Shropshire Star

Here is the link to the Shropshire Star's report of the event for everyone interested

Shropshire Star: Village's Fire Festival

After the FIre.

This image provided by Dave Evans of Northampton.

Well, its over for another year for the folk of Welshampton who work hard to bring the Festival to life.  As always I've got mixed feelings.  The making of the puppets (which is my favourite bit if I am honest) was a mixture of joy and effort.  Although they werent perfect I dont know how many people in the audience noticed, they had a good reception from what I could judge from my places in the show.  If (and its a big If) we go with giant puppets again next year then I've learned lots as usual from this event.

The show was, as always, great fun and has, as always, reminded me why I love living out here so much.  I am happy and proud to be part of such a creative and lively community in such a beautiful part of the world.

Phill Evans

After bonfire party with 'Z-Funk'

There will be an after bonfire party at the village hall with music by Z Funk. Tickets at £5 are available on 01948 710602.

For those of you who haven't had the pleasure of seeing Z-Funk before here a little to wet your apatite...
‘Z FUNK is arguably Europe’s premier Zydeco band.
No other band this side of the Atlantic has managed so successfully to purvey the deep grooves and electric energy of this infectious accordion-led dance music native to South-West Louisiana.’

New Press release

PRESS RELEASE
A North Shropshire village will again be taking to the skies with its latest community bonfire.
Theme for this year’s Welshampton bonfire on October 25 is the Phoenix.
Built in the shape of the fabulous firebird the 35 foot high structure is now nearing completion ready for the massive fire show which for the past two years has attracted audiences in excess of 3,000 people.
“Our first show seven years ago when the bonfire was based on a dragon’s lair was attended by just 300 or so people. Now we are attracting ten times that number,” said Festival of Fire committee chairman, Mr Derek Morris.
“We are confident this year’s show will not disappoint. The bonfire will be magnificent and as in previous years it contains that wow factor that hits people as they walk onto the field.”
The fun starts with a lantern parade by village schoolchildren who also later take part in the Phoenix story supported by local women’s singing group, the Frippits.
Part of the story features a large white egret - based on the actual appearance of a real live egret on Ellesmere’s Mere earlier this year.
Other characters include Con Sumo who depicts how damage is caused to the environment and a 25 foot high “credit crunch” monster also threatening the world’s natural treasures.
Special lighting effects and music will add to the show which starts at 6pm.
Admission is free although the audience is expected to make a donation towards next year’s show.
There will also be an after bonfire party at the village hall with music by Z Funk. Tickets at £5 are available on 01948 710602.

More information from committee secretary Richard Jones on the above number. Best pics can be taken of the bonfire during the week before the event. Can also arrange pics of characters including Egret, Badger and Fish

Lantern Workshops

This years Lantern Workshops will be held at the Welshampton Village Hall on Tuesday 7th, Tuesday 14th and Thursday 23rd October from 7-9pm. The theme for this years lanterns is “birds.”

As always, materiels for the lanterns will be provided. No charge is made for the workshops. We are unable to provide supervision as the workshops are very busy so no unaccompanied children please!

For further details call Phill on 01948-710484.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Phill

The Build Begins!

Down on the bonfire field, work began this weekend on this year’s sculptural bonfire under the aegis of Artistic Director Gavin Lewery. In only two days, the structure began to form around carefuly placed telegraph poles and the ubiquitous palets which form the bedrock of the build.

If you would like to help with this years Festival please call Phill Evans on 01948710484 most evenings.

ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE

Please note. This press release (issued 15/9/2008) was overtaken by events. The theme for the bonfire this years was subsequently changed to The Firebird.

PRESS RELEASE
Organisers of Welshampton’s Festival of Fire event are putting on a giant production this year.
The festival bonfire has grown since the event was launched seven years ago with last year’s production, depicting mythical horse, Pegasus, attracting some 3,000 people.
Theme for this year’s bonfire on October 25 will be the Sleeping Giant of Welshampton.
Previous bonfires have taken the shape of a dragon’s lair, a giant clock, a space rocket, a ship and a steam locomotive.
Villagers are joined by volunteers from all over the country to create the sculptural bonfire with this year’s Sleeping Giant expected to tower more than 35 feet above the audience.
In the lead up to the bonfire village children will take part in lantern and puppet workshops in the village hall and the production will also include a play and music centred around the giant theme.
“We’re not sure exactly how the giant theme will materialise at this stage,” said festival committee chairman, Derek Morris.
“But if previous years are anything to go by the bonfire will have a tremendous wow factor and will be a pretty impressive structure.”
He appealed for volunteers to help with the production.
“An awful lot of work goes into the festival from the creation of costumes, puppets and lanterns to the build itself. We are also in desperate need of people to help on the day. Anyone with spare time will be made very welcome,” he added.
Sponsorship from local firms, individuals and organisations to help pay for the event is also being sought.
ENDS
For further information contact committee secretary, Richard Jones, on 01948 710602