A FESTIVAL OF PLAY A FESTIVAL OF PLAY A FESTIVAL OF PLAY A FESTIVAL OF PLAY

In 2022, LOOPFEST smashed footfall records in Shrewsbury, increasing visitor numbers by 33% compared to the same day the previous year and 8% pre-COVID.

Unbelievably, we achieved all that success on a budget of £2,400. However successful that might seem, we don’t feel it’s fair to ask artists to perform for free, even if it’s for charity. Our goal is to create a sustainable, free-entry festival that’s accessible to all. We want to showcase the best music in our region, introduce national and international artists, and encourage people to take part in the creative arts.

So, in 2023, LOOPFEST in the Community C.I.C. will connect 25 venues across Shrewsbury, featuring 125 acts and 350+ performers. Thanks to our key sponsors, Shrewsbury BID, Molson Coors, and Full Fibre Broadband, we’re able to cover most of our costs. Also, thanks to Golding Products, who’ve produced our #LOOPFEST23 double CD.

That means we’re paying every act and covering all the equipment and expertise required across all the stages to make the day run smoothly. In 2023, we’ve also introduced a whole new side to LOOPFEST. We wanted it to be more than just a passive experience. LOOPFEST is in a state of metamorphosis, and we’ve introduced more arts and crafts and participation events for the whole family. Our kids’ craft workshops at Shrewsbury Library (run by Make + See) and our community workshop at 23 The

Parade (run by Chloe’s Flowers) have been very well attended so far, and there are plenty of opportunities to sing along on the day.

Props to all the venues who gave us a chance last year, and to the new ones coming on board. Respect to all the volunteers who’ve helped, and a big thank you to Jules, Chloe, Katie, Katy, Dave, Catrin, Sam, and the engineers who’ve picked up the gauntlet. Big up to Molby, whose words make up the bulk of this program (amongst other things) and Elliott Stallion for the awesome designs!

A massive thanks to Smash Rooms, The Crown & Anchor Vaults (BC), Pro Audio Services, Shrewsbury Folk Festival, Greenside Music, Shrewsbury Comedy Festival, T-Shirt Me, Albert’s Shed, and Albert & Co Frankville for placing ads to make this program possible.

And thanks to you! Let us know how it went for you on socials at #LOOPFEST23

ALBERT’S SHED

Bad Fianc S

12:20PM

Performing as a full band for the first time, the Fiancés are an electro/rock anomaly. Witty, heartfelt and experimenta. Performing songs from debut album ‘Pretty | Brutal’

BÖHMEN

1:40PM

Angular, brooding but with big bombastic choruses, they will be a wonderful new find for fans of Editors and Joy Division.

FOXHAUNT

3:00PM

Haunting vocals and timeless songwriting. Mixing their heavy guitars with electronica and piano riffs, they bring to mind a more indie influenced Linkin Park.

IDLE NOISE

4:20PM

Anthemic and soaring, they echo early 2000’s bands such as Editors and The Enemy, but with a modern lyrical twist that Paul Weller would be proud of

BOOM BOOM WOMB

5:40PM

One of the most anticipated bands playing this years LOOPFEST, Boom Boom Womb are three riot grrrrls/one riot booooooi who promise to bring a ferocious mix of garage/ punk/rock to proceedings.

The Great Leslie

7:00PM

Four piece from that there Lannnndarn. They flirt with old fashioned rock’n’roll, the occasional ska rhythm and gigantic singalong choruses. They know how to harmonise, as well as how to prompt a big shouty chorus.

Meme Detroit

8:20PM

Self-described as Uplift Angst, British/Latina MeMe Detroit is an indie/grunge/pop-inspired, genre-merging, high-octane breath of vivacity with an unforgettable live show that has pure passion for music at its heart.

Luna Kiss

9:40PM Coventry alt-rockers who will possibly be the best dressed band at this years LOOPFEST. Like their clothing, these guys are smoooooooth af, and will bring their wonkyrockaltpop to Shrewsbury for the first time and we’re certain you’re gonna love ‘em.

Mighty Vipers

11:00PM

Like a steamroller of sound; smashing you round the face with a wet kipper while you make your best sex face, their live show is where they’re suited best, creating a unified sea of sweat, smiles and celebration onstage and off. It’s that infectious energy that has seen the band perform on the main stages of Boomtown Fair, Beathearder and LOOPFEST.

Jay Weller Pritchard

12:00PM

To say he’s ahead of his years is patronising, Jay can sing and play as well as any seasoned musician and there’s a helluva future for him.

Greysha

1:20PM

Following last year’s LOOPFEST where she wowed a captivated crowd with her delicate, but bruising set, she is coming back with some new material and band members.

Manor Heights

2:40PM

Shropshire has had a love affair with ‘Skaburst’ over the last few years, they have toured up, down and around the county enough that their name is synonymous with joyful tunes and brilliant musicianship. We always thought Skaburst should write their own songs, and now we’re ruddy delighted to say they have and they are performing for us! Not to be missed!

Red By Night

4:00PM

It’s hard to talk about these guys without mentioning the fact that they have the average age of 14. What were you doing at that age? I bet you weren’t playing in a ferociously brilliant kick-ass band who sound accomplished enough to sound like they’ve been doing this thang for decades.

Chasing August

5:20PM

Anthemic Alt-Rock band from The Midlands delivers a unique take on modern alternative rock music with melodic vocals over high octave guitars and catchy choruses that will linger in your head for days.

Rock Choir

6:00PM

The leading contemporary choir in the UK, Rock Choir’s unique mix of feel-good and upbeat hits captures the crowd, gets them joining in and leaves them on a high.

FEE FEE & THE SENTIMENTS

7:00PM

Fancy a bit of disco fun? How about a vintage party band who are both wonderfully well dressed AND well versed in how to keep a party jumping? And what about a mix of music from across the decades?

Smoke Like A Fish

8:20PM

With an up-tempo two-toned Ska-poppunkish attack, Smoke like a Fish from Mid Wales relentlessly pump the offbeat with groove and aggression, behind brass splattered riffs, catchy choruses and social commentary.

RUBY ALLEN

1:20PM

Shropshire based, acoustic singer/ songwriter Ruby Allen brings a fusion of jazz, rock, blues, country and folk.

TU-KAY & RYAN

2:40PM

Acoustic duo who play a captivating mixture of roots, Americana and folk. Incredible harmonies and superb musicianship, these guys are fast making a name for themselves in the folk scene.

Kate Rose Rainford

4:00PM

If you’ve been to open mics around town, you will surely have bumped into Katie. Marrying folk based melodies with acoustic rock, Katie always leave an audience captivated and in awe of her fantastic voice.

AMBER JULES

5:20PM

Fantastic songwriter heralding from Manchester. Tight and crispy beats with beautifully sentenced melodies. One to watch out for.

VINCENT WHYTE

6:40PM

Describing himself as a ‘Singer-Songwriter, Anglo-Chanteur, Song & Dance Man’, Vincent is truly one of the most unique songwriters we have in Shrewsbury.