Shire Folk is a multi-strand project to promote arts, artists, audience engagement & development, technical training, digital promotion of artists and venue sustainability across rural communities… which is quite a lot!
Shire Folk is bringing some of the UK's finest emerging talent of the folk scene to the Marches region. Each month, Shire Folk is touring an artist for 4 days to exciting venues in Leominster, Bewdley, Bridgnorth and Much Wenlock. Each mini-tour is supporting an artist you may have never had the opportunity to see before, but will be someone you will definitely want to see again!
Shire Folk is supported using public funding by the Arts Council England through their GrassRoutes Music Strand in combination with Ticket Sales, Merchandise Sales, Donations and Sponsorships.
To enable longer term growth of these grassroots artists, ShireFolk put on one off special shows with some of the artists who have established an audience in the region, supporting them to put on mid-sized shows as part of their UK tours.
In addition, ShireFolk is working with more established acts bringing them to the region to perform at larger shows, with the profits from these being put back into the grassroots strand. Over the last few years ShireFolk has brought Richard Thompson, Eric Bibb, The Unthanks, Jon Boden & the Remnant Kings and Fairport Convention to St Leonard’s Church in Bridgnorth and there is lots more planned!
Live shows are made possible through working with versatile spaces and accomplished technicians. ShireFolk also run an intern programme for sound and lighting technicians, giving them hands-on experience of putting on shows in different spaces and with varied styles of music, giving them the opportunity to learn from more experienced crew whilst fostering the skills and confidence they need to work in this industry.
If you would like to become a sponsor like others have, we have a variety of packages available starting from just £50. All you need to do is click the button below, complete the form and we will gladly talk through the options with you.
PROUD TO BE SPONSORED/PARTNERED/SUPPORTED BY:
Grab tickets to see the wonderful Ceitidh Mac play at The Rankin Club in Leominster on Thursday 29 Oct 2026. Unreserved seating. Spaces are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment.