Embers Fire Festival confirmed to return to the Ironbridge Gorge for 2027
Telford & Wrekin Council is pleased to confirm that Embers Fire Festival will return to Dale End Park, Ironbridge, for a second year on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 May 2027, following a hugely successful debut event that welcomed more than 5,000 visitors to the Gorge over the two-day event in May 2026.
Run in partnership between Telford & Wrekin Council and Embers Café Ironbridge, and hosted by live-fire specialist Adam Purnell, also known as The Shropshire Lad, the festival will once again take place at Dale End Park in the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site, running from 11am to 9pm on both days.
The inaugural festival in May 2026 brought together nationally recognised live-fire chefs, street food specialists and live music across two days, alongside family entertainment including circus skills workshops, an immersive children's role-play village and a live chilli-eating competition. The 2027 event will build on that success, with details of the chef, music and market trader line-up to be announced in the coming months – plus celebrating its fourth birthday.
Adam Purnell, founder of Embers Fire Festival and The Shropshire Lad, said: "Seeing more than 5,000 people come together in Ironbridge for the very first Embers Fire Festival was incredible and we knew straight away we wanted to do it again.
"The Ironbridge Gorge is a spectacular setting for a live fire festival, and the response from visitors, chefs, traders and musicians exceeded all our expectations. Plans for 2027 are already well and truly underway, and we're looking at how we can make the festival even bigger and better while keeping the atmosphere that made the first event so special.
"Whether you're passionate about live fire cooking, great food, live music or simply spending time with family and friends in a unique setting, there will be something for everyone. We can't wait to welcome people back to Ironbridge next year."
Councillor Angela McClements, Telford & Wrekin Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism & Leisure, said: "Embers Fire Festival was a brilliant addition to our events calendar in 2026, bringing thousands of visitors into the Ironbridge Gorge and showcasing everything that makes this UNESCO World Heritage Site so special.
"We're really pleased to confirm the festival is returning in 2027, and I'd encourage residents and visitors alike to save the date. Events like this play an important part in supporting our local visitor economy, extending the visitor season into the evening and giving people even more reasons to explore everything Telford and Wrekin has to offer."
Anyone who attended the festival in 2026 or has signed up to the Embers Fire Festival e-newsletter, will receive an exclusive discount code giving access to the ticket pre-sale, which opens on 28 September. General sale tickets will then be available from Friday 2 October.
Further details, including the full 2027 programme, can be found at www.embersfirefestival.co.uk. Visitor and accommodation information for the Ironbridge Gorge can be found at www.visittelford.co.uk
