Stella Six PR

03/06/2026

Severn Hospice chosen as designated charity for Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival 2026.

Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival (SICFest) has chosen Severn Hospice as its designated charity for this year’s event, set to take place in July.

Money donated will support the organisation’s mission to provide the highest standards of specialist palliative and specialist end-of-life care through a range of services, whether at its two hospice locations in Shropshire or at an individual’s home.

SICFest director Beth McGowan, said: “This is the second time we have chosen Severn Hospice. The at-home team supported our family and cared for my father so well in his final weeks and recently looked after a friend before her passing. It made sense once again to support such a fantastic organisation, which touches so many people’s lives in Shropshire. The SICFest donation will be based on ticket sales and there will also be an opportunity for audiences to make a personal contribution at all the festival performances.”

Professor Derek Willis, medical director at Severn Hospice, said: “We need to raise £2 for every £3 we spend, so support and donations from our local community are paramount to our caring services. Raising money through having a laugh at the brilliant comedy festival is to me, a perfect combination. Many thanks to SICFest for choosing us once again. Roll on July, for some fun!

SICFest takes place from 08 to 12 July at various venues throughout Shrewsbury including The Hive, The Loft at The Old Post Office, The Morris Hall and Theatre Severn.

Tickets for the SICFest gala show on 12 July are £39.60 (including booking fee) and available through the Theatre Severn box office 01743 281281 or online here: https://www.theatresevern.co.uk/whats-on/shrewsbury-international-comedy-festival-gala/

Picture (left to right): Nicky Green, senior community fundraiser, Severn Hospice, Beth McGowan, director SICFest and Derek Willis, medical director, Severn Hospice.

12/05/2026

Acclaimed Canadian folk band The Fugitives return to Shrewsbury as part of forthcoming UK tour.

Canadian indie-folk music band The Fugitives return to the UK this summer with a concert at Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury on Sunday 28 June as part of a two-week tour.

Based in Vancouver, they bring brilliant musicianship, top-notch songwriting, complex vocal harmonies and a funny, uplifting vibe to their live performances. Described as ‘the missing link between Leonard Cohen and The Pogues’, they’ve received numerous nominations from the Canadian Folk Music Awards, as well as seven JUNOs – the Canadian version of a GRAMMY.

Since their last visit in 2024, when the band played to a sell-out crowd at St Mary’s Church on General Election night, they have recorded a new self-titled album, which will be on sale at their concerts.

The Fugitives founder and co-songwriter Brendan McLeod believes the new album was their most accidental, and probably their most reluctant to write. He said: “We really tried hard not to write it, especially when we realised so many of the songs were about travel. We were like, ‘Oh no. The last thing the world needs is more folk songs about dingy hotel rooms and gas station sandwiches.’”

So, they made a list of things they weren’t allowed to write about such as missing family, smelly tour vans, being too tired to sleep, and the tour van’s windscreen as a metaphor for freedom. “It was oddly useful,” says co-songwriter Adrian Glynn. “Because everything on that list happens quite a bit. It’s what your mind goes to first. The songs ended up being about what’s on the other side of all that and not just about space, music, and friendship, but what those ideas contain.”

When we started, if someone had told us our jobs would entail creating content for an algorithm, we'd have just picked something else. We suck at TikTok. We’re just friends who work hard at singing harmonies and writing songs. We know there are a lot of ecosystems where that can still resonate, and this album is kind of doubling down on that.”

Commenting on the forthcoming tour, he continued: "Last time we were in the UK, we really focussed on how good it was going to be to have a decent pint of beer, since that is one thing they do far better than Canada. However, ale aside, we also love British audiences and in particular the Shrewsbury crowd who, despite it being an election night, came out and supported our concert, making it a sell-out event. So, we can’t wait to see them again June!”

Tickets for The Fugitives concert at Albert’s Shed, Shrewsbury on Sunday 28 June are £18 (+ booking fee) from

Canadian indie-folk music band The Fugitives make a long-awaited return to the UK this summer with a concert at Albert's Shed as part of a two-week UK tour to support their new self-titled album. The Vancouver-based band were formed in 2005 and have released seven albums. They’ve been nominated fo...

22/04/2026

Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival announces Lou Sanders as final act for this summer’s gala show.

Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival (SICFest) has announced the final act for its flagship gala show at Theatre Severn this summer.

The highlight of SICFest will take place at Theatre Severn on the evening of Sunday 12 July and the Live At The Apollo format currently includes Morgan Rees, Frankie Monroe, Ignacio Lopez, Esther Manito and MC Scott Bennett.

