Day-long attractions at World Heritage Site.
Details about the packed programme of activities have been announced for this year’s Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Festival, which is taking place on Saturday 19th September. During the event, which is supported by Telford & Wrekin Council there will be heritage talks, a high quality craft and food market, live street entertainment, an art competition and family arts activities from 12 noon until 5pm.
Local residents and visitors will be able to enjoy a large high quality street market running parallel with the river along the Wharfage and offering a range of excellent foods, gifts and merchandise. Local charities and community groups will be running stands with raffles and fun challenges, all helping to raise vital funds and showcasing their good work.
In the Market Square you can join in family art activities including helping to make a giant tile panel with the Severn Gorge Countryside Trust, learn glass crafts with Kinki Glass, have a go at printing an Iron Bridge postcard or learn how to paint a scene with Elemental Arts.
Along the Wharfage you can see Billy the Mini Road Roller in full steam, Penny Farthings being ridden and colourful Morris Dancers performing traditional dances. The air will also be filled with music throughout the day with Woody the One Man Band, assorted street buskers, TADLOP, who will be singing songs from the shows, Coalbrookdale School and a wonderful Ukulele band.
Younger visitors can enjoy a donkey ride adjacent to the Tollhouse, join in the wonderful arts activities, follow a fun trail and enjoy a cuddle with the giant teddy bear at Merrythought Village. To celebrate the 85th anniversary of the founding of the Merrythought factory, a new commemorative teddy bear is being launched at the Festival and there will be special sweet treats for those purchasing teddies on the day.
The fascinating history of the Iron Bridge and the artists who have painted it over the centuries will be revealed by expert historians during two talks and both the Tollhouse on the Iron Bridge and the newly refurbished Museum of The Gorge will be open free of charge all day.
New for 2015 is a special art competition in which five local artists will be challenged to start and complete a work of art during the Festival. Visitors can watch the artists in action throughout the day and the winner will be declared at approximately 4.30pm.
The Festival is always a wonderful event where families can visit the famous World Heritage Site, enjoy the special activities and explore the many riverside shops, pubs, cafés, antique shops, craft centres and restaurants that make the Gorge such a wonderful place to experience at any time of the year.
The Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust has been commissioned by Telford & Wrekin Council to manage the Festival on their behalf.
All visitors to the Festival and town are being advised to use the fast and frequent Ironbridge Park and Ride Service that operates from the top of Jiggers Bank (Sat Nav TF4 3QE) into the heart of the event for a small fee. All of the Ironbridge car parks will be closed apart from the Station Road car park that will be available for Blue Badge holders only. There will also be road closures in the Gorge during the day.
For information about the event check out www.ironbridge.org.uk, call 01952 433424 or email tic@ironbridge.org.uk