Refolkus: Shrewsbury Folk Festival’s own unique Youth Festival. Find us at the Reef!

The wait is almost over and the Refolkus party will soon be back in town! Come on down to the Reef for an action-packed weekend of music, making and mayhem.
Whether making noise is your jam, being an acrobatic daredevil, unleashing your inner artist or simply relaxing – the Reef has got it all. So get stuck into the All-Star Big Band, giant bubbles, dancing with swords, human pyramids and much much more!
With more chances to strut your stuff on the stage, learn some completely awesome new skills and just chill out with new friends, if you’re aged 11-20, the Reef will definitely be the place to be. So don’t miss it!
Refolkus 2022
Please note: workshops marked *progressive workshop* 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. 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.
GUITAR MASTERCLASS*
Friday 13.00 – 14.00
Take your guitar playing to the next level with string maestro Dan Walsh’s tips and tricks to accompany tunes and songs, suitable for intermediate to advanced players.
*Places limited: first come, first served!
MELODEON GIVE IT A GO* (suitable for beginners)
Friday 14.00 – 15.00
Not the biggest one, or the smallest one; the melodeon is the middle-sized one of all the squeezy-button-boxes and arguably the best (joke!). No previous experience needed, come along and try your hand at this fabulous, folky tune machine. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover a hidden talent!
*Places limited: first come, first served!
FIDDLE MASTERCLASS*
Friday 15.00 – 16.00
The Rosie Hood Band’s fantastic fiddler, Rosie Butler-Hall, will show you how to bring your tune playing alive with both traditional and modern styles of folk music, suitable for intermediate to advanced players.
*Places limited: first come, first served!

ALL-STAR BIG BAND
Saturday and Sunday 10.00 – 11.30
Monday rehearsal 9.00 – 10.00
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 Matt, Dave, Tim and Jared. *progressive workshop*
SUPER-CHOIR
Saturday and Sunday 11.30 – 12.30
Monday rehearsal 10.00 – 11.00
What better way to blow the cobwebs away than by raising the roof off the Reef – join Cait, Harriet and Tim for 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*
RAPPER
Saturday and Sunday 12.30 – 13.30
Monday rehearsal 12.00 – 13.00
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 workshop or give it a go if there are enough people to make a team*

SAMBA DRUMMING
Saturday and Sunday 13.30 – 14.30
Monday rehearsal 11.00 – 12.00
The samba drums are the sound of the Brazilian carnival and we’re bringing that party to the Reef! Inject some energy into your day – will you play the big bass Surdo, the sizzling Caixa snare or the Ago-go cowbell? Come and join our lean, mean percussion machine! *progressive workshop*
FOLKY FASHIONISTA
Saturday and Sunday 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 Refolkus t-shirt, tote bag or cushion cover (subject to availability) with tie-dying, printmaking, appliqué, embroidery and remodelling. *give it a go*
HENNA TATTOOING
Friday 16.00 – 17.00
Saturday and Sunday 17.30 – 18.30
Monday 15.00 – 16.00
We’ve all got our fingers crossed for an Indian summer, but even if the clouds prevail we’ll be making the most of it as the beautiful eastern art of Mehndi comes to the Reef. Check out what this fabulous body art is all about 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 from 4.00pm on Friday at the first henna workshop. *give it a go*

BLING THING
Saturday and Sunday 16.30 – 17.30
Come along and learn how to make your own jewellery. There’s lots of different things to choose from and you can try them all! From bead-making to earrings, friendship bracelets and chunky paracord lanyards – there’s a project to suit all styles. *give it a go*
FAMILY CIRCUS
Saturday and Sunday 10.30 – 13.00 and 14.00 – 16:30
Monday 10.00-14.00

Bring along your friends and family and try balancing with your Granny, hanging upside down with your Uncle Dave or climbing with your cousin. Who’ll be the best?! *give it a go*
Sky Circus
Feeling daring? Here’s your chance to “fly through the air with the greatest of ease” and discover your inner acrobat with Organised Kaos Youth Circus. Test your balance, grace, coordination, agility and courage out with a range of aerial skills such as Static Trapeze, Silks, Corde Lisse and Aerial Hoop on Organised Kaos’s epic aerial rig under the watchful eye of their highly skilled aerialists.
Slacklining
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*
Chinese Pole
Try your hand (your arms, legs and feet) at an 800 year-old tradition! The Chinese pole requires strength and agility – can you channel your inner warrior and learn some tricks?
REFOLKUS SHOWCASES
Monday 13.15 – 13.45 in the Dance Tent
Don’t miss the Rapper and Samba drumming performances!
Monday 14.00 – 14.15 on the Purity Village Stage
Don’t miss the Big Band and Super-Choir performances!
