New exhibition brings Ludlow’s spectacular 1934 pageant back to life

A new exhibition exploring one of Ludlow’s most extraordinary cultural moments is now open at Shropshire Museums’ Collections Centre in Ludlow.

Original photo of Comus, Sabrina and attendants

Ludlow: The Pageant showcases colourful costumes, memorabilia and original film footage from the Shropshire Historical Pageant and Comus Tercentenary celebrations of 1934, when communities across the county came together to mark the 300th anniversary of the performance of Comus at Ludlow Castle.

Written by poet John Milton in 1634 Comus is a ‘masque’, a type of historical musical drama.

The work has a special connection to Ludlow, as it was originally written for a performance at Ludlow Castle and is regarded as one of Milton’s most significant early works.

The original celebrations were an immense undertaking for Shropshire, uniting people from across society, from lords and ladies to schoolchildren, in a dramatic retelling of more than 1,500 years of local history.

More than 2,000 costumes were created for the pageant, with hundreds of performers appearing as figures from Shropshire’s past. Held over six days in the summer of 1934, the spectacle attracted audiences of around 4,000 people each day and drew visitors from across the country and beyond.

Visitors to the exhibition will be able to see colourful costumes worn by performers in the 1934 theatrical performances, along with ephemera from the celebrations and original footage of the pageant at Ludlow Castle.

The exhibition also explores the wider community effort behind the event, including the historic parade through the castle in which local people appeared in dress representing different periods of Shropshire’s history.

Alex Wagner, Shropshire Council’s portfolio holder for culture, said:

“This fascinating exhibition shines a light on a unique moment in Shropshire’s history, when the Ludlow community came together to celebrate their heritage through creativity, performance and civic pride.

“The surviving costumes, footage and memorabilia offer a wonderful glimpse into the scale and ambition of the 1934 pageant, and the community spirit behind it”.

The exhibition is now open and runs until Friday 18 December 2026 at Shropshire Museums’ Collections Centre, Lower Gallery, Ludlow. Admission is free, with donations welcome.

The venue is open Monday to Wednesday and Friday, 9.30am to 5pm, and on Saturdays, 9.30am to 1pm. It is closed on Thursdays.

For more information about Shropshire Museums, visit Shropshire Museums – Home or follow Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery on social media.

Programme for the original performance in 1934