Lou Sanders performs regularly both in the UK and around the world. In 2018, her show Shame Pig was the joint winner of the Comedians' Choice Award for Best Show at the Edinburgh Fringe, returning to the festival in 2019 with her show Say Hello to Your New Step Mummy and was also declared the winner of the eighth series of Taskmaster in 2019

She has appeared on television shows including QI, Would I Lie To You?, Travel Man, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, Hypothetical, The Russell Howard Hour, Jon Richardson: Ultimate Worrier, Alan Davies: As Yet Unlimited, 8 Out Of 10 Cats, Red Nose Day For Comic Relief and Russell Howard’s Good News. She is also a regular guest on BBC Radio 4’s The Unbelievable Truth and has appeared on Live At The Apollo.

Her acting includes the sitcoms This Way Up and Sick Of It and she has written for 8 Out Of 10 Cats and Mock The Week, among others. She also wrote and starred in the short film Elderflower. In August 2023, she released her autobiography What's That Lady Doing? In 2024, Sanders appeared as a contestant on Dancing On Ice.

Comedians performing at the other festival venues in Shrewsbury such as The Hive, The Loft at The Old Post Office and The Morris Hall include: Hasan Al-Habib, Giant leap Improv, Eric Rushton, Lindsey Santoro, Stuart Goldsmith, Chris O’Neill and his A Comedy Tapas and A Political Brunch shows, Clinton Baptiste and Nina Gilligan (Theatre Severn main auditorium), Spencer Jones, Tez Ilyaz, Paul Hilleard, Wendy Wason, Dave Chawner and Alexander Bennett as well as up-close-and-personal performances by Esther Manito and Ignacio Lopez.

Commenting on the final booking and the now complete SICFest line up, director Beth McGowan said: “Securing Lou Sanders is an absolute coup for the festival. She is a highly talented, wildly funny comedian and perfectly complements the gala show line-up. There will be a diverse mix of performers throughout the four days, some of whom are relatively new to comedy fans and some well-established names who will raise the roof once again this year. In addition, we will also be offering comedy at two new venues - The Morris Hall and The Hive.”

Tickets for the SICFest gala show on 12 July are £39.60 (including booking fee) and available through the Theatre Severn box office 01743 281281 or online here: https://www.theatresevern.co.uk/whats-on/shrewsbury-international-comedy-festival-gala/

Picture: Lou Sanders.

07/04/2026

SRD Accountancy Services: Shrewsbury professional moves from part- to full-time as accountancy practice expands.

A Shropshire professional who previously provided her accountancy services on a part-time basis, has made the move to full time self-employment with the aim of expanding her business.

Shrewsbury based Susan Davies established SRD Accountancy Services in 2017, the same year she gained her ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Practising Certificate, having qualified with an ACCA in 2000.

Since 2017 she has worked in a highly regarded local accountancy firm while also maintaining a small client base of her own. Whether its bookkeeping, year-end accounts, VAT or more recently advising on the new Making Tax Digital (MTD) legislation, Susan hopes that her knowledge in these disciplines and experience gained working with a variety of businesses from sole traders to SMEs, covering a range of sectors from hospitality to farming, has stood her in good stead for the decision to go full time.

Current client Heather Venables at PawFit Animal Physiotherapy Limited in Whitchurch, said: “Susan has been incredibly helpful and supportive, particularly while helping me transition my business from a sole trader to a limited company. Without her guidance I would have really struggled. She takes the time to explain everything clearly and makes sure I fully understand my accounts and how my business is functioning financially. Her advice has been invaluable, and she is always approachable, professional, and happy to answer any questions. It’s such a reassurance to have an accountant who is not only knowledgeable but genuinely invested in helping your business succeed.”

Susan Davies said: “I have helped many people setting up first time in business, so now I need to take on board some of my own advice. I have developed some strong relationships with my current clients and that’s how I mean to go on. Within the next 12 months, my aim is to become the go to accountancy partner for small business owners and company directors who want clear, practical support.

“My new customers should expect a very personal service, that takes the stress out of compliance and challenging areas such as MTD and payroll, which is often underestimated. An accountant isn’t just there to prepare the annual profit and loss sheet but to offer advice and support all year round. In the short term, however, I’m looking to organise some seminars about MTD to help local businesses navigate the unavoidable!”

