Refolkus: Shrewsbury Folk Festival’s own unique Youth Festival.
Get ready to dive headfirst into a weekend packed with creativity, energy and epic experiences – Refolkus* is back and bigger than ever!
From thunderous drumming and daring stage combat to mind-blowing magic, giant inflatables and hands-on crafts, there’s something happening around every corner. Try something new, discover a hidden talent or just roll up, chill out and see where the day takes you.
If you’re 11–20 and up for making memories, making friends and making loads of brilliant stuff along the way, Refolkus is the place to be!
* timings may be subject to change – check the printed souvenir programme available via pre-order or at the festival for final timings
Please note: Big Band and Super Choir workshops will be leading to a performance on Monday afternoon and so priority will be given to participants who attend from the first session on Saturday.
All other workshops marked *give it a go* are open to anyone to drop in (subject to maximum numbers). A sign-up list will be used for henna and other workshops when they are full – sign up will be available at the start of the first workshop and throughout the weekend.
Music & Dance
Taiko Drumming
Friday 15:30 – 16:30
Sunday 15:30 – 16:30
Feel the thunder! Experience the power and precision of Taiko drumming in this high-energy workshop that’s guaranteed to get your heart racing. Learn the rhythms, stances and striking techniques behind this electrifying Japanese art form. Big beats, bold moves and serious teamwork – can you keep the rhythm? *give it a go*
Rapper Dancing
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 – 11:00
The legendary Four Corners Rapper return to Shrewsbury Folk Festival to show you how to do the nut, the choker and the cramper, or even the toast rack… Believe, it or not, this isn’t a form of medieval torture but is actually a dance with swords at breakneck speed – what could possibly go wrong?! *progressive or give it a go*
All-Star Big Band
Saturday and Sunday 11:00 – 12:30
Monday rehearsal 9:30 – 10:30
Monday performance 12:30 – 13:00
The world renowned All-Star Big Band is back featuring all the most up-and-coming folk talent – yes, that’s you! So whatever and however you play, come and make some seriously spectacular sounds with the Big Band massive. *progressive workshop*
SUPER-CHOIR
Saturday and Sunday 12:30 – 13:30
Monday rehearsal 10:30 – 11:30
Monday performance 12:30 – 13:00
Raise the roof with some fantastic harmony song from all over the world that’s guaranteed to get your toes tapping, your lungs pumping and your spirits soaring. *progressive workshop*
Refolkus Showcase
Monday 12:30 – 13:00
Don’t miss the Big Band and Super Choir showcase performance on the Sabrina stage!
Boomwhacker Karaoke
Throughout the weekend
Dive into a technicolour world of sound with some Boomwhacker Karaoke! Pick up a tube, find your note and start building brilliant beats. Whether you’re playing solo, teaming up with friends or joining an impromptu rhythm crew, there’s no rules, just bright, bouncy musical fun. *drop in*
Arts & Crafts
Folky Fashionista
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 13:30 – 14:30
Monday 10:30 – 11:30
Feeling in need of a style revamp? That favourite t-shirt looking tired? Come along to the clothes surgery and put some pizzazz back into your wardrobe. Bring along a piece of clothing or style up a plain t-shirt, tote bag or bucket hat (subject to availability) with tie-dying, appliqué and remodelling. *give it a go*
Jewellery Making
Friday 14:30 – 15:30
Saturday 15:30 – 16:30
Beads, charms and sparkles galore! Design and create your own handmade jewellery to wear, swap or gift. Experiment with colours, textures and patterns as you craft bracelets, necklaces or something totally unique.
Whether you’re going bold and bright or cool and classy, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind creation that shines as much as you do. *give it a go*
Henna Tattooing
Friday, Saturday and Sunday 17:30 – 18:30
Monday 15:30 – 16:30
Learn about the beautiful eastern art of Mehndi and create your own unique designs using natural henna pastes. N.B. This is a super popular workshop and places will be limited per session. You can sign up for sessions over the weekend at the first henna workshop on Friday. *give it a go (places limited)*
Cartoon Drawing
Saturday and Sunday 14:30 – 15:30
Monday 11:30 – 12:30
Unleash your inner artist! From bold superheroes to hilarious sidekicks, learn how to draw eye-catching cartoon characters packed with personality. Discover tips and tricks for expressions, movement and comic timing, then bring your own weird and wonderful creations to life on the page. Doodle, design and dream big! *give it a go*
Craft and Chill
Throughout the weekend
Make cool crafts, play games or just kick back and relax in our cosy bell tent and hammocks. *drop in*
Fun & Games
Stage Combat
Friday, Saturday and Sunday 16:30 – 17:30
Monday 12:30 – 13:30
Ever wondered how heroes battle safely on stage? Step into the world of theatrical sword fights, dramatic falls and epic showdowns – all without a scratch!
Learn the tricks behind believable fight scenes with professional instructors who’ll show you how to stamp, clash and react like a pro. It’s all about storytelling, teamwork and a bit of dramatic flair. En garde! *give it a go*
Magic with Kane & Abel
Show: Monday 13:30 – 14:30
Prepare to be amazed! The spellbinding Kane & Abel are bringing jaw-dropping tricks, mind-bending illusions and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments to Refolkus. Expect the unexpected as cards fly, objects vanish and volunteers become part of the magic!
Workshop: Monday 14:30 – 15:30
Want to learn a few secrets of your own? Stick around for the workshop and discover how to master misdirection, sleight of hand and show-stopping tricks you can take home and wow your friends with. Abracadabra – you’re the magician now! *show + give it a go*
Inflatable Games Arena
Throughout the weekend
Ready… steady… bounce! Step into our giant inflatable arena and battle it out with gladiator jousting, test your aim with axe-throwing, shoot some hoops in basketball or wobble your way to victory in sumo wrestling suits!
It’s big, it’s bouncy and it’s brilliantly bonkers. Challenge your mates or make new ones – just bring your competitive spirit (and maybe your balance)! *give it a go*
Photos: John Hooper, Mike Dean, Richard Hammerton, Steve Lacey & Steve Oliver.