Thousands expected at 125th Shrewsbury Flower Show

Taking place today and tomorrow, the show will be host to over 50 national and international exhibitors, over three million blooms and a number of celebrity guests and events.

Chris Beardshaw, from BBC Gardener's World, will be giving specialist talks and tips, whilst Saturday Kitchen's James Martin will be hosting cookery demonstrations in the Marches Foodhall.

Floral Chairman of the Shropshire Horticultural Society, Gordon Parry, said: "Every year we aim to offer visitors new and innovative displays, from talented growers and gardeners, which tap into modern planting trends.

"We are very excited to see what the exhibitors have to offer and the bar is raised every year - last year nine of our exhibitors were celebrating Gold award wins from the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show."

Some of the finest amateur horticulturists in the country will be displaying their vegetables and bonsai trees in the Severn Marquee, whilst floral societies, clubs and individuals will be demonstrating their skills in floral arrangement in the Dingle Marquee.

There will be 12 hours of live arena entertainment this year; including quad and motorcycle stunt shows performed by Jason Smyth, live folk rock by Oysterband – who will play tracks from their award winning album, Ragged Kingdom - and performances by Shrewsbury Male Voice Choir.

Celebrity gardener Chris Beardshaw, who will be offering advice and tips to gardeners, said: "Every year I am amazed by the enormous effort made by both amateur and professional gardeners at the Shrewsbury Flower Show.

"There is a wealth of gardening talent in Shropshire which is why I look forward to visiting the show and talking with exhibitors."

Some of the finest amateur horticulturalists in the country will be displaying their vegetables and bonsai trees in the Severn Marquee.

The Marches Food Hall will be home to the very best natural ingredients this year, with Women's Institute Foods (WI Foods) offering their wares for the first time at the show.

Celebrity chef James Martin will also be giving live cooking demonstrations at the Heart of England fine foods (HEFF) Regional Cookery Theatre stage in the Marches Food Hall.

The Saturday Kitchen chef, who entertained the crowds at the Flower Show in 2009, will be creating dishes during three demonstrations each day over Friday and Saturday.

Some of the nation's top show jumpers will also making an appearance this weekend, as international Grade A and B show jumping stars compete to earn British Show Jumping Association points.

Over £13,000 in cash prizes will be up for grabs for the show jumpers as they compete in the Whittingham Riddell Area Trial, Frank Tanner Memorial Cup and Lanyon Bowdler Championships as well as the ultimate challenge - the famous Muller Dairy™ Grand Prix, where professional horses and riders will battle it out over five ft. fences for the grand prize.

The Dingle admired by Shrewsbury Flower Show visitors.

Allison Birtles, partner at Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors and a keen horsewoman herself, will be presenting the prizes to winners of the Lanyon Bowdler Championships. She said: "The show jumping has become synonymous with Shrewsbury Flower Show and it is a very special occasion for all of us."

The Flower Show's real ale tent, which is co-sponsored by Saxonby and Asset Surfacing Ltd, will have a selection of Shropshire's best beers on offer.

Shropshire Born & Brewed, established by 21-year-old Jessica Turner and brothers Tim and Patrick Mood, 26 and 22 respectively, will be supported by Saxonby and Asset Surfacing Ltd to provide a selection of beers from well-known Shropshire breweries.

Fans of the London Olympics will also be able to watch the games live from the Flower Show, as a large screen measuring 40 metres square will be located above the main arena.

The 125th Shrewsbury Flower Show opens at 8:30am for members and 10am for non-members.

Article Written by: Luke Powell