Refolkus: Shrewsbury Folk Festival’s own unique Youth Festival.
Refolkus is THE place to hang out with your mates, make new ones, learn new skills or challenge yourself. Come on down for an action-packed weekend of music, making and mayhem.
Whether making music is your jam, exploring science, unleashing your inner artist or simply relaxing – Refolkus has got it all. So get stuck into robotics, mosaics, singing, acrobatics and much, much more!
With more chances to make cool stuff, learn awesome new skills and just hang out in a hammock, if you’re aged 11-20, make a date with Refolkus!
(Programme may be subject to change – check the printed souvenir programme available via pre-order or at the festival for final timings)
Music and Song
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!
Dance
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*
DEMON BARBERS HIP HOP FOLK DANCE
Saturday 13:30 – 14:30
Join epic showband, the Demon Barbers, for a taste of their folk and hip hop dance extravaganza as you meld dance styles with some of the UK’s most exciting young clog, hip hop and break dancers! *give it a go*
Circus Skills
SLACKLINING
Friday 13:30 – 17:30
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 – 13:30 and 14:00 – 17:30
Monday 10:00 – 13:00 and 13:30 – 16:30
Put your balance to the test on the mighty slackline. Slacklining is an extreme balance sport that stems from tightrope walking. Relying on your agility, stability and focus, just try to make it across the line or give some tricks a go, it’s up to you! *give it a go*
Robotics
ROBOT WORKSHOPS
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 16:30 – 17:30
Monday 11:30 – 12:30
Robot engineers Mechanismo are bringing their new giant robots to Refolkus! These robots don’t just whizz around (although they can!) but you can also create electro music gizmos, play robot football, balloon jousting and make robot art masterpieces! *give it a go (places limited)*
ROVING ROBOTS
Friday 13:30 – 16:00
Saturday and Sunday 11:30 – 13:30 and 14:30 – 16:00
Monday 13:00 – 15:30
Drop in and have a go at controlling our super cool robots – find them outside the Refolkus marquee! *give it a go*
Crafts & more
HAIR BRAID WRAPS
Friday 13:30 – 14:30
Monday 12:30 – 13:30
Come along and learn how to make your own unique hair braid wraps. Suitable for long and short(ish) hair alike, customise your locks with a funky colourful braid for summer! *give it a go*
FOLKY FASHIONISTA
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday 14:30 – 15:30
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*
YOUNG CONTENT CREATORS
Friday, Saturday and Sunday 15:30 – 16:30
It’s time for a teen social media takeover for Shrewsbury Folk Festival! Working with the festival’s social media team, learn how to create awesome content and show us the festival from your point of view. Take the chance to get your work premiered on SFF’s social platforms! *progressive or 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)*
MOSAIC ART
Sunday and Monday 13:30 – 14:30
Learn how to make your own mosaic art and take home your awesome creation! Working with our internationally renowned artists, explore different shapes, patterns and textures to create your masterpiece out of colourful tiles. *give it a go*
MACRAME HANGERS
Monday 10:30 – 11:30
Macrame is an ancient craft that involves knotting cords together to create beautiful patterns and designs. One of our favourite projects is making these super cool plant pot hangers but try not to get tangled up! *give it a go*
CRAFT AND CHILL
Throughout the weekend
Learn to make hair braids, play games or just kick back and relax in our cosy bell tent and hammocks.
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.