Cove Group

22/10/2026

A first gig. A favourite band. A celebration with friends. A night that became a story told for years. Places like The Buttermarket become part of people’s lives. That’s what makes yesterday’s announcement so special to us.

As we prepare to take ownership in January 2027, we feel both excited about its future and proud to be entrusted with its next chapter.

Our ambition is to support the people behind its success, build on the programme audiences love and introduce new ideas that give people more reasons to visit, celebrate and spend time in Shrewsbury.

With The Buttermarket and Shrewsbury Prison , we see real potential to bring distinctive historic places together through new events, experiences and partnerships.

We’ll share more as those plans develop. For now, we’d love to hear from you: what’s your favourite Buttermarket memory?

21/10/2026

An exciting new chapter for The Buttermarket and for Cove Group.

We’re delighted to announce that we have agreed to acquire one of Shrewsbury’s most iconic entertainment venues, with ownership beginning in January 2027.

Martin Monahan and his team have built something special. We’re proud to have the opportunity to build on that success, retaining The Buttermarket’s established identity, existing team and much-loved entertainment programme.

Alongside our ownership of Shrewsbury Prison, this opens up exciting possibilities for collaboration across live entertainment, events, hospitality and visitor experiences.

For customers, it’s business as usual. All existing tickets and bookings remain valid, with the programme continuing throughout the transition and beyond.

We’re proud to be investing further in our hometown. Join us in celebrating what’s next for The Buttermarket.

16/10/2026

🚨OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT... 🚨

No rooms. No opening date. But already a letter from the solicitors...

Our hotel plans have attracted some unexpected attention. Here’s our response. 👇

15/10/2026

🚨 No funds, no parole! 🔓

A slightly different kind of prisoner transfer took place in Shrewsbury this morning!

Our team at Shrewsbury Prison joined the action to support the Severn Hospice Prison Break, helping raise vital funds for an incredible local charity. ❤️

Every inmate has a target to hit before they can secure their freedom!

Find out more about the challenge and how you can support it via the link below. 👇

https://events.severnhospice.org.uk/events/details?eid=CORPB26

07/10/2026

An experience worth celebrating at Cove Group! 🏆

We’re proud to announce that Night Behind Bars at Shepton Mallet Prison has been named a finalist in the Active & Learning Experience of the Year category at the 2026 Bristol, Bath, Somerset and Gloucestershire Tourism Awards.

This recognition celebrates one of the distinctive experiences across our attractions, giving visitors the chance to spend a night inside the World’s Oldest Prison.

Congratulations to the Shepton Mallet Prison team whose hard work brings this experience to life, and thank you to every visitor who has joined us behind bars.

We look forward to celebrating with fellow finalists on 26 November, when we’ll discover whether we’re bringing home Gold, Silver or Bronze!

03/10/2026

Well… we said we were going to Oktoberfest and we certainly made the most of it!

The Cove Group and Shrewsbury Prison teams headed to Shropshire Oktoberfest for a proper night out and it’s safe to say there were plenty of laughs and plenty of drinks!

With VIP entry, good food, great company and the infamous “Cove Round” making an appearance, it was brilliant to get everyone together outside of work and simply enjoy ourselves.

And yes… the CEO’s credit card survived. Just.

A massive thank you to everyone who came along and made it such a brilliant night.

Until the next one… Prost! 🍻

25/09/2026

Guess what we’re doing next Friday? 🍻

We’re taking the team from Cove Group and Shrewsbury Prison to Shropshire Oktoberfest for a proper night out!

VIP entry is on the company. Because our team deserves a treat and because who doesn’t love a plush toilet at a festival? 🚽✨

The CEO’s credit card is coming too. So when we call a “Cove Round”, if you’re at the bar, you’re in.*

And if you know Joel S Campbell. you’ll know a night out with him comes with plenty of laughs and probably a few surprises. We can’t wait to get everyone together outside work and have some fun.

Who else is going on Friday? Come and say hi to the team! 👋

*Small print: you do have to work for a Cove company to be in the round. Nice try everyone else.

21/09/2026

We love seeing our prisons used for something a little different.

On 15 October, Shrewsbury Prison will welcome local business leaders for Prison Break a fundraising challenge raising money for Severn Hospice.

Teams will face challenges, create content and attempt to raise £999 in bail to secure their freedom.

It’s exactly the kind of event our historic prisons are made for: unique spaces, memorable experiences and a story to tell.

And let’s be honest… where better to put your boss behind bars?

Fancy hosting your next event somewhere with a little more character, reach out to our team to discuss your plans: https://www.shrewsburyprison.com/venue-hire/

Think your boss could survive a day behind bars?

On 15 October, local business leaders will be locked up at Shrewsbury Prison as part of Prison Break, a brand-new fundraiser for Severn Hospice.

Their sentence? Raise £999 in bail to secure their freedom. 👀

From behind bars, they’ll take on challenges, create social media content and convince colleagues, clients, customers, friends and family to donate.

And if they don’t raise enough? No donations. No parole. 🔒

Colleagues can even visit around lunchtime to check whether their boss is getting any closer to freedom.

Every penny raised will help Severn Hospicecontinue providing vital care and support to local families.

So… who deserves a day behind bars? 👀

Sign your boss up and let the fundraising begin: https://events.severnhospice.org.uk/events/details

19/09/2026

🚨 One of our attractions make the final!🚨

We’re thrilled to see Shrewsbury Prison shortlisted TWICE in the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2027!

🏆 Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
🔐 Experience of the Year – Prison Escape

Creating memorable visitor experiences is at the heart of what we do across Cove Group, so it’s fantastic to see the team’s hard work and creativity recognised.

A huge well done to everyone involved at Shrewsbury Prison and to all the other finalists representing tourism across the region. 👏

Good luck to everyone!

16/09/2026

More than a visitor attraction—our historic sites can play an important role in supporting the wider community.

Shepton Mallet Prison recently welcomed Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service for a series of vital training exercises. The prison’s confined spaces, complex layout and challenging environment provided crews with a unique and realistic setting in which to develop their skills.

We’re proud that one of Cove Group’s historic venues can support the emergency services and the important work they do to keep our communities safe.