Russell Watson

Finding his voice again

For over two decades, Russell Watson has been one of the most popular classical stars on the planet. His current tour – which sees him play Shrewsbury and Crewe this autumn – marks 21 years since the release of his debut album, The Voice, which shot him to fame

With a string of hit albums behind him, Rusell Watson, the man dubbed “The People’s Voice”, has performed for popes and presidents and opened sporting events from the Champions League final to the Commonwealth Games. Now, with live music opening up again, the Salford-born singer is finally getting back to doing what he does best, playing a series of live shows to celebrate 21 years since the release of The Voice, the debut album that made him a household name. He is due to perform at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury on 22nd October and Crewe Lyceum on 21st November, as well as various venues skirting the Shire region.

As if that wasn’t enough, Russell has also released 20, a collection of new versions of his biggest tracks. With a career as long as Russell’s, there were plenty of tracks to choose from, but he came up with a list that is sure to please everyone. “There were the obvious ones that had to be in there, those ones the fans always demand such as ‘Nessun Dorma’ and ‘Volare’,” he says. “They made it straight on to the record! Another easy choice was ‘Where My Heart Will Take Me’, the theme from Star Trek: Enterprise. That was such a career highlight for me, to be asked to sing something that’s going to go down in history forever. I watched Star Trek as a kid, so it was a real shock that out of all the artists in the world, Paramount chose me to do that. I’ve always been very proud to have been involved with that.

“The album kind of chose itself, though there are still a few that maybe could have been there too, such as ‘You Raise Me Up’.” “I just want to get back out on that stage again and do what I love doing more than anything in the world”

Drive and determination

Russell has come a long way since his days grafting on a Salford factory floor by day and singing in clubs by night, but he maintains that to get where he is today has taken a lot of drive and resilience.

“I don’t know where the drive comes from, but it’s always been there,” he says. “I lost count of how many times when I was working through that period in the clubs when I was told to forget about it, but the more I was told no, the more determined I became. It was like a red rag to a bull!

“Even 18 months before I had my first album at the top of the Classical Charts I was told by a major label that I would never be a classical singer and should try Broadway or something. But there was always something in my mind that just knew I’d achieve my goals in life, no matter how long it took. That drive and determination have always been in me.”

Russell’s work ethic is clear from what has been a relentless touring schedule throughout his career – so having live music put on indefinite hold during the pandemic was a big change. Naturally, Russell says, his first concern is for people’s safety but he admits not being able to do the thing he loves the most has been difficult, making his upcoming tour all the more special.

“It’s become much more relevant to me these past 18 months or so that I live to sing. It’s something that’s very personal to me, so when I’m not in tune with performance, the adrenaline rush and the thrill that it gives me to be on stage in front of an audience, it fundamentally affects me and who I feel as I am as a human being. Obviously, we’ve gone through the darkest of times and there are many, many people way worse off than me, but it still wasn’t easy. I just want to get back out on that stage again and do what I love doing more than anything in the world. I’m just so thrilled to get that opportunity to do that again. I cannot wait.”

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

11TH SEPTEMBER-2ND OCTOBER

Muddy mayhem in Birkenhead

DID YOU KNOW? Race for Life events have been running since 1994

Are you ready to get muddy to raise money for Cancer Research UK? Race for Life’s Pretty Muddy is a brilliant 5km obstacle course that allows you to do just that. Scramble over the A-frame, crawl through the mud pit, have fun with your friends and raise valuable funds for life-saving research. There is a separate event for kids, allowing them to get gloriously muddy with their friends and raise money too! Pretty Muddy takes place in Birkenhead Park on 9th October. Entry costs £19.99 for adults and £10 for children over 13. Visit raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org.

•11th

September, Mindful Macramé: Sustainable Plant Hanger, Make Hamilton, Birkenhead

Join Vicki for an afternoon learning the basic knots and techniques that form the foundation of macramé, and put your newfound skills to great use creating a beautiful plant hanger of your own. 1pm-4pm. £30. www. makecic.org/events-courses

OPEN UP LOCAL HISTORY

Heritage Open Days on

10th to 19th September

give you the chance to visit places including Bidston Observatory and Clifton Road Masonic Hall free. www.

heritageopendays.org.uk

Sublime ceramics on show

See richly coloured pottery and tiles in a new exhibition of De Morgan Ceramics at the Lady Lever Art Gallery from 1st October. Visit www. liverpoolmuseums.org.uk.