For more information about SRD Accountancy Services, visit: www.srdaccountancyservices.co.uk

Picture: Susan Davies, SRD Accountancy Services.

06/03/2026

Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival: Clairvoyant, medium and psychic comedian Clinton Baptiste added to 2026 festival line-up with his own show.

World-renowned clairvoyant, medium, and psychic comedian Clinton Baptiste is the latest addition to the line-up of the 2026 Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival (SICFest).

Taking place at Theatre Severn on the evening of Friday 10 July, Clinton’s show An Audience With, will be a stand-alone addition to the festival, which also includes the gala show at the theatre on Sunday 12 July and is a special one-off performance for SICFest not included in his sold-out tour.

Clinton Baptiste is the hapless clairvoyant, medium and psychic from Peter Kay’s smash hit Channel 4 TV show Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights. Conjuring up his extraordinary powers for a new generation and known for his outlandish charm and hilariously inaccurate ‘spiritual’ insights, Clinton will give readings, offer advice and pass on offbeat messages to the audience from beyond the grave. A beloved figure in comedy, blending sharp wit with a touch of supernatural flair, his unique act has entertained audiences across the UK, delivering a mix of comedy and tongue-in-cheek psychic readings that leave fans in stitches.

Beth McGowan, SICFest director, said: “Clinton Baptiste is quite unique in comedy circles. On stage, his performances are a whirlwind of humour and audience interaction. With a blend of quick thinking and mischievous banter, he keeps the laughs rolling and the surprises coming. Whether you’re a believer or a sceptic, Clinton Baptiste promises a night of comedy you won’t forget, making every show an unpredictable and entertaining ride through the spirit world. He last performed for us at the SICFest gala show in 2023 and went down an absolute storm!”

Tickets for Clinton Baptiste’s An Audience With on Friday 10 July are £33 and available through the Theatre Severn box office 01743 281281 or online here: https://www.theatresevern.co.uk/whats-on/clinton-baptiste/

19/02/2026

New Chapters Fostercare selects Telford Crisis Support as its designated charity for 2026.

Shrewsbury based New Chapters Fostercare (NCF) has selected Telford Crisis Support (TCS) as its designated charity for which to raise funds in 2026.

The first fundraising event, a sponsored walk up The Wrekin, will take place in April and is an opportunity for foster carers and NCF staff to share a day out.

Established in 2010 and originally centred around a core foodbank service, TCS is an independent, volunteer-led, holistic support charity that supports local communities across the borough of Telford & Wrekin and the surrounding Shropshire border area. To tackle the growing issue of poverty it has needed to evolve and based on its experiences of operating a foodbank, feedback from users and collaborative working, an expanded TCS now offers a babybank, providing essentials such as moses baskets, baths and clothing for children up to years old, a school uniform project and energy advice.

In 2025 TCS helped 17,650 people across all its projects, including the provision of food parcels for 15,793 adults and children, which equated to a total of 189,516 meals. It also received 285 requests to its baby bank, which is an increase of 11 per cent from 2024.

Erin Aston, senior operations manager at TCS said: “It’s great to collaborate with new partners, and particularly those who aim to raise our profile. Funding is tight or in some instances such as grant applications, restricted to specific elements of what TCS delivers. We had to make a couple of people redundant in 2025, so direct finances for core operational costs such as rent and fuel for the vans is crucial to our survival. We are incredibly grateful to Martin and the team at NCF for their support.”

Martin George, director at NCF, said: “There is a level of poverty in Shropshire and throughout the country that is bigger than people realise and that’s why charities like TCS are so important. Not only do we aim to provide foster carers for vulnerable children, but it is also important for us to foster links with the local community. It made sense, therefore, to select TCS as our designated charity for this year, as both organisations can only exist through community minded people coming forward and offering their expertise, time, services and money. The challenge of hiking up The Wrekin is a good first fundraiser for 2026.”

People wishing to sponsor The Wrekin hike can do so online via the NCF Just Giving page here: www.justgiving.com/page/new-chapters-fostercare-1.

For more information about NCF visit: www.newchaptersfostercare.co.uk.

Picture (left to right) Martin George, NCF and Erin Aston, TCS.

10/02/2026

Scott Bennett to return as MC of Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival’s gala show.

Organisers have confirmed that Scott Bennett will return as MC at this year’s Shrewsbury International Comedy Festival (SICFest) flagship gala show.

The 2026 festival will offer performances at several venues throughout Shrewsbury culminating with the gala show on the evening of Sunday 12 July.

