Ludlow is a pretty market town in the verdant county of Shropshire, close to the border of England and Wales. A historic town with gorgeous aesthetics, its streets are lined with original Medieval, Tudor, and Georgian buildings that parade the various chapters of its yesteryears, including the famous Ludlow Castle. Still very much a bustling market town with a vibrant local community, it’s a fantastic destination for luxury escapes, especially when combined with one of the town’s brilliant festivals and events.
Taking place throughout the year, Ludlow’s calendar of festivals, fayres and events ensures there’s always something to look forward to. With something for everyone, they span the seasons in a flurry of food and festivities, commencing with the fun-filled Ludlow May Fair and culminating in the atmospheric Winter Festival.
So that you can start planning your luxury retreat in Shropshire, we’ve put together some of the best festivals in Ludlow to pencil into your diary.
Ludlow May Fair
1st - 5th May 2025
Held on the first bank holiday weekend in May every year, the Ludlow May Fair is a great family-friendly event that takes place in the heart of the town. Set up around Ludlow’s historic market square and at the foot of Ludlow Castle, this event (protected by Royal Charter) floods the town centre with activity and colour. As well as foodie stalls, it attracts all with a wide array of rides and amusements - the perfect way to entertain the children for a few hours.
Ludlow Spring Festival
9th - 11th May 2025
Ludlow Spring Festival is a community-wide event that brings together all generations of locals and visitors alike. Boasting an eclectic line-up of music, artists, and exhibitors from around the county and beyond, it marks a wonderful way to celebrate the spring season. Particularly enticing, over sixty food producers add their own unique twist to the festival, selling high quality local produce, from farm-fresh vegetables to hedgerow honey to Shropshire ice cream. Running in parallel, the Marches Transport Festival also takes place on the same weekend, where more than 150 stunning classic cars are displayed in the grounds of the castle.
Ludlow Piano Festival
21st - 25th May 2025
First launched in 2023, the Ludlow Piano Festival is hosting its latest festival this year. With several days of piano concerts and events across three different venues in the town, all within a hundred metres of each other, it appeals to music-lovers of all ages. Beginning with a celebrity concert, it promises solo concerts from actors, presenters, comedians and, of course, trained pianists for an action-packed line-up of comedy and class. Venues include St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow Assembly Rooms, and Palmers Hall, all of which are in close reach of the town’s cafés, restaurants, and bars - ideal for post-entertainment refreshment.
Ludlow Green Festival
13th July 2025
Set for July, Ludlow Green Festival is an annual event designed to engage locals and visitors alike with all things green. A voice for the planet and a celebration of sustainability, the event is held in Market Square and packed full to the brim with unique and environmentally-friendly activities for all generations. From interactive workshops to arts and crafts, and from climate question time to guided walks, there is something to inspire everyone. If that wasn’t temptation enough, there’s also a plethora of food stalls with all kinds of goodies, including Ludlow beers, swoon-worthy brownies, Argentinian-inspired dishes, and locally-made ice cream.
Live at Ludlow Castle
17th - 27th July 2025
For the lovers of music, Live at Ludlow Castle proposes a series of soul-stirring concerts this summer. Commencing on Thursday 17th July, this musical array features a plethora of celebrated artists and bands and encompasses a wide variety of sounds, from iconic Britpop to euphonious electronica to rock royalty and more. Taking to the stage this year, anticipate mesmeric performances from The Script, Faithless, Texas and Natalie Imbruglia, Supergrass, Olly Murs, and Jess Glynne. Make sure you secure your tickets well in advance to avoid missing out.
Ludlow Castle Comedy Festival
20th July 2025
Ludlow is one of the most enchanting towns in the UK for its line-up of unmissable events, and this year unveils another fabulous festival. Live from the romantic ruins of the town’s Medieval castle, Ludlow Castle Comedy Festival is set to showcase its first ever comedic variety performance. With a curated collection of highlights, spectators can look forward to witty acts from award-winning comedy stars, such as Russell Howard and Katherine Ryan, as well as up-and-coming talent from the local area and beyond. Head over for a day of endless entertainment, from observational humour to satire to improv, and bask in the grounds of one of the country’s most magical castles.
Magnalonga
10th August 2025
Inspired by Ludlow’s twin town of San Pietro in Cariano, Italy, Magnalonga has been running for nearly two decades and provides a wonderful fusion of culture and cuisine. Designed around a dog-friendly, 8-mile-long walk which starts and finishes in Ludlow, the aim of the day is to encourage people to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and food of the region. During your walk, you can pause regularly along the way to admire the stunning countryside views and stop off for food and drink, mostly comprised of local ingredients from Ludlow and the Welsh Marches. The route itself involves some steep hills, stiles, and uneven tracks, but is well worth the effort if you can - especially for the ticketed meals which provide delicious incentive as you go.
Ludlow Fringe Festival
13th - 17th August 2025
Spanning the summer months of June and July, Ludlow’s Fringe Festival is one of the best events in the region’s calendar. Starting with the Ludlow Carnival, which each year adopts a new theme for its parade and floats, this independent arts, community, and culture festival has become a well-known name on the circuit. Followed by hundreds of events throughout the town, spectators and participators alike can expect brilliant music, dance, comedy theatre performances and more to grip and enthral. With famous names such as Dame Judy Dench, Jasper Carrot and Alistair McGowan gracing previous festivals, this year's festival is a must-visit for anyone interested in the performing and visual arts and seeking sure-fire entertainment.
Ludlow Food Festival
12th - 14th September 2025
Firmly establishing itself on the culinary map, the market town of Ludlow is well-known for its superb local producers and passion for great food. Making sure food fans have ample to look forward to, the town hosts the dedicated Ludlow Food Festival in September each year. Held both inside Ludlow Castle and outside across its Market Square, it stars more than 180 food and drink stalls manned by the best local producers and suppliers. As well as the chance to sample a mouth-watering variety of local fare, you can also seize the opportunity to take part in food masterclasses, feasts, workshops and fire cooking sessions. And, guaranteeing everyone is well catered for, there are lots of children’s activities and attractions.
Ludlow Winter Festival
TBC 2025
Ludlow Winter Festival is one of the county’s most eagerly awaited events in the run up to Christmas. Transforming the town’s historic market square into a veritable wonderland, this family-friendly celebration is one that inspires festive glee in all those who visit. Lighting up the square is the annual Christmas lights switch-on, followed by the opening of Ludlow’s Christmas market. From family lantern making workshops to gift shopping to the season’s inaugural mulled wine, there’s plenty to get you in the Christmas spirit. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see Father Christmas and his reindeer, too.
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury cottages in Shropshire.
