire and Chris’s alchemy on harp and guitar creates a very special magic. Individually famed for originality and virtuosity, together they have created one of the most distinctive voices in modern acoustic music. Their new Christmas show features a breathtaking blend of traditional Irish music, swing jazz and bluegrass, plus festive favourites given a fresh voice with arrangements that are intricate, inventive, moving and beautiful – a spellbinding treat for midwinter. artsalive.co.uk. DID YOU KNOW? Arts Alive aims to bring high-quality entertainment to rural Shropshire

Live at Shrewsbury’s Henry Tudor House

Jaki Graham, 17th November One of the UK’s most appealing soul singers achieved international success with a string of hits in the 1980s, including ‘Could It Be I’m Falling In Love?’ and ‘Set Me Free’. 8pm. Tickets £25.

Jarrod Dickenson, 24th November An intimate evening of songs and

spirits, supported by Darrin Bradbury with artwork by Mark Reihill. 8pm. Tickets £15.

Belshazzar’s Feast, 1st December Paul Sartin (Bellowhead/Faustus) and Paul Hutchinson (Hoover The Dog) bring their celebrated mix of traditional folk music, seasonal material, stirring in classical, pop and music hall, all topped oŽ with audience participation and lashings of wry humour. 8pm. Tickets £15. henrytudorhouse.com

•30th November, Whitchurch Christmas Lights & Fair, Whitchurch Civic Centre Watch the annual lights switch on and enjoy all the fun of the fair with the family. 5pm. • 30th November – 1st December Open Studio, The Pink House, Broseley Maggie Humphry, Pip Jones and Jan Park are three Broseley and Jackfi eld artists taking part in the MidShropshire Artists’ second 2019 open studios weekend. Eight diverse professional artists based in mid-Shropshire are involved, giving people an opportunity to see them working and discover what inspires their creative journeys. It’s also the ideal opportunity to buy original artwork direct from the artists. 10am-5pm.

Folk from Beirut at Willow Gallery Oswestry’s Willow Gallery presents The Trials Of Cato, a band from Beirut, on 22nd November. The band arrived fully formed and functioning from Beirut in the winter of 2016, and have since torn a shape very much their own into the canvas of the UK folk scene, being hailed as ‘one of the real discoveries on the folk circuit in recent times’ by BBC Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe. Whether plying their trade busking, performing in front of thousands at festivals across Europe, or frequently selling out their own club shows, The Trials Of Cato have the wind behind them.

Doors open at 7pm. Tickets cost £12 for adults and £6 for children. willowgalleryoswestry.org

Sky lights up over Alderford Lake Visit the picturesque Alderford Lake near Whitchurch for a Guy Fawkes Night celebration for the whole family on 2nd November. Join revellers at the lake for two spectacular fi rework displays, plus all the fun of the fair, and plenty of food and drink.

Gates open at 5pm and the bonfi re will be lit at 6pm. There will be a sound-sensitive display for younger children at 7pm followed by the main display at 8pm. Tickets cost £8.50 for adults and £5.50 for under-14s (under-threes are free). Visit alderford.com for details.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 30TH NOVEMBER – 6TH DECEMBER

Something for everyone at The Place Telford

Ruby Wax: How To Be Human, 14th November Ruby answers every question you’ve ever had about evolution, emotions, addictions, relationships, sex, kids, the future and compassion. 7.30pm. Tickets £23.50.

Gordon Hendricks is Elvis, 15th November Crowned 2017 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artiste Champion on the Graceland stage at Memphis. 7.30pm. Tickets £25.

An Evening with Jimmy White, 18th November The Whirlwind is one of snooker’s most colourful characters, and you’ll hear about it all – from the early century breaks through the ecstasy of major wins and 147s to the agony of missing out on the World Championship. 7.30pm. Tickets £20.

Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown, 28th November Roy is back and as naughty as ever. His politically

incorrect jokes are all delivered with perfect timing. Over-18s only. 7.30pm. Tickets £25.50.

