Village set for festival bloom

A Staffordshire village will be awash with all things bright and beautiful next month for a three-day festival.

The 8th Shenstone Village Festival will take place from June 22 to 24.

Amazing flower displays in the two village churches and various open gardens will make up the centrepieces of the event. The festival kick starts with a concert by the Netherstowe Big Band, plus a fish and chip supper, in Shenstone Village Hall on the Friday. The church bells will then peal the following day to announce the opening of the churches and other attractions.

The themes for the flower displays are My Life's Work at St John's Parish Church, and Celebration of Music at Trinity Methodist Church.

During the weekend visitors will be able to indulge in an arts and crafts exhibition, a quilting display and presentation of the Shenstone Parish Project by Staffordshire Archaeological and Historical Society.

On the Saturday, children will be able to enjoy competitions, games, a pet show and bouncy castle, with classic cars gathering in the village for a tour and display the following day.

"Ploughmen's lunches and strawberry teas will be served on the Saturday to add to the old England atmosphere, and light lunches and teas will be available on Sunday, as visitors stroll around the village," said co-ordinating committee chairperson, Pauline Sampson.

"Come rain or shine there will be lots to see and do."

Diana Millward, Open Gardens co-ordinator, added: "We are grateful to those who are opening their gardens for others to enjoy."

A major attraction of the three-day festival will be a concert by harmony group The Surplus Cassocks on Saturday night in Trinity Methodist Church.

Just 75 tickets have been made available to see the all-male sextet, and they are now available on a first-come, first-served basis by calling 01543 480618.

Special services are also scheduled to take place on the Sunday, weather permitting, in the open air at Trinity Methodist Church at 10.30am, and the parish church at 6.30pm. Admission to the churches, gardens and exhibitions is by programme, which are priced £3 and will be available from the village shop in the week before the festival.