Summer festival a huge hit

Shrewsbury House celebrated the summer at the weekend with their Summer Festival. There was live music over the two-day event.

The evening of Friday August 1^st and the day-night stretch on 12 noon to 10.00pm on Saturday 2^nd delivered two fine sessions of leisure activities, food, drink and live music entertainment for the Shrewsbury House Summer Festival 2025.

Friday evening kicked off at 6.30pm with a vinyl DJ session by John R, the man behind the regular Friday night Art’s Music Lounge, followed by a set by the Andy Smythe Duo, who recently showcased in the Lounge, with the evening rounded off with a fine performance by the Deptford Rivieras.

Saturday at noon saw pale grey skies greet the first of a series of outdoor live music sets led by guitarist Sam Winston. The mood took a suave direction with Chukuma, a singer in the style of Sammy Davies Jr with a selection from the Sinatra songbook and featuring some audience participation.

Meg Johnson performing at Shrewsbury House

Lounge singer Tilly Pantlin brought us up to date with a selection of solo pop and soul hits from the 1960s to contemporary times, this ahead of her Shrewsbury House gig coming in September, then singer-guitarist Meg Johnson entertained with a captivating set of pop and country hits, including a couple of Dolly Parton covers that met good acclaim.

While the music was played, indoors saw a range of taster sessions from regular House activities, these including Sweaty Mama for new mums, Sas Jaya Yoga, Baby Sensory, the Stage Acting Studio, yoga with Cressida and indoor sport with short-mat bowls. Those seeking refreshment could find Powercrust Pizza, Big Daddy’s Kitchen with Caribbean barbecue, and the Garden Cafe with a range of favourites.

Children were kept occupied with a range of pleasures from Garden Treasure Hunt, board games in the Library and Drawing stations around the gardens on a variety of easels.

Meanwhile the music continued with a set of pop-rock by the Swans, a well received set of soulful songs by the Logan J Parker girl group, then a concluding set of upbeat electric music from Dr Elias & the Soul Surgeons.

Gary & Marco hosting the Summer Festival at Shrewsbury House

The weather remained kind to use, cloudy but dry, while the House and Gardens resonated with a cheerful crowd of visitors of all ages, soaking in the atmosphere of the Shrewsbury House Summer Festival, superbly organised by the House Management team of Kath and Sally and colleagues, with music hosting duties by Maritime Radio presenters Marco, Clive R, Gary Sylvester and Duncan Martin.