Shipley summer special brings the seaside to town

Shipley’s annual summer festival is back on Saturday 22nd July and promises a day full of fun and laughter with a seaside theme.

Featuring the best in British Street Theatre acts, local dance schools and choirs, the Shipley by the Sea Summer Special will be jam-packed full of entertainment for the whole family.

There will be a main performance area in the town centre where families can watch hilarious shows featuring comedy, juggling and even a space-exploring puppet! These will be joined by walkabout entertainment that will roam the town centre entertaining the crowds.

All the acts have been especially selected to follow the theme this year of Shipley by the Sea and there will be lots of other nods to a day at the beach, from a giant deckchair and seagulls to traditional seaside games and even real-life donkey rides in Crowgill Park.

The festival is funded by Shipley Town Council with additional funding from Bradford Metropolitan District Council. Shipley-based company Q20 Events have been commissioned to produce the festival.

Scott Vipond-Clarke, Co-Creative director of Q20 Events says: “We are thrilled to be bringing the streets of Shipley to life with this fantastic festival. Shipley has been the home of Q20 ever since we were founded in 1969 and we can’t wait to deliver this free family event in our hometown. We have some incredible acts coming to visit Shipley as well as local talent which is all going to come together to make this a day out that shouldn’t be missed.”

Rhona North, Vice-Chair of Shipley Town Council adds:
“Alongside a brilliant variety of family entertainment, we have a special open market showcasing local traders, crafters and artists. The day is set to be a great opportunity to enjoy the theme and fun of the seaside in Shipley and we can’t wait to see the centre buzzing with activity.”

As well as the entertainment in the Market Square itself there will be lots of additional activities on the day including visitors invited to help create a giant piece of pavement art on Wellcroft with Urban Canvas, crafting in the Kirkgate Centre in the afternoon, activities in Shipley Library and the Underground Market, as well as outdoor entertainment in Crowgill Park.

The day is free to attend with the day’s entertainment starting off with the Shipley Salvation Army Brass band at 10am and the main program of acts starting in the town centre from 11am. The event will run until 4pm.

So, grab your bucket and spade and head to Shipley for a fun-filled day in Shipley by the Sea! Further details on the day can be found at www.shipleytowncouncil.gov.uk