The original Ludlow Festival was a glorious fortnight of cultural excess centred on the atmospheric medieval ruins of Ludlow Castle, where a grand professional Shakespeare production would draw the crowds.

The tragedy of the 50-year-old festival’s demise - it was last held in 2014 - is slowly being softened by the annual Ludlow Fringe, set during the same period. With its far more grassroots feeling the Fringe brings experimental and edgy events to this otherwise quiet and staid town.

From award-laden drama to some big comedy names, the last two weeks of June and start of July offer a whole host of reasons to ride into town, and soak up the atmosphere of one of the most historic towns in the Welsh Marches.

The numbers speak for themselves:

• Around 16,000 spectators/audience members 
• Around 100 events taking place over three weeks
• More than 40 venues – from Ludlow Assembly Rooms and Ludlow Brewery to Appletree Theatre’s new performing studios, shops, pubs, cafes and community spaces around town
• Over 1000 participants
• All genres of art and culture – from visual arts to theatre and from comedy to cabaret
• Maximum ticket price of £12 with many events under £5 or free