Entertainment features

Organisers of the Shrewsbury Summer Season promise a packed programme for 2009. Running 15 May through to 28 September there are hundreds of events throughout the town, from street theatre to music, drama, exhibitions, along with plenty of food and drink. There's something for all ages at indoor and outdoor venues.

Many of the events celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Shrewsbury's most famous son, Charles Darwin. They include a series of Darwin Days and new productions by Pentabus Theatre and Rambert Dance.

Le Grand Cirque Fantazie

It is also the 200th anniversary of the death of the composer, Franz Joseph Haydn. He was a friend of a Shrewsbury man, Dr Charles Burney, who was a musical diarist and historian. Their lives will be celebrated in a gala concert at St Chad's on 27 June.

Shrewsbury Castle is once again the backdrop for Heartbreak Productions 'As you Like It' on 1 July and The Lord Chamberlain's Men and 'Twelfth Night' on 5 August.

For the first time this year, the new Severn Theatre will be involved in the Summer Season with 'Beauty and Beast', Willy Russell's classic 'Blood Brothers' and Le Grand Cirque among the attractions.

Blue Eyed Soul

There's plenty for youngsters as well with the Shrewsbury Bikefest at the Shrewsbury Sports Village on 13 June and the Carnival in the Quarry and on the town centre streets, again on 13 June.

The Shropshire based, Blue Eyed Soul Dance Company present a double bill at the Walker Theatre in Theatre Severn on 17 June. It features a cast of 12 dancers, disabled and non-disabled.

As Part of the Shift Time festival of ideas to be held over two weekends during the summer season, Blue Eyed Soul will also be performing part of their 'Sepia - A Small Festival of Dance' in the Quarry.

Beagle Ball dance workshop

As part of this Year's Darwin Festival, there will be a Beagle Ball in Shrewsbury to commemorate Darwin's safe return from his travels on The Beagle in October 1836. The Summer Season includes dance workshops for anyone interested in learning and performing dances from that period at the ball.

The schedule includes some returning favourites, including the International Street Theatre Festival, Shrewsbury Folk Festival, Dragon Boat Festival and the West Midlands Show.

The season

The festival has roots in the 18th Century, when the town would be full of people embracing the concept of 'The Season' by promenading around the streets to attend concerts, plays, parties and exhibitions. Now in its sixth modern year, the season will see hundreds of events take place over more than three months.

The season runs from Friday 22 May through to Monday 28 September. Many events require tickets. For the latest information call the box office on 01743 281281 or visit the Summer Season website.