1. August is the month of the countryside show. Top of our list is the award-winning Burwarton Show on Thursday 2nd August. There’s much to do and see at this agricultural event for anyone wanting a glimpse of country life. Let us count the ways: motorcycle displays; show jumping; prize-winning farm animals in the main ring;, a family circus; food demonstrations; theatre productions; best dressed competition and even a giant tortoise. The lovely Tenbury Countryside Show follows on Saturday 4th August, which boasts a huge variety of livestock, agriculture and rural crafts and it’s also a great showcase for local food and drink producers. This year the event welcomes back the National Show of Hereford Cattle, the Ryeland Sheep Show and the National Young Farmers Clubs Tug of War finals.
2. Burford House and Garden Motor Show opens to the public on Sunday 5th August for its third annual motor show for free. This event is meant to surpass last year’s with more classic cars on display. It is a great day out for all the family with a garden centre, cafe bar, shopping emporium, children’s playground and beautiful gardens to keep you occupied.
3. It’s the award-winning Shrewsbury Flower Show happening on the 10th and 11th August. Expect spectacular arena acts for entertainment throughout each day concluding with a magnificent firework display. Top exhibitors come from all over the country and more than 50 will vie for the top awards.
4. Time for the Magnalonga on Sunday 12th August a very ‘Ludlow’ event meaning it’s all about food and drink as you amble around the countryside soaking up the relaxed vibe, imbibing and eating the best drink and food Ludlow and the Welsh Marches has to offer along an 8-10 mile well-marked trail.
5. Start your Bank Holiday with a big band! On Saturday 25th August, the Cory Band visits Ludlow and performs at St Laurence Church. Hailing from from the Rhondda Valley in South Wales, this brass band is dedicated to new music, raising the profile of the genre and keeping music alive in Wales and beyond. Well known and recognised around the world as one of the most innovative music ensembles. There is still time to get those tickets.
6. Get ready for battle with “The Heritage Cup” at Ludlow Castle on Monday 27th August. The largest and longest running full contact medieval fighting tournament in Britain. The teams from Battle Heritage Britain won Bronze in the most recent world championships held this year at Scone Palace in Scotland and you can see them here. There are various disciplines of fighting on view including women’s duelling in Polearm, Sword & Shield, Long Sword and team fights. There will be Arming the Knight demonstrations, Have a Go Archery, and a Living History Village. Bring your own picnic or sample the hog roast or head to the Castle Kitchen. There will be a dragon hunt which will take you around the castle into the hidden rooms, tunnels and staircases with a small prize at the end. Leon Bracelin, resident archaeologist, will also be on site to enthuse you with the history of the Castle and Ludlow.