Indie legends Ash and Reef will headline a new Loopfest venue in The Quarry park next May, alongside The Bluetones and Jess Silk, kicking off Shrewsbury's growing music festival.
3 min read
Two of the biggest names from the 1990s indie scene are coming to Shrewsbury next spring as Loopfest announces its first acts for a brand new festival venue.
Ash and Reef will headline a special show in The Quarry park on Friday 1st May 2026, performing in a giant big top marquee that will hold up to 2,500 music fans. Joining them will be The Bluetones, appearing as an acoustic duo, and Black Country singer-songwriter Jess Silk.
A New Chapter for Loopfest
The big top marquee, which will be located just below The Dingle garden, marks an exciting expansion for Loopfest as it enters its fifth year. The venue will sit alongside the festival's other established locations including St Mary's Church and Shrewsbury Castle.
Since launching in 2022 with 80 artists across 17 venues in a single day, Loopfest has grown rapidly. This year's event featured nearly 300 artists performing in 40 venues across the town.
The festival's impact on Shrewsbury has been remarkable. During the 2025 May bank holiday event, the town centre saw a 54 per cent increase in visitor numbers compared to two years earlier.
Organisers' Excitement
Loopfest co-organiser Jamie Smith expressed his enthusiasm about securing the headline acts.
"Ash, Reef and The Bluetones - all legends of the '90s Britpop/rock era - together on one incredible Friday night for just £35. It's amazing value and the perfect way to kick off Loopfest in 2026. And this is just the beginning; there are loads of announcements to come from our weekend line-up."
When asked about landing such iconic names, Jamie added a personal touch.
"I'm so excited. These are bands I grew up with, bands that I had on cassette and from which, I learnt how to play music."
Mark Morriss of The Bluetones Acoustic shared his own anticipation for the show.
"Can't wait to kick off the festival season with a performance at Loopfest amongst this great line-up."
Supporting Local Music
Loopfest isn't just another festival. Created by musician and promoter Jamie Smith alongside David Gregg, who runs the Albert's Shed group of music venues in Shropshire, the event has bucked national trends that saw around 150 music venues close or suspend operations and 78 festivals cancelled or postponed in 2024.
The festival has secured £40,000 funding from Arts Council England to support its mission and create a lasting legacy. Profits are reinvested to support performing artists and encourage a love of culture from an early age.
Since the first Loopfest in September 2022, live music performances across Shrewsbury have surged, cementing the town's growing reputation as a destination for music lovers.
Get Your Tickets
Tickets for the Friday evening show featuring Reef, Ash, The Bluetones Acoustic and Jess Silk go on sale at 10am on Friday 31 October, priced at £35. The event is suitable for ages 14 and above when accompanied by an adult.
Tickets can be purchased through the festival's website at https://ticketloop.co.uk/loopfest/
With more announcements promised for the full weekend line-up, Loopfest 2026 looks set to be the biggest and best yet.