Vibrant Shropshire: a Cultural Compact is today [22 January 2026] marking the successful completion of the ‘This is Shropshire’ Festival with an information-sharing event at the Gateway Centre in Shrewsbury.
The festival has been delivered by Vibrant Shropshire’s Community Partners and was funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. Over the last six months thirteen grassroots arts organisations have brought an inspiring programme of arts and cultural activity to communities across the county.
The festival has highlighted Shropshire’s distinctive character, creativity and community spirit, enabling residents of all ages and backgrounds to take part in meaningful cultural experiences.
Across Shropshire the 13 organisations delivered 215 events, provided opportunities for 203 dedicated volunteers, and actively engaged 2,330 participants, many from underserved or previously underrepresented communities. This is in addition to the large audiences that attended many of these events. By removing barriers to participation and strengthening the local cultural infrastructure, the programme has made a significant contribution to Shropshire’s creative economy, while fostering an inclusive and celebratory atmosphere throughout the county.
The festival was only possible thanks to the remarkable work of the community arts organisations who:
• Delivered dementia friendly singing workshops in care homes, creating moments of joy and connection for older residents.
• Presented inclusive dance performances featuring disabled and non disabled dancers, inspiring audiences and encouraging community participation.
• Hosted family art workshops at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, inspired by a giant mosaic celebrating local heritage and community identity.
• Enabled the Ukrainian community in Oswestry to share memories and celebrate the town’s landmark Memorial Hall.
• Supported creative writing workshops for young people in areas of high deprivation, helping them explore and celebrate their family connections with Shropshire.
• Offered community led film events, music and poetry curated by local groups.
• Provided mentoring and development opportunities for aspiring artists, culminating in public exhibitions.
• Developed film making skills for young people through the BFI Film Academy.
• Delivered creative workshops in partnership with Shropshire Hills National Landscape and local farmers.
• Showcased local musical talent at Bridgnorth Music Festival, while giving participants hands on experience as part of the technical crew.
• Brought Chinese cultural activities to festivals across Shropshire, including interactive workshops and online music lessons.
• Explored the theme of ‘home’ through multigenerational spoken word and singing projects in schools.
• Delivered a wide range of cultural activities and live theatre opportunities for rural communities.
Jeremy Blandford, Shropshire Council’s deputy Cabinet member for housing and leisure, said:
“The ‘This is Shropshire’ Festival has shown just how powerful culture can be in strengthening our communities. These projects have reached people who might otherwise have limited access to the arts, and they’ve done so with creativity, compassion and real local pride. It’s been inspiring to see the difference this programme has made across the county.”
Paul Johnson, Chair of Vibrant Shropshire, added:
“This festival has demonstrated the extraordinary talent and commitment that exists within Shropshire’s cultural sector. By supporting grassroots organisations, we’ve helped communities to celebrate and tell their own stories. The energy and enthusiasm we’ve seen over the past six months gives us huge confidence for the future of culture in Shropshire.”
Find out more
The festival has demonstrated the power of culture to bring people together, celebrate local identity and inspire future creativity. Full details of the This is Shropshire Festival and all commissioned projects are available on the Vibrant Shropshire website.
