This summer, Shrewsbury is set to host the first ever Summer of Wellbeing – a six-week celebration running from 21st July to 31st August 2025, with the aim of bringing the town, businesses and residents together for positive, wellbeing-boosting activities.  

More than twenty-four businesses are on board so far and preparing to take part in a programme of events, trails and activities to drive footfall throughout the town centre. 

Led by local mental health and wellbeing expert Annie Hambley and supported by Shrewsbury BID, the initiative will transform the town into a hub of creativity, movement, mindfulness and – most importantly – fun. 

At the heart of the project are two interactive town trails: 

• The Happy Explorer Trail for children and families 

• The Mindful Meander for adults 

Participants will be able to pick up ‘Passports to Wellbeing’ from participating venues and collect stamps by taking part in simple activities – for example, trying mindful menus, sketching in cafés, purchasing self-care items, taking in a gallery exhibition or theatre show, or watching a film at the Old Market Hall. 

Special events will include: 

• Pop-up yoga and movement sessions 

• Wild wellbeing walks 

• ‘Switch Off and Sketch’ café corners 

•  Creative workshops 

• Sound baths and other alternative wellness activities  

• Drop-in mental health support sessions 

• Free family activities, including a pool of free tickets for cultural entertainment at the cinema and theatre

And much more. 

“This summer is about celebrating Shrewsbury’s independent businesses and beautiful environment by offering people the space to pause, breathe and enjoy what’s around them – and ensuring everyone has the chance to do that,” says organiser Annie Hambley. “There’s no ticket price, no pressure – just simple, joyful ways to feel good, support your town and rediscover what really matters.” 

Events will take place across Shrewsbury town centre at venues including the Museum & Art Gallery, Shropshire Wildlife Trust’s The Cut visitor centre, The Hive, and a number of cafés, shops, and green spaces.

The programme is designed to co-exist with and complement other events taking place during the summer holidays, such as Shrewsbury Arts Trail, which will be promoted as one of a large range of mindful, wellbeing-boosting activities people can enjoy in town. 

“This is a celebration of Shrewsbury at its best,” said Seb Slater, Executive Director, Shrewsbury BID. “The town continues to buck trends and perform as a hive of independent business.  It’s important to bring people into town to enjoy what Shrewsbury offers if we are to keep bucking those trends, and the Summer of Wellbeing is just one of the ways we’re aiming to do that.” 

Becky Rawlins, whose business Hopefully Made will host workshops and drop-in sessions as part of the programme, said her business is “excited to be involved in Shrewsbury’s first Summer of Wellbeing. Supporting and raising awareness for people struggling with mental health is something that we deeply value as a business, and this  is a chance for us to connect to our community, raise awareness and showcase the incredible opportunities that our town’s businesses already have to offer people!”  

Stay Connected 

The full programme of events will be announced shortly. Follow @OriginalShrews on Instagram or visit originalshrewsbury.co.uk for updates.