Shropshire musician hits the right note with events for Hilbrae Rescue Kennels
A local musician is turning up the volume for Shropshire’s four-legged residents by organising two evenings of music to support the "Build a Better Bark" appeal.
The events, scheduled for March and September, aim to boost a major fundraising drive for Hilbrae Rescue Kennels as they work towards a £50,000 goal for essential new facilities.
The initiative is a deeply personal one for Lisa Kendall, who performs with regional acts Untamed Shrews, Sideliners, and Songbirds.
Having adopted the family dog, Pip, from Hilbrae shortly after moving to Shrewsbury in 2011, Lisa saw first-hand the vital work the charity performs. Following Pip’s passing last year, the festivals have been conceived as a meaningful tribute to a rescue centre that has provided a second chance for thousands of dogs over the decades.
The festivals will shine a spotlight on the region's vibrant female-led music scene, featuring a line-up of bands from across Shropshire. By showcasing local women in music, the organiser hopes to draw in a diverse crowd of music lovers and animal enthusiasts alike, ensuring the momentum for Hilbrae’s kennel appeal remains high throughout 2026.
Based in Cold Hatton, Hilbrae Rescue Kennels provides a lifeline for stray and abandoned dogs from across the county and beyond. While local authorities fund the first seven days of a stray dog's care, the charity relies entirely on public donations for everything that follows, including veterinary fees, food, and the upkeep of their increasingly "tired" facilities. The £50,000 target will specifically fund the rebuilding of outdated kennel blocks and the re-fencing of exercise paddocks to ensure a safe, warm environment for residents awaiting their forever homes.
The first of the two musical showcases will take place at The Wrekin Inn in Wellington on the 21 of March. This will be followed by a second event on 5 September at The Wheatsheaf in Frankwell, Shrewsbury. Both venues are well-known hubs for live music, providing the perfect stage for a day of community spirit and fundraising.
With the charity having already raised over a quarter of its target through early backing and local sponsorships, these mini-festivals represent a crucial step towards the final finish line. Supporters are encouraged to attend, enjoy the live performances, and contribute to a cause that ensures no healthy dog is ever put to sleep while waiting for a new family.
A fundraising page for Hilbrae Rescue Kennels can be found at justgiving.com/page/jo-wrate-1.