•18th September, Roaring

Twenties Summer Ball, The

Neston Club, Neston Head back to the 1920s for the social event of the season! The Neston Club’s black tie ball includes bubbles on arrival, a wonderful threecourse meal and a great band with dancing till late! 6.30pm. Early bird tickets £52.50. www.thenestonclub.co.uk

TAKE ON THE TUNNEL

Enter the Mersey Tunnel 10K to run right under the river Mersey! The race on 26th September starts on Blackstock Street and takes runners through the Wallasey Tunnel for 2.5km. With a flat second half, this race is popular with those looking for a PB. Entry costs £25 to £27. www.btrliverpool.com/tunnel-10k-event

Jazz hands!

e Irby Club has live traditional jazz on the rst and third Wednesday of every month. Admission free. 8pm. www.jazznorthwest.co.uk/panama.htm

Get set to cycle

e Leverhulme Summer Cycle on 12th September is ideal for cyclists of all ages and abilities – a great day out for all the family. Free but registration is required.

www.summercycle.co.uk

FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY AT THE FLORAL PAVILION

Ian Waite and Vincent Simone: Act Two,

4th October The Ballroom Boys double act returns! With beautiful costumes and world-class routines, the Strictly stars promise a wonderful evening of dance, comedy and song. 7.30pm. Tickets from £31.75.

Alistair McGowan: The Piano Show, 7th

October McGowan combines his talents as an impressionist and comedian with his newfound talent as a classical pianist. 7.30pm. Tickets £24.

Peppa Pig: Best Day Ever! 23rd-24th

October From dragons to muddy puddles, this a show packed with fun as well as songs and laughter! 10am. 1pm & 4pm. Tickets from £14.75 children, £16.75 adults. www.

floralpavilion.com

•18th-19th

September, Woodcarving for Beginners, Ness

Botanic Gardens Get started on this fascinating craft with a two-day course led by renowned woodcarver John White, designed to teach participants the basic techniques needed for all types of woodcarving. Tools and materials supplied. £150. www. liverpool.ac.uk/ness-gardens

•24th

September, The Killers Kollective, Heswall Hall

The Killers Kollective are a popular and polished tribute act. Playing hits including “Mr Brightside” and “When You Were Young”, they always leave the crowd on a high! 7.30pm. From £14. www.heswallhall.co.uk

•2nd October, Autumn

Gin Tasting, Tappers Gin Distillery, Birkenhead

Celebrate the arrival of autumn with a gin tasting at the Distillery Tasting Room. After a brief tour of the distillery, the tasting will be led by producer Dr Steve Tapril. 7pm. From £25. www.tappersgin.com

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

3RD-31ST OCTOBER

•3rd October, All Star

Superslam Wrestling, Floral

Pavilion, New Brighton A knockout tournament to decide the new All Star Superslam Wrestling tag team champions. Enjoy a night of non-stop action that will have you on the edge of your seat. 3pm. £16.50 adults, £11.50 children. www.fl oralpavilion.com

•9th

October, West Kirby Autumn Wine Festival, West Kirby Arts Centre

Raise a glass as Dove and Olive bring you a selection of their favourite wines from around the world. There will be live acoustic music, a wine quiz and nibbles. 5pm-10pm. £10. www. westkirbyartscentre.org.uk

•16th

October, Heswall Farmers’ Market, Heswall Hall

Pick up some delicious goodies and support local producers. Stalls vary but there’s always something for everyone including: meat, fi sh, fruit and vegetables, cheeses, pies, jams and chutneys, cakes and other baked goods, pizza, ice cream and street food. 10am-2pm. www.facebook. com/HeswallFarmerMarket

•16th October, O Road 8,

Thurstaston Country Park

With a great mix of challenging terrain, this eight-mile race takes runners to beaches, hills and trails with amazing views across to the north Wales coastline. 10am. £23£25, with a medal for every participant. www.btrliverpool. com/o -road-8-event

•31st October, Wirral 10

Miler & 10K, New Brighton

Both events o er a fl at course perfect for setting a new PB, with a stunning route along the waterfront promenade. 9.30am. Entry £24£29. www. btrliverpool. com

Live at Gladstone Theatre

Jesus Christ Superstar, 15th-18th

September HAWK Theatre’s talented cast and live band breathe new life into the award-winning musical. 7.30pm. Tickets £14.

