A brief look at what’s happening around Shrewsbury over the weekend of 23–24 May. This weekend includes a major agricultural show, a market-focused late-night event, live music in a historic setting, free outdoor music, and several family activities linked to the start of the half-term break.
Pink Floyd by Candlelight at the Abbey
Shrewsbury Abbey hosts two candlelit performances of The Music of Pink Floyd by Candlelight on Saturday evening, performed by the tribute band What The Floyd.
Performance Times
First sitting: 6:15pm–7:30pm (doors open 5:30pm)
Second sitting: 8:30pm–9:45pm (doors open 7:45pm)
A licensed bar and refreshments are available inside the Abbey.
Photo: © Andrew Bennett, CC BY‑SA 2.0, via Geograph (image ID 405966)
Shropshire County Agricultural Show
The Shropshire County Agricultural Show takes place on Saturday, May 23 at the West Mid Showground. This long-running event highlights regional farming and rural industry, with livestock classes, equine displays, machinery demonstrations, and countryside activities.
Timings and Location
Gates open at 9:00am, with activities running through the afternoon.
The West Mid Showground is located on Gravel Hill Lane, Berwick Road (SY1 2PF), around a 15-minute walk from the town centre and railway station.
Love Your Local Market Late Night
Shrewsbury Market Hall hosts a Late Night opening on Saturday, May 23 as part of the Love Your Local Market programme. The market remains open until 8:30pm, with eateries, bars, and lifestyle traders taking part.
The Market Hall is located between Claremont Street and Shoplatch, with access from both entrances.
Summer of Music at The Quarry Bandstand
The Summer of Music series continues on Sunday, May 24 at The Quarry Bandstand.
The band Brass Buttons performs from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.
This is a free outdoor event, and visitors often bring their own seating.
Photo: © Stephen Richards, CC BY‑SA 2.0, via Geograph (image ID 5979020)
Sabrina Boat and River Trips
The Sabrina Boat continues its regular sightseeing trips along the River Severn throughout the weekend, departing from Victoria Quay.
Family and Half-Term Activities
LEGO Brick Building at The Darwin
The Darwin Shopping Centre hosts free LEGO play sessions in “Darwin’s Den” from Saturday, May 23 through Sunday, May 31.
Standard bricks are suitable for ages 4+, with larger bricks available for younger children.
Children must be supervised by an adult.
Pokémon Mega Evolution Trail at Attingham Park
Attingham Park launches a themed walking trail on Saturday, May 23.
Participants follow a trail sheet around the grounds to locate Pokémon-themed markers.
Standard National Trust admission applies.
Regular Community Activities
Shrewsbury parkrun takes place in the Quarry at 9:00am on Saturday.
Junior parkrun follows on Sunday morning.
Shrewsbury Library holds its regular LEGO Club session on Saturday afternoon.
Transport and Parking
Town centre visitors can use the Raven Meadows multi-storey or the short-stay car parks at Abbey Foregate and St Julian’s Friars.
Traffic on Berwick Road may be busier than usual on Saturday due to the Agricultural Show.
Shrewsbury Railway Station provides direct links to Birmingham, Chester, and Wales.
Summary
The weekend offers a mix of large events, evening activities, outdoor music, and family-friendly options across Shrewsbury, alongside the usual community sessions and river trips.
This article includes images licensed under CC BY‑SA 2.0
