Whipping up a wonderful woolly weekend in Shipston

Shipston is set to host its best ever Wool Fair this month, with woolly celebrations taking place across the bank holiday weekend (28-30th May).

Now in its eighth year, the Shipston Wool Fair has become the highlight of the spring calendar in the town. Free to attend, the fair provides an opportunity to celebrate Shipston’s important sheep and wool heritage, as well as providing a fun-packed day out for families.

This year the Wool Fair Committee has combined forces with Shipston’s Totally Locally team and other clubs to provide a busy bank holiday weekend of activities to suit all ages.

Beginning on Saturday 28th, Totally Locally will be holding an Arts & Crafts fair from 10am to 4pm in Sheep Street and The Bury. The market will bring together talented crafts people and artists from Shipston and surrounding areas, offering unique retail therapy, with local musicians and Calypso Music adding to the entertainment.

In the evening, head to St Edmund’s Church for a French style Jazz concert at 7:30pm. Tickets cost just £10 and are available by calling 07957 709937 or on the door.

Sunday 29th sees the return of the Rotary Songs of Praise – a wonderful opportunity for the community to get together for a light hearted afternoon of hymns, songs, readings, poems and music. To take part, head to St Edmund’s Church for 3pm.

Throughout the weekend, entries to the Wool Fair photography competition will be on display at St Edmund’s. The competition is designed to celebrate Shipston’s heritage and the winner will have their photo professionally framed by Foxwist Picture Framers. For details, visit www.shipstonwoolfair.co.uk 

Finally, and most importantly, the Wool Fair itself will be rounding off the weekend in style. On Bank Holiday Monday 30th, the town centre will be transformed into a woolly wonderland, complete with show ring allowing local farmers to parade their rare breed sheep before they are sheared in front of a captive audience. Alongside the sheep showcase will be spinning and felting demonstrations, live entertainment, games and activities, while stallholders and local shops will have plenty of treats to purchase. 

Fresh food from lamb burgers to local ice cream will be available to buy, so it’s a perfect opportunity to sample artisan produce and locally-reared meat.

The Wool Fair opens at 10am and closes at 4pm. To find out more visit www.shipstonwoolfair.co.uk