Local poet Steve Valentino is to perform at Mile of Smiles at the Shrewsbury Festival on 25th July when the COVID-19 lockdown is lifted on 19th July. The event is a free family event and it will be the first big event in Shropshire after the planned final easing of lockdown. Steve will be performing on the Main Stage at the event.
Steve Valentino is a well-known face on the poetry circuit. He is also a TV host, musician and professional wrestler and fronts a weekly YouTube show called The Pirate and his Poems. In another life he was a hairdresser, actor, holiday rep and stand up comedian. Earlier this year he co-founded the charitable foundation Spirit of the Music to provide musical instruments for children in Nigeria.
On Sunday 25th July performers will be dotted throughout the town and will be tasked with generating some much-needed smiles. The route starts at the Shrewsbury Castle and travels down through the Square and Darwin`s Gate.
The mile will finish at Shrewsbury Quarry Park where local acts, theatre groups and musicians will be performing on a live stage with street food also on offer.
"I am proud to be taking part" said Steve "because it`s all about generating some long-awaited fun and to support entertainers who have had a challenging time during the pandemic. It`s about celebrating culture and finally being able to bring the fun back".
The event is organised by Shropshire Festivals who will be raising money for the charity Climbing Out on the day which helps people rebuild confidence and motivation following a life-changing trauma, injury or illness.
"I felt this was particularly relevant " explained Steve "because we are all trying to find a way forward after the challenging time we have had with the COVID-19 pandemic". The free event has been made possible by the Government`s Culture Recovery Fund. For more information visit mileofsmiles.co.uk website.
