Refolkus: Shrewsbury Folk Festival’s own unique Youth Festival.
The wait is almost over and the Refolkus party will soon be back in town! Come on down for an action-packed weekend of music, making and mayhem.
Whether making noise is your jam, dropping some dance floor moves, unleashing your inner artist or simply relaxing – Refolkus has got it all. So get stuck into sword fighting, samba drumming, Bollywood dancing 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!
Refolkus 2024
ALL-STAR BIG BAND
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
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*
SAMBA DRUMMING
The samba drums are the sound of the Brazilian carnival and we’re bringing that party to Shrewsbury Folk Festival! Inject some energy into your day – will you play the big bass Surdo, the sizzling Caixa snare or the Ago-go cowbell? *give it a go*
BOLLYWOOD DANCE
This energetic dance blends traditional Bhangra and beautiful Indian hand gestures with modern Hip Hop, Disco and Latin styles to create exciting and eye-catching choreography. *give it a go*
TIKTOK DANCE
TikTok dances are short, choreographed routines which are all about having fun! Come and learn some classic TikTok dances as well as working together to create a festival-special routine! Let’s make it go SFF viral! *give it a go*
BALLET FOLK
Come and experience ballet as you’ve never seen (or heard) it before! Hot off the big stage, Ballet Folk’s professional dancers will help you to explore new ways of moving your body and responding to music. No experience needed! *give it a go*
SMARTPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY
Learn how to take “WOW” photos with just your smartphone. Discover a variety of powerful composition techniques and simple shooting strategies to help you shoot with greater confidence and get results that you’ll be proud to share. *give it a go*
FENCING
All for one and one for all! Do you have what it takes to be a real musketeer? Come and learn the basics of the Olympic sport of sword fighting. *give it a go*
FLOWER CROWNS
Make your own beautiful flower crown using real flowers – the “must-have” festival look! *give it a go*
FOLKY FASHIONISTA
Feeling in need of a style revamp? That favourite t-shirt looking tired? Come along to the clothes surgery and let the team help you to put some pizzazz back into your wardrobe. Bring along a piece of clothing or style up a plain t-shirt, tote bag or cushion cover (subject to availability) with tie-dying, printmaking, appliqué and remodelling. *give it a go*
JEWELLERY
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*
HENNA TATTOOING
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*
CRAFT AND CHILL
Make bracelets and fairy lights, play games or just kick back and relax in our cosy bell tent and hammocks.
REFOLKUS SHOWCASE
Don’t miss the Big Band and Super Choir showcase performance on the Sabrina stage!
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.
2023 Gallery
Photos: Jenny Douglas, Mike Dean, Robin Fellows-Weir, Steve Lacey & Steve Oliver