Behind Bars for the Big Day: Our Adventure to Create the UK’s Most Unique Wedding Fayre
Something extraordinary is coming to Shrewsbury—and it’s set to completely rewrite the rules of the traditional wedding fayre!
On Sunday 9th May 2027, the historic Dana at Shrewsbury Prison will be transformed into an unforgettable world of wedding inspiration as we proudly present:
The Big Shrewsbury Wedding Fayre
This isn’t another collection of exhibition tables inside a hotel function room. This is a bold, ambitious and completely different wedding-planning experience, staged inside one of the UK’s most fascinating former prisons.
For one incredible day, the prison gates will open to engaged couples, their families and friends as they explore atmospheric Victorian wings filled with wedding businesses, live entertainment, exciting experiences, delicious food and endless inspiration.
We’re aiming to create one of the most anticipated wedding events Shropshire has ever seen and quite possibly the most unique wedding fayre anywhere in the UK!
A Victorian Prison Transformed into a World of Weddings
Imagine walking through the gates of a real Victorian prison and discovering more than 90 former prison cells, each transformed into an individual wedding supplier pop-up shop.
Couples will be able to explore two floors across two historic prison wings, stepping inside cell after cell to meet an outstanding variety of wedding professionals.
Every turn will reveal something new—from photographers, videographers and florists to bridalwear, venues, stylists, entertainers, celebrants, cake makers, transport providers and suppliers offering completely original wedding products and experiences.
The prison’s distinctive layout means exhibitors won’t simply be standing behind identical tables in one large room. They’ll have the opportunity to create their own immersive shop, showroom or consultation space inside an authentic former prison cell.
It will be bold, atmospheric and unlike anything couples will experience at an ordinary wedding event.
Unlocking Inspiration for Every Kind of Wedding
The Big Shrewsbury Wedding Fayre will bring together businesses covering every stage of the wedding-planning journey, including:
Wedding venues and ceremony locations
Photographers, videographers and content creators
Bridalwear, menswear, jewellery and accessories
Florists, venue stylists and décor specialists
Wedding DJs, musicians and live entertainers
Celebrants and ceremony specialists
Cake makers and sweet-treat suppliers
Wedding transport providers
Caterers, street-food traders and mobile bars
Photobooths, interactive entertainment and garden games
Honeymoon and travel specialists
Wedding favours, stationery and personalised gifts
Unique products, services and unforgettable experiences
With so much to discover, couples will be able to compare ideas, speak directly with businesses, ask questions and begin turning their wedding plans into reality—all during one extraordinary day.
The Former Exercise Yard Becomes a Wedding Festival
The excitement won’t be confined to the prison wings.
We’re also planning to transform the former exercise yard into a lively outdoor wedding festival, packed with food, drinks, entertainment and interactive attractions.
Couples will be able to sample street food, meet mobile bar operators, enjoy live performances and experience outdoor wedding entertainment first-hand. From giant garden games and festival-style catering to musicians and entertainers, the outdoor area will create a brilliant atmosphere throughout the day.
We don’t want visitors to simply walk around collecting leaflets. We want them to taste, watch, experience, imagine and enjoy!
Backed by Shropshire Events Group Ltd
This huge and adventurous undertaking is proudly backed by our parent company, Shropshire Events Group Ltd.
With its support, experience and commitment to professional event delivery, we’re bringing together the people, planning and resources needed to create something genuinely special for Shrewsbury.
Our shared vision is to stage an event that celebrates the incredible talent within the local and regional wedding industry while giving couples a wedding-planning experience they will remember for years to come.
This is an ambitious project, but we love thinking differently. We cannot wait to get involved in every part of the journey—from welcoming exhibitors and planning entertainment to transforming the prison and watching thousands of ideas come to life.
More Than 120 Wedding Businesses in One Extraordinary Venue
We’re working towards welcoming more than 120 wedding businesses, with over 800 visitors expected to walk through the prison gates during the day.
Exhibitors will be located throughout the former cells, wings, thoroughfare areas and outdoor spaces, creating an exciting journey of discovery from the moment visitors arrive.