Jack & The Beanstalk, 11th December – 5th JanuaryMeet our hero, Jack, as he attempts to defeat the evil Giant with help from his mother Dame Trott. Jack dreams of marrying Princess Jill and hopes if he saves the day his dreams may just come true. Tickets from £10. theplacetelford.com

Crafts and creativity at Dudmaston

Embrace the Christmas spirit at Dudmaston, near Bridgnorth, with festive events throughout the season. There’s a traditional Christmas Craft Fair on 23rd and 24th November from 11am to 4pm, when the Orchard and courtyards will play host to over 70 local artists, food producers and talented craftspeople who’ll be selling a selection of present-perfect goodies. Or get crafty at the Wreath Making Workshop on 8th and 15th December at 10am and 1pm. Booking is essential. nationaltrust.orguk/dudmaston

Historic war truck at Cosford A Bedford MWC 15cwt truck that was specially prepared to act as the bier for the ‘Father of the Royal Air Force’ Lord Trenchard’s funeral in 1956 is on display at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford. After years in storage, the truck has undergone conservation work and can now be seen on display in the museum’s Hangar 1 in its original condition. The RAF Museum Cosford is open daily from 10am and admission is free. For more information, visit rafmuseum.org/cosford.

Father Christmas drops in at Ludlow Farm Shop

Visit Father Christmas in his grotto at the Ludlow Farm Shop on 7th and 8th December. The shop, brimming with local festive fare, crafts and produce, features a guest appearance by Santa for one weekend only. Listen to him tell tales of his visits previous visits to Ludlow before each child is invited to receive a special gift. The experience includes storytelling, a gift and gingerbread, with mince pies and mulled cider for grown-ups. Tickets are £7.50 for children and £2 for adults; booking essential. ludlowfarmshop.co.uk

All the fun of Much Wenlock’s Christmas Fayre Much Wenlock has a Christmas Fayre that’s not to be missed on 7th December, with more than 100 stalls lining the streets and Church Green. The event will be opened at 10am by the world’s tallest town crier, Martin Wood, and special guest Anna Dreda. Enjoy brass bands, choirs, Santa Claus, children’s entertainment, carols and much more, ending with a candlelit procession at 4.30pm. wenlockchristmasfayre.org.uk

•30th November, The Greatest Of Shows, Tern Hill Hall, Market Drayton A Totally Flirt production featuring songs from The Greatest Showman, Moulin Rouge, Queen and more, plus dinner and a surprise performance. Call 01630 638310. • 30th November – 1st December, Castle Artist Christmas Exhibition, Public Hall, Bishop’s Castle Local artists come together to show ‘až ordable art’ – paintings, linocuts, watercolours, sculpture, textiles, ceramics and cards. 10am-5pm. Free admission and parking. • 30th November, Singing By Candlelight with Jane Read, Cleobury North Village Hall, near Bridgnorth Learn simple and beautiful sacred songs, in rounds and harmony. Everyone welcome – no singing experience needed. Please bring vegetarian food to share for tea. 3.30pm-7.30pm. £15 in advance. • 1st-24th December, Traditional Father Christmas and Nativity, Rays Farm Country Matters, near Bridgnorth Meet Father Christmas and his reindeer in a farmyard setting complete with a full-size nativity scene and real farmyard animals. Chat to Santa as he prepares the toys for that magical night, and see Rudolph and friends waiting to pull the sleigh full of presents! 10am-5pm. Adults £8.50, children £10.95 to include a present. Booking is essential. Call 01299 841255. • 1st December, International Piano Recital Series: Pietro Fresa, St Alkmund’s Church, Shrewsbury The sensational 19-year-old Italian concert pianist returns to Shrewsbury after his triumphant recital at St Chad’s in 2017. 2.30pm. • 6th December, Christmas Music By Candlelight, St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury The always popular, now traditional celebration of seasonal music

with readings. 7.30pm. Adults £21, under-25s £10.50, under-18s £1.

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF 6TH-21ST DECEMBER

•6th & 7th December, Disco Party Nights, Hawkstone Park, Westonunder-Redcastle Three-course dinner and disco, £24.95 per person. Special accommodation rates available for anyone attending the event. Tickets £21, under25s £10.50, under-18s £1. • 7th December, The Band From County Hell, Birchmeadow Centre, Broseley Celtic rock septet featuring singer/ guitarist Jock McLelland, multi-instrumentalist Ben McLelland, singer Joolz McLelland on bodhran and more. 7.30pm. Tickets £13.20. • 7th December, Christmas Ceilidh, Wattlesborough Village Hall, near Shrewsbury The Shrewsbury Morris annual Christmas Ceilidh this year moves to a fantastic new venue. The ceilidh will be a great start to the festive season – this year it’s a red and golden ceilidh with lots of Christmas music, fun dancing and a few surprises. 7.30pm11.30pm. Tickets £12 on the door, under-16s £2. • 14th December, Christmas Craft Fair, Meeting Point House, Telford Join the fun of the craft fair for festive goodies and stocking fi llers at the monthly craft fair in Telford town centre featuring local artists and handicrafts. Call 01952 292268 for details. • 15th December, Organ Recital with Chris Powell, The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury Live theatre organ entertainment from the Shropshire Theatre Organ Trust. 1.30pm-5pm. £7 on the door, members £6. No booking required. Visit shropshiretheatreorgantrust. co.uk for more details • 21st December, Making Festive Crackers, Decorations & Cards, Forge Urban Revival at The Wakes, Oakengates Enjoy a free family art and craft Saturday, where Kirsty will demonstrate how you can to make crackers, decorations and cards. Café open for refreshments. 10.30am-1pm.

