The word “eclectic” could have been coined for Oswestry’s arts scene such is the variety of live music, visual and dramatic arts on show. Add the second Oswestry Hot Air Balloon Carnival in August 2019 and we'll be ready to challenge you not to find an event you will want to attend!
As home to around 200 artists, Borderland Visual Arts, InsideOut and the Society of Artists keep the exhibitions flowing throughout the year at galleries such as the Qube, The Visitor and Exhibition Centre, Willow Gallery, and the Library.
Films, plays and musicals are regular hits on the calendar by companies such as the LADS, the Attfield and Oswestry Musical Theatre as well as the independent cinema, Kinokulture.
Literature abounds too with war poet and soldier, Wilfred Owen and author Barbara Pym, who was heralded by Philip Larkin as the most underrated writer of the 20th century, both born in the town. Follow the Wilfred Owen Trail around town to get a sense of his upbringing and family history.
As befits the birthplace of Sir Henry Walford Davies, composer and Master of the King’s Musick, classical music is well-served with several excellent local choirs and orchestras as well as the fabulous Oswestry Recital Series and Whittington International Chamber Music Festival with a stunning programme of top notch classical musicians and performances through the year.
The musical year begins with the Youth Music Festival in late February–all the classes are free to attend. The Whittington International Chamber Music Festival follows in May offering six days dedicated to the music of a different composer each year.
Summer music is international and eclectic – visit Cae Glas Park in the centre of Oswestry for free Summer Concerts in the band stand. It could be a local brass band or maybe a vinyl showcase.
Sunny July also brings food and flowers! The Oswestry Food & Drink Festival. For two days the streets in the centre of town are filled with stalls selling a world of flavours.. Further afield, the fragrant Eckford Sweet Pea Festival in Wem celebrates these most delicate of flowers.
Oswestry Show, one of the country’s oldest and largest agricultural shows, takes place in early August and Shrewsbury Flower Show followa later in the month.
Oswestry streets are Christmas streets in early December. The Christmas Parade is a carnival of Christmas floats and Friday Night Christmas Live is one of the year’s highlights. It’s a great night of show ground rides, live music, food producers and fabulous fireworks right in the centre of town.
