Telford 50 has something for everyone to enjoy in May!
As part of Telford turning 50 this year, Telford & Wrekin Council is organising a range of activities and events to celebrate the town’s rich heritage, numerous achievements, strong volunteering ethos and exciting future.
The Council is also supporting community-led events across the borough to mark the anniversary and bring together local communities in this unique celebration.
A calendar of different events taking place in the coming months has been listed on Telford 50 website, at www.telford50.co.uk/50events
Lots of different events celebrating Telford 50 are taking place throughout May.
If you would like to become a lasting part of Telford 50, come along on Friday, 4 May, anytime between 11am and 3pm, to the People’s Portrait Gallery in Newport (Church Parish Room).
You’ll have the chance to take your own photo in a professional setting and you’ll get an instant print copy of it. This is a free event, anyone can take part.
If you miss this event, the next People’s Portrait tour locations and dates are: Madeley (29 May), Telford Shopping Centre (21 July) and Southwater Ground Floor (28 July).
All the photos taken from the tour will form part of a final Telford 50 exhibition.
On Saturday, 5 May, a festival of Teen Talent Acts at Telford College (4.30pm – 9pm) will be celebrating Telford's young people and their talent.
Book your tickets for this exciting music event to experience different local bands and artists. The event is being supported by the Council’s Telford Pride @ 50 Celebration Grant.
Saturday, 5 May also sees a new book on Telford’s developing industries and mineral wealth, from author Neil Clarke, launched at Southwater Library.
Community groups from all across the borough will join in the celebrations with local events.
“The 50 Tree Trail” is hosted by The Friends of Dothill Local Nature Reserve on 4 May as a themed walk around the reserve.
St. Georges Recreation Ground will celebrate both the 50th anniversary of the town as well as its own 95th anniversary landmark on 7 May.
An event celebrating Donnington and the changing face of the area over the last 50 years will take place at Donning Community Hub on 30 May and is also supported by the Council’s Telford Pride @50 Celebration Grant.
From 5 May to 13 May, Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival will be offering 53 walks over 9 days in and around the iconic Ironbridge Gorge.
If you have not been before, this is a great opportunity to experience something new and to make some new friends.
From the 5 May to 8 July you will also be able to meet the beautifully painted ‘Let’s Go Quackers’ larger than life ducks who will be parading along the gorge as part of a 2 mile fully accessible walking trail for all the family.
The annual family-friendly Kite Festival will turn into a “Telford Balloon and Kite Fiesta” on 12 and 13 May, with hot air balloons floating above the borough at scheduled intervals on both days as well as being tethered in the Town’s Park Arena for you to see.
If you fancy taking to the skies yourself at this event, hot air balloon rides are on offer at half price, just by using Telford50 code when booking.
Other family fun events will also take place during May.
One of them is Branches in the Park in Town Park’s Arena on 6 May.
Food vendors, live bands, arts & craft and much more will be around at this event aiming to also raise awareness of mental health issues.
Teddy Bear’s Picnic is another entertaining event taking place in late May (20 May) with a range of fun activities, music, entertainments and competitions.
Both events are being supported by the Council’s Telford Pride @ 50 Celebration Grant.
Oakengates Theatre @ The Place will celebrate its own 50th birthday with a “Happy Birthday” themed family rave party – “Big Fish Little Fish” is on 27 May and is guaranteed to be lots of fun for both adults and children.
The calendar of Telford 50 events continues to be updated, anyone wanting to be kept informed on the latest news can register here and join the Telford 50 dedicated Facebook group.
Councillor Rae Evans, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, Tourism & Partnerships, said: “There are so many exciting and memorable events for our residents and visitors to mark Telford’s 50th anniversary in May.
“There’s something for everyone to enjoy and take part in – from our Balloon and Kite Festival on 12 and 13 May to other festivals, family fun events, walking trails, concerts.
“The Telford 50 website, www.telford50.co.uk is the best platform to go and check what’s on – as we are continuously updating our list of events with new entries”.
