A Shropshire man has launched a bid to put Shrewsbury on the map and on the road to gaining city status by organising a lavish private bash this weekend.

Big Brother contestants from the latest Channel Four television series have already been confirmed for the event as well as an act called “Hoop-La” from Britain’s Got Talent.

But officials at Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council said that they were unaware of any fresh bid for city status for Shrewsbury.

James Hawkins, organiser of the glitzy party at C:21 in Abbey Foregate tomorrow night has also promised other “big name” acts.

Mr Hawkins, who runs the firm Horace & Floss Ltd, said he had hired the celebrities as part of his dream to see Shrewsbury achieve city status.

He said he had booked Stuart, Dale, Lisa, Mario, Luke and Bex from Big Brother 9 and had secured the services of McQueens, the firm which provides flowers for the Oscars.

A large coach has also been arranged to bring guests from London for the bash.

Mr Hawkins said: “I am from Shrewsbury and I am on a mission to make it a city, something that many people have been trying for years.

“My dream was to create a London showbiz bash at home.”

But borough council spokesman Jon King said: “I am not aware of any approach being made to the borough council regarding connecting this event with aspirations of Shrewsbury achieving city status.”

Mr Hawkins said he had sent invites to a number of high profile people around the world including members of the royal family and celebrities.