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
28th April - 1st May 2023
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
12 - 14th May 2023
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 60 food producers add their own unique twist to the festival, selling high quality local produce, from farm-fresh veg 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
24th - 28th May 2023
A brand-new festival for 2023, the Ludlow Piano Festival is hosting its first ever event this year. With four full days of piano concerts and events across three different venues in the town, all within 100 metres of each other, it appeals to music-lovers of all ages. Beginning with a celebrity concert hosted by Judge Robert Rinder, 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 Fringe Festival
17th June - 2nd July 2023
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 the festival this year, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the performing and visual arts and for those looking for sure-fire entertainment.
Ludlow Green Festival
9th July 2023
Set for July, Ludlow Green Festival is an annual event designed to engage Ludlow-ers 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.
Magnalonga
13th August 2023
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 Food Festival
8th - 10th September 2023
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
Date TBC
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.
