Shrewsbury DarwIN Festival returns for 20th year
Events are taking place across February to celebrate the life of Charles Darwin
This weekend events are taking place for the start of the DarwIN Shrewsbury Festival to celebrate the life, work and legacy of Charles Darwin who grew up in the town.
He was born on The Mount in 1809 and attended Shrewsbury School.
It marks the 20th anniversary of the festival which was first founded by local author and presenter Jon King.
There are around 35 events happening this year including exhibitions, guided tours, illustrated talks, events and lectures.
Many of the Festival’s events are planned for the week leading up to Charles Darwin’s birthday on February 12th, although there are also a number of events to look forward to before and after the main nine-day celebration.
There is also a rare opportunity to explore Darwin’s gardens, both his playground and his classroom.
John Hughes, Darwin House Museum Project Manager at Shropshire Council, said: “Preparations have gone well and we are now eagerly anticipating the DarwIN Shrewsbury Festival’s 20th anniversary. It promises to be a truly memorable occasion with more than 30 individual quality events taking place.
“I would like to thank all those who have been instrumental in organising the event for their support, the various venues around Shrewsbury who will be hosting events and everyone else who has played a part in ensuring the festival can go ahead.
“The past year has been hugely important for us with the ongoing refurbishment of Darwin House and it will be wonderful to welcome people here for a number of events during the festival.
“This year’s festival actually gets under way with the launch of an exhibition which runs from January 14th to March 26th and is entitled Charles Darwin in Shrewsbury - the Making of a Marvellous Mind.
“It’s an exhibition which will accompany the launch of local author Jon King’s book by the same name, focussing on Darwin’s childhood and upbringing in Shrewsbury. Overwhelmed with the support and enthusiasm this year marking the 20th anniversary and so it is really something to celebrate.
To find out more about the festival click here.