A POPULAR event in Shipston is returning this year after a two-year Covid break.

Shipston Proms returns to the festival stage in June after two years away.

Chair of the proms Charlotte Haines said she was "very exicted" to finally be putting on the event, which was originally planned back in 2020.

This year's festival runs from June 10 to June 25 with a few new tweaks to the traditional format.

One of which is the disappearance of the fame contest to be replaced by an updated ‘Shipston Introducing’ event to be held at popular Spanish café/restaurant El Café in Shipston opening specially for the Proms on Sunday June 19.

If any budding musicians would like to take part, they can get in touch on www.shipstonproms.org or the Shipston Proms facebook page.

The headliner on the main stage this year is the son of the late Rick Parfitt of legendary stadium band Status Quo.

His group The Rick Parfitt Junior band are seasoned arena players promising a memorable night of rock and roll.  

They will be supported by the rock and roll band Dusk Till Dawn and Oxford based group The Shapes.

The full line up of the festival can be found in the Programmes to be delivered at the end of April to households, pubs and shops of Shipston.  Look out for the usual favourites, including The Pub trail, Helen Porters Chamberpot Pourri, Calypso Kids, an Open Mic Night with Barney Porter, the Town Band Concert and the Young Musicians concert as well as newer acts to Shipston such as The Big Ginge Blues Band.  

Local businesses continue to help sponsor the Proms, including The Flower House in High Street, run by the Corby family.

Katie Corby, owner of the popular florist, said: "We are delighted to support the festival, which brought a lot of people together and was a great community event."

For further information, please see www. shipstonproms.org or our Facebook page.