Annual Shrewsbury Flower Show draws big crowds
Thousands of people from all over the country have enjoyed two days of flowers, exhibits and entertainment at the 128th Shrewsbury Flower Show.
Despite rain on Friday a steady stream of visitors headed into the The Quarry, but it was Saturday’s sunshine that brought the masses to the show with queues forming at the shows four main gates.
Much praise was given to the organisers, Shropshire Horticultural Society, for their work in putting the show together which is a firm part must visit event for many of those attending.
Those exhibiting said they had enjoyed the show’s two days whilst traders reported a healthy sales turnover.
Ann and Glynn Powell who are regular visitors from Cardiff said the show was one of the most impressive for years.
Commenting on the displays Ann said: "This year's blooms are just stunning, the quality of the floral displays is the best I have seen in a while, the show gardens are also brilliant. It is a credit to those who work so hard in putting the displays together that help make it such a wonderful show for visitors like us."
The Food Hall once again proved popular with large audiences filling the marquee for the various cookery demonstrations. Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, who returned to the show for the second year running, said it was a real pleasure to have been asked back and that he’d been looking forward to returning to Shrewsbury.
The arena entertainment saw crowds enjoy Knights of the Damned, Dingle Fingle, Grade A Showjumping, the Pony Club Inter-Branch Competition, Redtail Falconry, Jason Smyth Quad Bike Stunts, Bob Hogg and his Sheepdog and The City of Chester Male Voice Choir.
On Friday classical crossover vocal harmony group Ancora, which is made up of four of the UK’s finest classically trained young voices, drew a large audience as the highlight of the evening entertainment.
Saturday, saw The Proclaimers take to the stage singing songs including “Sunshine on Leith”, “I’m On My Way”, “Letter from America” and their most famous song “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)”. There was standing space only as the extra large crowd sang along with the hits.
Once again each night of the show came to a close with the massed bands arena finale and a stunning fireworks display from Kimbolton Fireworks. The team behind the stunning display produce the stunning New Year display in London which is broadcast by the BBC.
