Yesterday I posted scenes ‘live’ from the Bishop’s Castle carnival, today we have photos from another of the town’s annual parties, last year’s Michaelmas Fair. It begins with a parade in which Chinese dragons and drummers steal the show. (Sadly no competing Welsh dragons in spite of the town’s closeness to Wales, but then you never know what might turn up this year).
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As happened yesterday, the weather was cool and gloomy, but there was no dampening of the spirits; not once the Rajasthan Brass Band took to the streets…
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…and the town’s own Shropshire Bedlams Morris men stepped out, all jingling bells and vigorous stick clashing…(More about local Morris heritage here)
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The Michaelmas Fair takes place all over the town, in the pubs and park and church halls. A stage below the Town Hall hosts live bands all day. There are street stalls and street food, bubble blowing, fire eating, an afternoon parade of steam engines, tractors and classic vehicles, headed by Clive the elephant, another star attraction. (The town’s elephant connection is explained in a previous squares challenge post here.) And the whole is rounded off with an evening lantern procession through the town, all lanterns made by Castle folk.
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I didn’t catch Clive the elephant last year, but here’s a photo of him from a sunnier fair:
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This year’s fair is on the 20th September. More details HERE. But before that there’s another big fun event: the Party in the Park on the 19th July. A day of non stop live bands, workshops, and family activities from noon to 10.30 pm. Sometimes life in this small country town can sound a tad exhausting.
And on that note, back to dragons, this one from the 2023 lantern parade:
Seems that a good time was had by all.
Yes, and much ale consumed too 🙂
How wonderful. Somehow these events passed me by.
Well, we are out on a limb in this part of Shropshire. The fair derived from the August bank holiday steam engine ralley which took place for years in a field here. Then that event moved to Shrewsbury, and the current fair format began in 1995.
My goodness, Bishops Castle knows how to party. Where does the Rajasthan Brass Band hang out? And Clive? BC, like Ripon, isn’t Multicultural Centre!
Not sure where the band hails from. They seem to perform all over.
Brilliant, all looks rather lively!
Very lively, indeed, Sue.
😊
The joint’s jumping, Tish! No time to garden xx
You’re right, Jo.
Looks like chaotic fun, Tish. Too bad about Wales, who have the best flag in the world (and I’m not Welsh.)
Perhaps one day we’ll lure some Welsh dragons over the border.
What a fun town you decided to live in Tish. Thanks for including us in the parade crowds. So colorful!
Lots of creative people live here and they’re always making stuff – music and art of every genre.
😍
What a very active community you live in Tish. Never a dull moment. and what an amazing history about the elephant connection.
There are some very community minded residents who tend to do the donkey work in organising events. Plus a young mayor who is very active.
Those community minded people are the backbone of society
They certainly are, Pauline. It takes a lot of energy too.
Such an amazing multicultural and colourful event. I would definitely go if I visited. Thanks for sharing. 😄
It’s always great fun, though sometimes the weather can really play up.
Looks like a marvellous time for all despite the weather. 😄
Thanks for sharing this fun adventrure Tish.
Wonderful Post. Thanks
Many thanks.
what a gloriously fun place you have ended up in – you must be so happy
We are indeed glad to here, Becky.