Scott Bennett is a stand-up comedian and writer who is ‘without doubt live comedy’s best kept secret’ according to The Evening Standard newspaper. He made his debut on Live at the Apollo in 2021 and has also appeared as a regular guest on BBC Radio 4’s The News Quiz, The Now Show, The Likely Dads and Elephant in the Room with Sarah Millican. During the lockdown of 2020, Scott pioneered the viral hit, Stand up from the Shed, a weekly topical live-streamed stand up show from his actual garden shed. The show achieved national coverage in the press, Sky News, BBC News and Five Live. Scott’s tour dates sell out as soon as they go on sale and he is a firm favourite with audiences at SICF. Ignacio Lopez and Esther Manito are the two announced acts so far, who will be appearing alongside Scott Bennett at the gala show.

SICFest director Beth McGowan said: “Scott was just brilliant as our MC last year and as a firm favourite of comedy lovers in Shrewsbury, it made sense to invite him back again. We have secured three class acts so far, with yet more to follow!”

Tickets for the SICFest gala show on 12 July are £39.60 (including booking fee) and available through the Theatre Severn box office 01743 281281 or online here: https://www.theatresevern.co.uk/whats-on/shrewsbury-international-comedy-festival-gala/

Picture: Scott Bennett.

06/02/2026

Loopfest 2026 announces charity partners and volunteer fundraising model.

Loopfest, which takes place in Shrewsbury over the first May Bank Holiday weekend (01 to 03 May) and is one of the biggest music festivals of its kind in the UK, has announced its official charity partners for 2026.

Following an invitation to and an enthusiastic response from the local community to help shape the festival’s fundraising focus, two organisations received the highest number of votes and will serve as this year’s charity partners. The first is Lingen Davies Cancer Support, which aims to improve the lives of everyone in the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Mid Wales community impacted by cancer, as well as helping others to understand and recognise its signs and symptoms.

The second is Shrewsbury Food Hub, which redistributes good, surplus food from suppliers to charities and community groups that support the young, old, vulnerable, and those on low incomes as well as to Foodshare tables across Shrewsbury.

In addition, Loopfest is delighted to confirm Arty Party as a third charity partner. Arty Party supports and empowers learning-disabled adults to explore, express and celebrate their creativity. It is an organisation the festival has been championed for several years and whose work reflects Loopfest’s commitment to inclusion and creative opportunity.

A volunteer-led approach to fundraising
Funds raised during the festival will be distributed through a volunteer-led system. People signing up as volunteers will be asked to choose which of the three partner charities, they would like their shifts to support. The total number of volunteer shifts allocated to each charity will determine how the overall fundraising pot is apportioned.

This model embraces the community spirit at the heart of Loopfest, giving volunteers a meaningful role in determining how fundraising is directed while helping deliver the festival itself. Organisers say the voting process and the volunteer fundraising initiative would not be possible without wide-ranging community interest and support.

“We were blown away by the response to our charity vote,” said Jamie Smith, director of Loopfest. “It’s been fantastic to see people engage with this process, and by letting volunteers choose where their shifts contribute, we’re making fundraising a truly participatory part of the festival.”

Volunteers: join the crew
Loopfest relies on volunteers to help bring the festival to life over the weekend of events. They play a variety of roles across venues and activities, supporting operations and helping create memorable experiences for artists and audiences alike.

Lisa Bloice has been a volunteer and core member of the Loopfest organising team since her band played at the very first event. She said: “Volunteering is fun. Apart from being able to check out the variety acts for free between shifts, we have a great community who all enjoy working with like-minded music-loving people. Invited to attend the regular meetings, volunteers get to meet other members of the team leading up to Loopfest. We provide all the health and safety information, advice, training and support they will require in their volunteering role over the event weekend.”

Applications to become a volunteer are now open and anyone interested in joining the team can apply via the Loopfest website: https://loopfest.co.uk/info/volunteers/.

Picture (left to right): Jamie Smith, director Loopfest, Lisa Bloice, volunteer and core member of organising team, and Adrian Woodvine, first time volunteer in 2026.

08/01/2026

New Chapters Fostercare director contributes to friend’s book about life of crime, violence and redemption.

A contribution to a book about the story of a Shropshire man’s journey through his years of family life, drugs, crime and illness as a youngster, to present day recognition, purpose and fulfilment, has reignited his friendship with the director of a local foster care agency.