John Lydon: I Could Be Wrong,

I Could Be Right Q&A, 21st September The frontman of the Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd talks about his extraordinary career and takes audience questions 7.30pm. Tickets from £30.

Women in Rock, 8th October A full two-hour set from the UK’s premier show dedicated to legends from Janis Joplin and Tina Turner to Debbie Harry and Joan Jett. 7.30pm. Tickets £18.

DID YOU KNOW? Tina Turner was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year

Harry Panto: Return to Frogwarts!, 27th October Magical illusions, pop songs and things that go bump in the night in this bewitching show sure to delight all the family. 2.30pm. Tickets from £11.50.

www.gladstonetheatre.org.uk

On the Ale Trail

The Wirral Real Ale Trail returns on 4th September to transport you to fantastic pubs without worrying who’s driving! The real ale bus takes you to some of the best watering holes in the Wirral, with a minimum of three real ales in each pub – and plenty more besides. www.

realaletrail. co.uk/wirralreal-ale-trail

PROMS IN THE PARK

Enjoy a musical feast at the seventh annual Parkgate Proms at The Neston Club on 19th September. Relax, enjoy fine food and wine and listen to the wonderful 32-piece Orchestra dell’Arte, who will bring you a varied programme with a regal feel. 1pm. Tickets from £25.

www.thenestonclub.co.uk

Challenge yourself to beat cancer

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life returns to Birkenhead Park on 10th October. These events are more important than ever, so come along, challenge yourself and raise money. £14.99 adults. raceforlife.

cancerresearchuk.org

BRINGING THE ARTS ALIVE

The Wirral Arts Festival from 2nd to 16th October offers highquality live entertainment and art in venues across Wirral. www.wirralarts

festival.co.uk

Wirral Wedding Fayre

Love will be in the air on 17th October at the Wirral Wedding Fayre. Some of the region’s finest wedding specialists will be at the Holiday Inn, Ellesmere Port, with advice and inspiration. Noon. Free entry and goody bag for all.

www.redevent weddingfayres.com

Music at West Kirby Arts Centre

All I Have To Do Is Dream, 10th

September Tennessee Waltz celebrate the hits of the Everly Brothers. 7.30pm. Tickets £15.

Steve Knightly: Pass Notes,

12th September The art of songwriting. 7.30pm. Tickets £20.

Harbottle & Jonas, 16th

October Multi-instrumentalists with astonishing vocal harmonies. 7.30pm. Tickets £10.

Roving Crows, 29th October

Celtic folk. 7.30pm. Tickets £10.

www.westkirbyartscentre.org.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

3RD-16TH SEPTEMBER

•3rd September, Whitchurch Comedy Festival, Dodington Lodge Hotel

Various acts are performing during the month, starting with Paul Sinha. 8pm. £18. www.funnybeeseness.co.uk

•10th-12th September, Sausage’n’Cider Festival,

Ellesmere Cricket Club Folk/ acoustic music on Friday, cricket and evening entertainment on Saturday and a fun day Sunday. See Facebook for details.

•11th September, Oteley Estate Open Gardens & Market,

Ellesmere Explore the 10-acre garden and do a little shopping. 10am-5pm. Parking and market entry free; garden £5 adults, children free. www.oteley.com

•12th September, Porthywaen Silver Band, Cae Glas Park, Oswestry

The band, a registered charity, has been in existence since 1934, and puts a strong emphasis on helping young people learn instruments. 2pm-4pm. Free. www.oswestry-tc.gov.uk

•12th September, Walk & Talk: Late Summer Colour, Dorothy Clive Gardens, nr Market

Drayton Head gardener Zdenek Valkoun-Walker will advise on extending the flowering season and coping with particular gardening concerns. 1.30pm3.30pm. £5 plus garden entry. www.dorothyclivegarden.co.uk

•From 16th September, PYO Pumpkins, Llynclys Hall Farm

Shop, nr Oswestry Known locally as simply “the pumpkin farm”, Llynclys Hall has thousands of pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. For further details visit www. llynclyshall. co.uk.

Top pop in the Town Park

Telford’s QEII Arena is welcoming two headline acts this September. Legendary crooner Sir Tom Jones performs on 3rd September, and former X-Factor contender and cheeky chappy Olly Murs appears on 5th September. Sir Tom – now 80 – is a true national treasure with a career in music lasting more than five decades. Olly first found the spotlight in 2009 and has since become a familiar face on TV. Standard ticket prices start at £55 and can be booked via www.ticketstelford.com.

