The idea
Last year at the Ginger & Spice Festival, the Rajasthan Heritage Experience captivated Market Drayton with their high energy rhythms, performance & Indian cultural workshops. This year, we want to bring them back—bigger and better!
We will host:
-Free street performances from the amazing Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band that will bring the town alive with music.
-Educational workshops for young people including drumming, block printing, mehndi (henna art) & other cultural activities
-A brand-new festival parade including the Rajasthan Band uniting local schools, charities, & community groups.
-Additional performances from local drumming group, enhancing the spectacle.
To make this happen, we are seeking funding to bring the Rajasthani Heritage Brass Band back to Market Drayton
This project ensures everyone can participate for free, regardless of financial circumstances, making culture and creativity accessible to all.
Back this project and bring Market Drayton’s heritage to life!
What we'll deliver
- Rajasthani Heritage Brass Band
- Festival drumming workshops
- Brand new festival parade in town centre
- Mini Maharajas - Indian folk story telling, turban tying, singing & drumming
- Indian block printing workshop
- Mehndi (henna) body decoration activity
Why it's a great idea
-Expands the festival’s reach, engaging a wider audience across Shropshire.
-Encourages young people to participate in creative & cultural activities.
-Strengthens community spirit by bringing together diverse groups.
-Provides hands-on educational workshops, building skills & confidence.
-Creates volunteering opportunities, helping people gain experience & strengthen community
-Encourages active participation in outdoor performances, parades, and creative workshops, promoting healthy living and well-being.
-Boosts the local economy, as visitors stay, shop, and support businesses within the town of Market Drayton
- Helps local people connect to the town's unique heritage story
Steps to get it done
- Planning and implementing marketing & communications strategy to promote project & festival
- Planning & scheduling of activities and parade
- Onboarding local businesses to take part in festival
- Recruiting local youth, schools and community to participate in the parade
- Recruiting additional volunteers required for the parade
- Training volunteers
- Focused communications including newspapers, social media, radio, advertising & print to promote the parade & festival
The Ginger & Spice Festival is dedicated to engaging young people from local schools (within 10 miles of Market Drayton) and youth groups e.g. Market Drayton Youth Club. This will give local young people an active role in shaping the festival, fostering creativity, confidence, and cultural appreciation.
We will also reach out to rural North Shropshire, ensuring those with limited access to cultural events can participate. The festival provides a vital opportunity for these communities to come together, celebrating local heritage, food, music and the arts.
For 2025, we’re launching a new parade through the town centre, featuring artists, schools, youth groups, and the community.
By offering free, hands-on activities in music, craft, and performance, we promote mental well-being and real-world engagement beyond digital screens. Inclusivity is at the heart of this project, ensuring everyone can take part, regardless of background.
