Shropshire Day 2026

On a stunningly, sunny Sunday in February, a modern-day pilgrimage took place to mark Shropshire Day 2026.

Each February, the ceremonial county of Shropshire celebrates Shropshire Day on 23rd February, which is the feast day of Saint Milburga, the county’s patron saint.

This year a special event was planned to mark the occasion – a multi – location Church of England service spanning the River Severn that took place on Sunday 22nd February 2026.

The walk through the Ironbridge Gorge allowed those taking part to reflect on and enjoy the beauty of the Shropshire countryside.

Shropshire is part of both the Diocese of Lichfield (the Northern part of the county including Shrewsbury) and Diocese of Herefordshire (the southern part of the county), and this service was arranged to celebrate both Dioceses’ link to the county.

The afternoon of worship commenced at St Mary the Virgin Church, Jackfield and then proceeded with a walk of approximately 2.5 miles starting in the Diocese of Hereford and the Telford and Wrekin Council area, crossed the River Severn and concluded in the Diocese of Lichfield and the Shropshire Council area at the Church of St Mary, Sutton Maddock. 

The service was led by The Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield and The Rt Revd Richard Jackson, Bishop of Hereford, in the presence of Anna Turner, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire. There was also the introduction and reading of a new prayer that had been drafted by the Revd. Preb. Chris Thorpe of St. Andrew’s Church, Shifnal.

Mrs. Turner said:

‘I greatly value the links that Shropshire has with the two Dioceses which share our wonderful county, therefore I was delighted to welcome both Shropshire’s Diocesan Bishops to celebrate Shropshire Day with a shared service.’