The good news is on the web site but I just thought I would point out that Chopper, who plays cello & base with the Oysterband, is bringing over a Swedish dance ensemble for the festival this year. Chopper lives in Sweden now and during a conversation last year at the festival suggested that he could bring a group of musicians he plays with in Sweden over to Shrewsbury for a concert and a dance. So prepare yourselves for Malmabyggdens Spelmän. Chopper is also bringing two dance instructors, so we will have some workshops before we go into full dance mode.

There will be eight dances this year with a variety bands including Old Swan, Asha, Steamchicken, The Watch and All Blacked Up. The dance side of the festival has taken great strides in the last couple of years under the supervision of Sue Barker our dance director. Sue selects all of the bands and all of the Morris sides and alternative dance groups for the festival and does a brilliant job for us.

All the Best

Alan