Excitement building for Shrewsbury Flower Show

But there are fears the heatwave could cause plants to suffer.

Shropshire Horticultural Society, which runs the event, is hoping temperatures will cool down by next week, so the hundreds of hanging baskets will not wilt in the heat.

The Quarry has slowly been transformed in time for the annual event, which sees thousands of visitors flood into the town.

And council workers have left no flower bed unturned to make sure Shrewsbury well and truly blooms for the occasion.

Chairman Nigel Pearson said: "Ticket sales have been very brisk and everything is going as it should do.

"We haven't had any catastrophes but it is very important to have a balance in terms of weather. The grass is already going brown in places and that in itself can be easily solved.

"If the weather stays like this it could be a problem for people showing plants because you will have to keep constantly watering them to try and prevent them from wilting.

"The way to think of it is that if it's too hot for people it is definitely too hot for plants.

"We will have to see what happens on the day, but if it's too hot it puts people off and it makes it difficult for the plants to look their best. "

The show is at the mercy of the weather every year, and a Red Arrows flypast is dependent on clear skies on August 9.

Rehearsals also took place at the weekend for a special show. This year's theme is The Show That Never Was – in memory of the cancelled event in 1914.

Members of the public have been called upon to take part and the show will be part of the evening finale on both nights.

Britain in Bloom judging is also under way in the county, and a panel of Britain in Bloom experts were returning to Shrewsbury today for a second, and final, round of judging.

The experts will be judging Shrewsbury for the national heats of the RHS Britain in Bloom contest, as well as the ultimate Bloom accolade – the Champion of Champions award.

Shrewsbury was awarded best park in the contest last year.

The flower show will take place on August and 9.

For more information visit: www.shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk