Thousands of people today poured through the gates of Shrewsbury’s Quarry park as sunshine beamed down on the 121st Shrewsbury Flower Show.Visitors filled the show ground on the banks of the River Severn for the first day of one of the highlights of Shropshire’s show season. Organisers, Shropshire Horticultural Society, said they were hoping to record an attendance of more than 30,000 people.

Chairman of the show Harry Wilson said: “From an early hour today, as soon as the gates opened, it was clear that we were going to have an encouraging first day crowd.

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“Clearly the favourable first day forecast has had an influence on the number of people through the gates and we are hoping that tomorrow, traditionally a popular day at the show, will see a continuation of what I would describe as today’s excellent show weather.”

Frank Hardy, one of this year’s judges and a former horticultural advisor to the show, said: “Every year the standard goes up. The gardens are 15 per cent better than any year before.

“Now some of the gardens at the top are getting towards the Chelsea Show standard. If you compare that with six years ago that is remarkable.”

Police on the showground said that by lunchtime there had been no incidents, adding that the event had been trouble and traffic free.

Highlights of today’s show included a performance by the Maesteg Gleemen Male Voice choir from South Wales, the Bolddog “Lings” Freestyle team and a live bee demonstration.

Top classical singer Hayley Westenra was also due to take to the stage in the main arena at 3pm with virtuoso violinist Fiona Pears. And celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager pulled in the crowds during a demonstration in the food hall tent this morning.

The show hosts one of the largest live bees, honey and wine displays in the country and this year boasts a huge craft marquee.