Theatre Severn highlights

Ben Fogle: Tales From The Wilderness, 14th September

Tales from Ben’s adventures around the world. 4pm and 7.30pm. £28.50.

Spontaneous Potter, 10th

October An improvised, totally unofficial adaptation. 4pm and 7.30pm. From £11.50.

Adam Kay: This Is Going To

Hurt, 14th October Adam shares tales from his time as a junior doctor. 8.30pm. £26.50

Russell Watson, 22nd

October Celebrating 20 years since the release of The Voice. 7.30pm. From £39.50.

www.theatresevern.co.uk

Boots ready?!

A number of walking festivals take place this autumn. Head to Ironbridge from 4th to 12th September (www. ironbridgewalking.co.uk), Wellington from 13th to 19th September (www.wellington

walkersarewelcome.org.

uk) and Montgomery from 2nd to 3rd October (www. montgomery-waw.org.uk).

HERITAGE OPEN DAYS

Take the change to explore places often hidden from the public with Heritage Open Days from 10th to 19th September. Venues include the Greek Orthodox Church in Shrewsbury, the Bishop’s Castle Railway Weighbridge Project and the White House at Aston Munslow (left). www.

heritageopen days.org.uk

Treasure hunting

Oswestry Antique & Collectors Fair takes place at Oswestry Showground on 18th and 19th September. There will be a mixture of indoor and outdoor stalls offering a wide range of items. Free parking is available on the site and dogs are welcome. Open 8.30am to 3pm. Adults £3.50, under-16s free.

www.jos-events.co.uk

Discover a trail of open studios

The annual Secret Severn Art Trail takes place from

1st to 12th

September, with a number of studios open in and around Ironbridge Gorge. An additional pop-up studio will also be open so visitors can enjoy the work of more than 40 local artists.

www.secretsevern.co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

16TH SEPTEMBER-1ST OCTOBER

DID YOU KNOW?

Weston also hosts Porsches on the Park on 19th September Models and more at Weston Park

Weston Park’s International Model Air Show celebrates its 25th anniversary on the weekend of 3rd to 5th September. As well as full-size and model displays of aeroplanes, cars, boats and helicopters, there will be trade stands, crafts, food and drink stalls, a fun fair and live music. Saturday finishes with the Night Fire Festival, which sees a computer-controlled light display and fireworks finale. Tickets cost £14 for adults and £6 for under16s, plus booking fee. www.weston-park.com

Go green!

The auditorium at Festival Drayton Centre hosts two festivals dedicated to improving the wellbeing of both ourselves and the planet this October. Health & Wellbeing takes place on 13th October from 10am to 2pm, while Go Green will be held on 29th October from 10am to 2pm, as part of Drayton Arts Festival. For further details visit www.draytonartsfest.org.

A DAY AT THE RACES

Ludlow Racecourse’s first National Hunt race of the season takes place on 6th October, with a subsequent meet on 21st October. The racecourse opens two hours before the first scheduled race, and hospitality packages are available. Tickets cost from £10, and entry for under-18s is free. For more, visit www.ludlowracecourse.co.uk.

Quick-fire comedy

Bristol’s highly acclaimed comedy improvisation company Instant Wit return to the Festival Drayton Centre on 30th October for an evening of songs, gags and silliness. The show starts at 10pm. For details, visit www.festivaldraytoncentre.com.

A CELEBRATION OF ENGLISH SONG

An evening of military magic

The annual Ludlow Song takes place on 29th and 30th October in the “Cathedral of the Marches”, St Laurence’s Church. It features six live performances of music and poetry, and tickets start from £30 per event. To book, visit www.ludlowenglish songweekend.com.

Britain’s Got Talent winner and magician Lance Corporal Richard Jones will be wowing audiences at Festival Drayton Centre on 29th October. With some new tricks and plenty of awe-inspiring magic, the theme of this tour is “magic with meaning”. Tickets cost from £22 for adults and £19.50 for under-16s. www.festivaldraytoncentre.com

•16th September, Only Fools & Boycie, The Place,

Telford Comedy actor turned author John Challis shares stories and anecdotes from his showbiz career. A meet and greet takes place after the show. 7.30pm. From £19. www.theplacetelford.com

•18th September, Ultra White Collar Boxing, The Buttermarket, Shrewsbury

Amateur boxers slug it out to raise money for Cancer Research UK. A strict blacktie dress code is in place. 5pm. Standard tickets £25, VIP options available. www. ultrawhitecollarboxing.co.uk

•18th September & 30th October, Late Night Shopping & Dining, Market

Hall, Shrewsbury Unique, independent, boutique stalls and an eclectic range of eateries, open until 10pm www. markethallshrewsbury.co.uk.

