THE landmark event in the British horticultural calendar, the award-winning Shrewsbury Flower Show – returns to Shropshire on August 13 and 14, and promises exuberant floral displays, showjumping,music, fireworks and special guest appearances from celebrity chefs, the Hairy Bikers and TV gardener,Chris Beardshaw.
Recognised as one of Britain’s best summer shows, the Shrewsbury Flower Show has a long and gracious heritage with this its 123rd event.
For more than a century the summer extravaganza has been a showcase for the very best in decorative floral displays and advances in horticulture.
More than 50,000 visitors flock to the 29-acre, riverside Quarry Park venue to view more than three million blooms during the two-day event, which is the culmination of months of effort by nurserymen,professional growers and amateur gardeners.
The main arena entertainment includes the Household Cavalry Musical Rides, sheepdog and duck demonstrations, the tigers freefall display, top class show jumping, music by the finest military bands, male voice choirs and a finale of fireworks.
For food enthusiasts there will be cookery demonstrations and local produce on sale and a host of craft stalls and exhibitors.
The Quarry is the home of the show and the centre piece of the park is ‘The Dingle’, a former stone quarry, but now a lovingly landscaped sunken garden.
In the Dingle Marquee an abundance of floral hues and fragrances will overwhelm and delight. After months of painstaking preparation, floral societies, clubs and individuals compete in the art of floral arrangement.
This year’s theme in the Dingle Marquee is ‘Favourite Pastimes’ in which floral artists will portray their arranging skills.
The Marches Marquee is back and is bigger and better than ever. Promoting a wide range of produce from top quality food and drink producers from Shropshire,
The Borders and further afield, specialist suppliers include local cheesemakers and vegetable boxes, fresh meats and for those with a sweet tooth, hand-made
chocolates.
One of the most eagerly awaited attractions at this year’s show will be the appearance of celebrity television cooks – the Hairy Bikers – who will
be supporting the show.
Si King and Dave Myers, better known as television’s ‘Hairy Bikers’, are taking a break from roaming the roads of the world on their motorbikes.
Adult day tickets bought in advance are £17, or £20 on the gate. A day ticket for the over 60s costs. £15. Membership adult single advance price is £36, membership child is (age 5-16) £5.
Visit shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk for more information