Loopfest 2026 is just around the corner and boy does it always come around quickly. So, we'd better speak to the Loopfest Don, Jamie 'Jimmy' Smith and find out what is happening this year.

Recorded at Shropshire Business Suite, this is an extensive look at what went right/wrong at last year's event and what has been improved for 2026. As well as a deep dive into what people can expect in the 2026 event.

Loopfest 2026 is bigger than ever, incorporating The Quarry for the the very first time. Jimmy breaks down how you can get the most out of Loopfest, especially as there is a brand new app to help you navigate your way through. You can find links to the app on the official Loopfest website - https://loopfest.co.uk/news/

Finally, there is an exclusive discussion about the brand new Loop Venue which is due to open very soon. This venue has so many amazing prospects which it comes to giving local musicians a place to play and grow as artists.

The Shrewsbury Biscuit will be at Loopfest as always and to say Alex is excited is an understatement! Enjoy the episode :)

Intro/Outro music: Talk by Ease the Artist.

Today on The Shrewsbury Biscuit Podcast, Alex speaks to Dawn Williams—a weightlifting warrior who refused to let cancer define her story.

Just two weeks after receiving her breast cancer diagnosis, Dawn stepped onto the platform and crushed her weightlifting competition. But that was only the beginning. Through gruelling chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, and reconstruction, Dawn turned training into her medicine. Her focus? Getting back to doing what she loved, no matter what stood in her way.

Dawn's story is a testament to the power of determination, strength, and finding your fight when life throws its hardest punches. This conversation is raw, inspiring, and a reminder that sometimes the weights we lift aren't just in the gym.

I'm incredibly grateful to Dawn for sharing her journey so vividly. This is one you won't want to miss.

Intro/Outro music: Talk by Ease the Artist

Coming to you from The Prince of Wales pub in Bellevue, Shrewsbury Alex and his trust co-host of occasion, Mini-Biscuit Timmy speak to Shrewsbury's Mayor - Alex Wagner.

Timmy wanted to know what it takes to be a Mayor and this episode is designed to let you, the listener know who Alex Wagner is as a person.

Although this episode lightly mentions politics, this is not a political podcast. This is a profiling interview. Regular listeners will know that I always like the find out about the person behind a role.

Many thanks to the staff from The Prince of Wales pub for letting us record at your stunning establishment and of course thanks to Alex Wagner for taking time out of his busy Mayoral schedule to speak to us.

Intro/Outro music: Talk by Ease The Artist

This episode comes to you from The Shrewsbury Coffeehouse, Alex's favourite little nook of the town. Joined by Mini-Biscuit Timmy, Alex is speaking to a pillar of the Shrewsbury community, Libby Gliksman.

Libby has been on The Shrewsbury Biscuit radar for a long time, not only for running the much-loved Market Cookshop nestled in the UK's favourite indoor market, Shrewsbury Market Hall, but also for her fine work with live music fundraisers over the years.

Alex and Timmy talk to Libby about the fundraiser she took part in on 21st February 2026. When this interview took place, it hadn't happened yet! The fundraiser was for the devastating fire at Perches House that sadly claimed the life of Rose Roberts. There's a community drive to raise donations to restore the 14th century building and remember Rose. Here's a link to the live crowdfunder - https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/qr/7nPra3gl?utm_campaign=sharemodal&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=shortlink

This is a nice, warm chat with one of Shrewsbury's sweethearts. We're sat at a table in one of the town's nicest coffee joints—pull up a chair and join us.

Intro/Outro Music - Talk by Ease the Artist

This episode comes to you from The Red Barn, Shrewsbury. Alex speaks with SAHA Jets Under 11s football coaches Harry, Dean, Simon, and players Leo and George. These wonderful people have done so much for Timmy, Alex and Caz that The Shrewsbury Biscuit Podcast became a team sponsor. There's something special happening here that goes beyond football. Listen to discover what it takes to build a team from nothing and create a community of passionate kids, coaches and parents.

We also discuss The Myddle Muddle, a well-established run co-organised by team parent Anna. Take part in a 10k, 5k or 1 mile colour run on 19th April 2026 and help raise money for Myddle CE Primary and Nursery School. Learn more and enter at https://myddlemuddle.co.uk/ - all levels welcome.

Thank you to Harry and the team for encouraging our mini-biscuit to be his best self, and to Nichola and Brent Catterson from The Red Barn for this ongoing collaboration between us.

Intro/Outro - Talk by Ease The Artist

Coming to you from The Bricklayers Arms in Copthorne, Shrewsbury, this week's episode features the one and only Tat Effby aka The Caketoonist.

With over 400k followers on TikTok, Tat really is one of of Shrewsbury's brightest stars. Incorporating baking, witty humour and a natural ability to draw in the audience Tat is awesome, you guys will love her.

Tat has a new book coming out on the 12th March called Bake your Sweet Time. You can pre order your copy HERE You will want a copy too as this book is stunning. Alex was thumbing through it as he spoke to Tat and it truly is one of the most beautiful books he'd seen.

Tat is incredible and this interview is a lot of fun. If you don't already, give The Caketoonist a follow on TikTok, Instagram or Facebook.

Intro/outro music: Talk by Ease The Artist

After 5 long years, Rachel Evans aka Spirograph Girl returns to The Shrewsbury Biscuit Podcast. In this time, Rachel has been working on massive works of art that have captured the hearts and imaginations of many. Rachel talks about staying focused while working with ADHD, and how the soothing effects of spirographing help her do her thing.

There is also an exciting development happening between Rachel and the family of Spirograph inventor Denys Fisher, who passed away in 2002. An investigative search for Spirograph's Grandad's family has turned up some surprising results.

This is a fun, free-flowing chat that has sparked a creative flow that could have a lasting impact on The Biscuit. Watch this space.

Learn more about Spirograph Girl here - https://sites.google.com/view/spirographgirl/

Intro/outro music: Talk by Ease the Artist.

This week’s episode comes to you from the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum inside Shrewsbury Castle, and it’s a big one. The Traitors is coming to Shrewsbury… well, a very close cousin anyway. Traitors at the Castle is a brand new immersive event set in 1940s Great Britain.

Alex Whiteley is joined by event organiser Nick Trevor and Richard Gough from the museum for a spoiler-free chat all about the event, how it works, what people can expect, and why hosting something of this scale is such a big deal for the museum and the castle.

It’s also a bit of a call to arms for anyone who wants to collaborate, get involved, or help put Shrewsbury Castle and the brilliant Soldiers of Shropshire Museum firmly on the map.

Tickets are selling fast:

https://www.soldiersofshropshire.co.uk/traitors-at-the-castle/

P.S. I’ll be there on the night… so be on your guard.

Intro/Outro music: Talk by Ease The Artist