•18th September13th November, Brick By Brick: International Lego Brick Art, Shrewsbury Museum

& Art Gallery A display from artists around the world using Lego as their inspiration. 10am-4pm. A small entry fee to the museum may be payable. www. shropshiremuseums.org.uk

•1st October, All Stars Superslam Wrestling, The Place, Telford

An action-packed night of tag team wrestling to decide who will become the new All Stars Tag Team champions. 7.30pm. £15.50 adults, £10.50 children, families £46. www.theplacetelford.com

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

3RD-20TH OCTOBER

•3rd October Classic Cars, Alderford Lake, Whitchurch

A mix of classic cars and motorbikes dating from the start of the 20th century to the present day will be on display. Food and drink is available from the café. Open from 9.30am. Spectators should select general admission when booking tickets. £7 for car with two people; additional person pass £1.50. www.alderford.com

•9th October, Apple Day, Bailey Head, Oswestry

Annual event celebrating apples, healthy eating and environmental awareness. Local orchard group CROP will be on hand to offer growing advice, and there will be lots of varieties to try. 10am-3pm. Free. www.oswestry-tc.gov.uk

•16th October, Showaddywaddy, The

Place, Telford Formed in Leicester in the 1970s, Showaddywaddy have sold over 20 million records and will be playing all their biggest hit songs during this uplifting show. 7.30pm. £26.50. www.theplacetelford.com

Get back to nature

Halloween happenings in Ironbridge Gorge

Created by a group of volunteers, along with Shropshire Climate Change Action Partnership and Shropshire Wildlife Trust, the Shropshire Love Nature Festival is taking place at a number of venues across the county. Fordhall Organic Farm hosts several events, including the Muck & Magic Tour on 1st September at 9.30am. Tickets cost £7.50 and can be booked at www.fordhallfarm. com. Other festival events are listed on the Shropshire Love Nature Festival Facebook page.

A range of spooktacular activities are on offer at Ironbridge Gorge Museums this October. The Witches Potion Trail runs from 23rd to 31st October at the Coalbrookdale Museum of Iron, and on 26th and 28th October, younger visitors can get involved in Coalbrookdale Cauldrons, a storytelling tour aimed at three- to six-year-olds, with witchy fancy dress welcome. Older visitors, meanwhile, may prefer the storyboard and cartoon workshops happening at Blists Hill Victorian Town on 27th October. DID YOU KNOW? Before pumpkins arrived from the US, Britons would All children must be accompanied, and activities are included with regular admission. For full details, visit www.ironbridge.org.uk. carve turnips!

Church open gardens

A number of private church gardens are open to visitors this September as part of Shropshire Historic Churches Trust’s open gardens event. Small entry fees are payable, with monies raised going directly to conservation of these ancient buildings. For the full listing, visit www.shropshirehct.org.uk.

Film screenings

Shropshire Supports Refugees, Shropshire Ethnic Minority Alliance, The Hive and Arts Alive present a selection of four international films exploring what it is to be human, starting with the Oscar-winning Minari (pictured) on 6th September.

www.hiveonline.org.uk

See the baby rhinos!

•16th October, Mark Thomas, Theatre Severn,

Shrewsbury The godfather of political comedy is back on the road with his biggest tour to date. From £19. www.theatresevern.co.uk

•20th October, Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri, Henry Tudor

House, Shrewsbury “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” singer Kiki Dee and guitarist Carmelo Luggeri perform original songs and covers. 8pm. £25. www.henrytudorhouse.com Paranormal investigation behind bars

With its long and grisly history, Shrewsbury Prison is a prime site for ghost hunters. Paranormal investigations run regularly, operated by a variety of professional external organisations. The next one takes place on 4th September. Warm clothing, appropriate footwear and torches are recommended. Tickets cost £55 and can be booked at www.keapinsidetheparanormal.co.uk. Visitors to West Midland Safari Park this autumn will get the chance to see two special arrivals: rare baby white rhino calves. The park is open daily for safari visitors, with VIP options and animal experiences available. Currently all guests booking tickets online will receive a free return code valid for up to six months after their original visit. Exclusions apply. www.wmsp.co.uk