Museum of the Moon visits Enginuity

Enjoy an immersive lunar experience at Enginuity, near Ironbridge, when artist Luke Jerram’s enormous seven-metre spherical Museum of the Moon sculpture is installed at the museum until 10th November. The awe-inspiring touring artwork was created using detailed Nasa imagery of the lunar surface with an approximate scale of 1:500,000 – each centimetre of the seven-metre spherical sculpture represents fi ve kilometres of the moon’s surface.

Internally lit, the installation gives visitors a surreal up-close experience by fusing lunar imagery and moonlight with a surroundsound composition by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winner Dan Jones. Enginuity is open from 10am until 4pm. Tickets are £9.50 adults, £6.50 for children fi ve to 16, under-fi ves free. ironbridge.org.uk DID YOU KNOW? Jerram’s Moon has been exhibited in 17 countries, from Canada to China

Yuletide in Oswestry

Christmas Light Switch On, 21st November Local schools and musical groups perform on the large stage erected on the Bailey Head to celebrate the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights. Great family night out. From 4pm.

Produce Market, 24th November Hand-picked Shropshire-based food and craft producers selling the best the county has to o› er in the town centre. 9am until 3pm

Christmas Music Live, 6th December One of the largest and most spectacular nighttime events in Shropshire, featuring huge amusement rides, ice rink, Christmas stalls, late-night shopping, Santa’s grotto, live music stage and much, much more. A fantastic night out for all the family. 5pm until 10pm.

Christmas Parade, 7th December Organised by local Rotary Groups, this huge event raises thousands of pounds for local charities. Giant fl oats, walking parades and live music throughout. Starts 11am.

Christmas Artisan Market, 20th December A collection of top-quality local craft and food producers held in Bailey Street and the Bailey Head with a Christmassy feel. 9am until 3pm. oswestrymarket.co.uk

Christmas at Derwen Winter Festival in Ellesmere

Don’t miss a festive day of seasonal fare, gifts and a visit from Father Christmas at Derwen College’s restaurant, café and garden centre on 13th December. The specialist college and charity in Gobowen, near Oswestry, will be lit up and decorated for late-night shopping, tea with Santa and an evening Christmas menu. Bring the kids to share their tea with Santa at the Garden Café between 4pm5.30pm. Booking essential.

The garden centre and shop will be open until 7pm offering seasonal plants, Christmas cakes, Christmas hampers, wreaths and many more Christmas gift ideas. For more information go to visitderwen.co.uk.

Visit Ellesmere for the fabulous Winter Festival on 29th November as the town’s shops open for a bustling evening of entertainment. The revelry starts at 4pm with the Christmas market and Santa’s grotto in the Market Hall. Santa leaves to feed his reindeer at 5.30pm and the evening events begin.

Enjoy carols around the tree in the town centre, spy Santa on a narrowboat, then experience the Fizztastical Fizzgigs Lantern Parade and Street Band. With loads of shopping, fun, food and drinks, it’s a perfect start to Christmas. ellesmere.info

Up close with England coach Eddie Jones

Fresh from this year’s Rugby World Cup, Booka Bookshop presents an Evening with England coach Eddie Jones at Lion Quays, Oswestry, on 19th November. Jones is one of the most decorated coaches in world rugby, with a career spanning four World Cups, including causing the greatest upset in 2015 when he masterminded Japan’s defeat of South Africa, and since 2015 he has revived the England team brilliantly. In My Life & Rugby he tells his story for the fi rst time, including the full inside story of England’s 2019 World Cup campaign. From 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Tickets £20 to include the book. bookabookshop.co.uk