There will be no long row of identical stands. Instead, every part of the prison will offer something different, with suppliers encouraged to make their spaces engaging, creative and reflective of their businesses.
For couples, it means more choice, more ideas and more opportunities to meet the people who could help create their perfect wedding.
For exhibitors, it means the chance to showcase their business inside a venue customers are unlikely to forget!
Wedding Businesses: Get Your Business Behind Bars!
If you work within the wedding industry, this is your opportunity to become part of an event that is already generating incredible interest.
Exhibitors can apply for a genuine former prison cell measuring approximately 7ft by 12ft, providing a distinctive private space that can be transformed into a wedding shop, showroom or consultation area for the day.
A selection of thoroughfare and outdoor spaces will also be available for businesses that require a different type of exhibition area. These spaces are particularly suitable for larger displays, wedding transport, catering, bars, garden games and outdoor attractions.
Exhibitor Pricing
The Early Bird exhibitor rate is £120 including VAT and is available until 30th November, subject to availability.
After the Early Bird period ends, the standard exhibitor rate will increase to £145 including VAT.
Spaces are limited, and interest is already building quickly. Once the available prison cells and premium exhibition areas have been allocated, they’re gone.
How to Register as an Exhibitor
Wedding businesses can register their interest by completing the official online exhibitor registration form:
Exhibitor registration: https://forms.gle/15FMPcPP9fkE3h4Y6
The form will ask for information including:
Your business and contact details
The wedding service or product you provide
Your preferred type of space
Whether you require access to electricity
Your website and social-media details
Public Liability Insurance information
PAT testing, food-hygiene or licensing details where applicable
Confirmation that you agree to the exhibitor terms and conditions
Once your registration has been received, the event team will review your information and contact you with the next steps.
We’ll also aim to spread similar businesses throughout the venue, helping to create variety across the prison wings and giving exhibitors the best possible opportunity to be discovered.
If you’re a performer, we’d love to hear from you too. There may be opportunities to perform live during the event, allowing couples to experience exactly what you could bring to their wedding day.
Don’t wait until the cells have been filled. Register now and secure your opportunity to put your wedding business behind bars!
Couples: Register for Your Free Tickets
Are you engaged and planning a wedding for 2027, 2028 or beyond?
Entry to The Big Shrewsbury Wedding Fayre is completely free, but visitors are encouraged to register in advance to secure their tickets and receive important event updates.
Free visitor tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1999018671659?aff=oddtdtcreator
Your free ticket will give you access to:
More than 120 wedding businesses
Over 90 former prison-cell pop-up shops
Wedding inspiration across two floors and two prison wings
Live music and entertainment
Street food and mobile bars
Outdoor attractions and garden games
Exclusive supplier offers
Ideas for every style and budget
One of the most extraordinary wedding venues in the country
Bring your partner, wedding party, family or friends and prepare to unlock an entire prison filled with wedding ideas!
Upgrade to the VIP Experience
Visitors looking to make the day even more special will also be able to upgrade to our VIP Experience for £10.
The VIP Experience is planned to include:
Early entry ahead of the general public
A glass of fizz on arrival
A special VIP goodie bag
Access to exclusive discounts
Personal introductions to selected exhibitors
An online wedding planner
VIP availability will be limited, so early registration is strongly recommended.
Save the Date and Prepare to Go Behind Bars!
The Big Shrewsbury Wedding Fayre at The Dana,
Shrewsbury Prison
Sunday 9th May 2027
11am–3pm
Free public entry with advance registration
This is more than a wedding fayre. It’s an experience, an adventure and a completely new way to plan one of the biggest days of your life.
Wedding businesses: this is your chance to showcase your brand inside a genuine Victorian prison cell.
Engaged couples: this is your opportunity to explore an entire prison filled with ideas, inspiration and incredible suppliers.
Backed by Shropshire Events Group Ltd, The Big Shrewsbury Wedding Fayre is preparing to unlock the gates to something truly unforgettable.
We cannot wait to get involved, bring our adventurous plans to life and welcome you all behind bars!
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