This year’s Shrewsbury Flower Show is poised for success and has all the ingredients to enhance its reputation as Shropshire’s top summer outdoor event, officials said today.

Competitive entries are up on last year, the main floral marquee is over-subscribed and pre-show ticket sales are on a par with last year.

Harry Wilson, chairman of Shropshire Horticultural Society, the show organisers, said: “I am very pleased with the way the show’s preparations have gone this year. The enthusiastic feedback from exhibitors, trade stands, craft area and food hall has been encouraging.

“Our formula of flowers, music and entertainment remains the traditional basis of the show, but we are constantly introducing improvements – with an eye on the needs of young visitors – hence our policy of letting accompanied children aged 16 and under in free, and developing the children’s area.”

More than 60 exhibitors have taken every available foot of space in the main floral marquee and outdoors a dozen show gardens will feature the best in garden design.

The music element of the show will be enhanced on both days by singer Hayley Westenra, and a group led by violin virtuoso Fiona Pears. The Tropical Entertainment Steel Band – a great success last year – will be back for 2008, along with first-time visitors, the Ramsay Caledonia Pipe Band.

See today’s Shropshire Star for a special eight-page supplement on the show