Shrewsbury Castle opens gates on summer activities
Shrewsbury Castle is opening the gates for a summer season, and encouraging businesses to take advantage of opportunities on offer within the site’s historic walls.
The summer season launches on Friday (17 June 2022) with the return of Oil to the Fort for a weekend takeover in the Castle grounds.
Building on the success of last year’s events, the teams at Castle Street’s Dough and Oil and bar Oil are returning for a second sitting, only this time bigger and better.
Oil to the Fort 2022 is serving guests a varied menu of live music over two stages, open-air cinema, silent disco, food and a liquor yard every evening this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Oil to the Fort at Shrewsbury Castle in 2021. Photo: Birgitta Zoutman
Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for communities, culture, leisure and tourism, and transport, said:-
“Shrewsbury Castle proved such a great venue, and Oil to the Fort was enjoyed by so many guests last year, we were delighted to be asked to host this weekend’s events.
“The innovative idea was born out of the lifting of pandemic restrictions last year, but as time has passed it has become more evident that there is a growing demand for people to enjoy outdoor entertainment.
“Shrewsbury Castle offers a safe setting for hospitality and cultural events, and we are keen to develop ideas and partner with other businesses and organisations to develop further exciting opportunities.”
Oil to the Fort at Shrewsbury Castle in 2021. Photo: Birgitta Zoutman
Ed Potter, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for economic growth, regeneration and planning, added:-
“The castle is already recognised as a wonderful heritage asset for the town, where people can enjoy spending time with family and friends safely.
“By opening Shrewsbury Castle up to opportunities such as this, Shropshire Council is bringing another dimension to the site as well as encouraging local businesses to think creatively.
“We look forward to more local partnerships developing, and even more imaginative use of the castle over the coming months.”
Shrewsbury Castle
On Sunday 26 June 2022 the Shrewsbury Town International Comic Art Festival is bringing Comics at the Castle to the site.
A free family event, there will be a host of activities and appearances from comic creators from around the world, including superstar Marvel Comics artist Esad Ribic, legendary Beano and Transformers cartoonist Lew Stringer, and iconic Watchmen and 2000 AD artist Dave Gibbons.
Visitors are encouraged to embrace Cosplay on the day and show off their best costumes.
Cecilia added:-
“It will be an unusual day for the castle when it welcomes a Jedi Knight through its gates!”