38-year-old Ben Butler is a substance and misuse Expert by Experience outreach worker for Shropshire Council’s Enable project, runs New Generation Coaching, which provides mentoring and motivational talks to help children and young people make better life choices, established New Gen FC for young people with neuro diverse needs, sponsored by AFC Telford United and is now an author. He recently won the 2025 Second Chance Achiever Award, which is sponsored by the Royal Air Force and the Royal British Legion.

Craig Walton, director at Shrewsbury based New Chapters Fostercare (NCF), first met Ben Butler when he was a social worker back in the early 2000s. They remained distant friends despite their different life choices and reunited following Ben’s work for a knife reduction crime charity.

As a black person growing up in a predominantly white town Ben’s cultural needs were never really supported or understood. His childhood marked by abuse, he eventually left to fend for himself. He joined a local football firm, and identifying them as his new family, became increasingly involved in the world of drugs, violence and knife-crime and in some cases political extremism. At 16 he served a 42-month term in Stoke Heath Prison and Young Offenders Institute. Following his time in prison, Ben joined the armed forces. However, the army’s discipline was not the turning point in his life.

Ben said: “I hated being black, which is why I hung out with some far right groups such as the EBF (English Border Front) and despite controlling and masking it with drugs and exceptional behaviour, I struggled with my epilepsy and what is now identified as ADHD and ASD. All I wanted to do was take my hurt out on other people. While I had become desensitised to the violence, my life was just full of constant negativity. I existed to fight or cause harm.”

The turning point was when my kids were born. It was a reality check, and through a gradual awakening I realised I needed to move in a different direction otherwise growing up for them was going to echo my life as a kid. They needed stability and love. I reconnected properly with Craig four years ago at an event for Steer Clear, the knife crime reduction initiative. I’m really pleased that he agreed to write a contribution. He’d made such an impact on my life, but I just couldn’t find the right time and way to tell him. It has brought us back together in a meaningful way, sealed the deal on our friendship and my book!”

Craig Walton said: “One of the core principles at NCF is identifying trauma, in fact it is what our agency’s ethos is centred on – a trauma-informed therapeutic approach of supporting children and young people. Ben has experienced more trauma than many people would in a lifetime, so to see him using that experience now to help others is quite simply inspiring. I’m immensely proud of him and what he has achieved.”

Ben Butler’s book Misunderstood is out now and available to order from Waterstones and Amazon.

For more information about NCF visit: www.newchaptersfostercare.co.uk.

Picture (left to right) Ben Butler and Craig Walton.

07/01/2026

Solar PV Battery Systems: Shrewsbury company named top-rated solar installer by Industryoversight.co.uk.

Solar PV Battery Systems, a leading provider of commercial and domestic solar energy solutions, has been named the top-rated solar installation company against 57 other vetted suppliers that are either Shrewsbury based or operating in the town from throughout the region.

Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Bayston Hill, Solar PV Battery Systems, which specialises in a wide range of solar PV applications; many with integrated battery storage that offer long-term reliability and performance through close partnerships with leading global brands including Fronius UK and BYD Battery-Box; received the recognition from one of the UK’s leading independent business review platforms Industry Oversight.

Industry Oversight continually tracks over 500,000 plus blogs, forums, social media platforms and consumer review portals before its editorial team manually reviews eligible companies to ensure they meet exacting standards of customer service and transparency. Its annual report is widely regarded as a key benchmark for excellence in the solar energy sector.

Solar PV Battery Systems earned praise for its attentive support, transparent pricing, and technical expertise, after converting a range of both high-profile commercial and domestic solar power projects with integrated energy storage systems. It is also an established Fronius UK Service Partner and BYD Battery-Box Be Partner, ensuring clients benefit from manufacturer-backed expertise, including advanced tech training and first access to the latest technologies.

“We’re proud to be recognised for our commitment to quality, transparency, and customer care,” said Gareth Jehu, founder and owner of the business. “This endorsement from such a prestigious organisation as Industry Oversight reflects the team’s hard work and our refusal to compromise on product standards or service integrity.”

We only stick to the proven leading manufacturers and with whose products we know thoroughly and trust implicitly; a modus operandi that keeps all our clients happy.”

Recent flagship projects include installing a 90 Kw solar array at Enviros House on Shrewsbury Business Park and installing the first SMA business storage battery system in the UK at a poultry farm in north Shropshire.

Pictures:
1 Enviros House, Shrewsbury Business Park.
2 SMA business storage battery system at SA & DE Dixon poultry farm, Oswestry.