THE ORIGINAL FOOD FAIR

The original food festival returns to Ludlow Castle for its 26th year from 10th to 12th September. More than 180 exhibitors will be present, showcasing the best in local food, perry, cider, wine and real ale. It’s a true delight for the senses. Adults £12, children £4. www.

ludlowfoodfestival.co.uk

DID YOU KNOW? The original Oktoberfest in Munich has been running since 1810

SHROPSHIRE OKTOBERFEST

Shropshire Oktoberfest takes place in the Quarry Park on 1st and 2nd October. The fun event offers more than 180 real ales, a lager bar, a gin den and a prosecco parlour along with mixology classes, a farmers’ market, comedy, live music and a silent disco with capacity for 500. Organisers are proud to showcase local producers with no national brands on sale. Last orders will be called on both dates at 9.30pm. Adult tickets start at £9, with VIP options available. Dogs are not permitted. www.shropshireoktoberfest.co.uk

WHAT’S ON IN BRIEF

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER

•Telford Exotic Zoo

Now at a new location within Telford Town Park, Telford Exotic Zoo is open daily 11am-4pm. Adults £6, children £5, undertwos free. exoticzoo.co.uk

•Sundays, Live Music, The

New Inn, Newport A wide range of acts perform every Sunday evening. Free admission. Full listings can be found at www.newinnevents.co.uk.

Mud mayhem awaits

Join the Shropshire Mud Run at Eaton Mascott Hall near Shrewsbury on 18th September. Entrants can choose between 5km and 10km distances, each offering more than 20 obstacles to overcome. Prices vary according to length of race, and group tickets are available.

www. ultimate fitness events.uk

TAKE THE NIGHT TRAIN

Travel all day or all night on Severn Valley Railway during its Autumn Steam Gala, from 16th to 19th September. Prices start from £30 per person. For details, visit www.svr.co.uk.

Turn detective in Telford

On 23rd

October

Clued Upp Games hosts an outdoor detective adventure guided by app, when teams can solve the mystery of the Telford Ripper. Team tickets cost £36. www.cluedupp.com

Food festivals brighten up autumn

Shrewsbury Food Festival, 4th & 5th September

Expect local food and drink exhibitors, cookery demonstrations, chef school, a barbecue stage, kids entertainment and live music at The Quarry. There is even a dog creche provided by Dogs Trust. Day tickets are £16.50 for adults, £8.50 for children and £48 for families when bought in advance. www.shrewsburyfoodfestival.co.uk

Oswestry Food Festival, 18th & 19th September

The free, friendly food festival takes place in the town centre, where there is already a thriving café culture. Additional activities are taking place over the weekend in conjunction with the festival, including the TNS FC fun day. For the latest on the exhibitors, visit www.oswestryfoodfestival.co.uk.

Ginger & Spice Festival, Market Drayton,

25th September Did you know Market Drayton is the home of gingerbread? The recipe first arrived in the country at the time of the Crusades, and the earliest record of gingerbread being baked in the town was in 1793. Visit the street market, or follow the follow the heritage fodder and tipple trail. www.gingerandspicefest.co.uk

Newport Food Frenzy, 25th September There will be more than 50 stalls along St Mary’s Street, Lower Bar and the High Street from 10am to 4pm, offering a variety of local produce from meats and wood-fired pizza to beers and gin. Local eateries are also joining in and hosting their own events on the day. www.allaboutnewport.co.uk

•Whitchurch Walkers

Whitchurch was granted Walkers Are Welcome status in 2012 and this group offers two walks per month, a small group walks programme for members and a threeday annual Walking Festival. New members welcome! www.whitchurchwalkers.co.uk

•River Severn Ghost Tours, Sabrina Boat

Tours Themed cruises take place throughout October. As you travel along the River Severn, your guide will regale Shrewsbury’s spookiest tales. £10. Pre-booking essential. www.sabrinaboat.co.uk

•WednesdaysFridays, Afternoon Tea, British Ironwork Centre, Oswestry

A selection of delicious sandwiches, giant scones and sumptuous cakes, served with Forge Café tea! Vegetarian and gluten-free options. £15 per person. 10am-4pm. Call 01691 610952 to book. www. britishironworkcentre.co.uk

•Saturdays, Gin Tours, The Shropshire Distillery, Ellesmere

Learn about the history of gin and enjoy a welcome drink along with samples of the distillery’s finest, including limited edition. £25. From midday. Booking required. www.the shropshire distillery.co.uk