Shrewsbury Flower Show: Main ring entertainment announced

Taking centre stage on their final tour will be The Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team – The White Helmets, who have been acknowledged as the oldest, best known and most accomplished motorcycle display team in the country, if not the world.

Formed in 1927, this season marks the 90th anniversary of the team performing displays of motorcycling skills and whilst horses gave way to motorcycles in the display in 1937, many of the tricks they perform today are similar to those of the original riders.

Based on their iconic helmets the team adopted the world famous name ‘The White Helmets’ in 1963. This coveted and prestigious item is an honour to wear and marks the riders out as one of the few able to perform such acts of skill.

The team’s 23 riders on classic 750cc Triumph Tiger machines provide a fast paced, action packed display. Wearing the full dress uniform of the Royal Signals along with their famous White Helmets the riders will perform a combination of high speed crossovers, spectacular jumps, skilful feats of balance as well as numerous reverse rides. The team’s excited to be performing one final season; demonstrating the teamwork, discipline and courage of the Royal Signals soldier.

Andrew Rhodes, arena chairman, said: “The Royal Signals has come a long way since those formative days using motorcycles to carry messages across the battlefield and are now modernising their image to show they truly are ‘Leaders in a Digital Age’. We are very honoured to be included in their last year of entertaining and thrilling crowds with their dazzling arena display.”

As well as The Royal Signals, Meirion Owen & The Quack Pack will be entertaining the crowds. Meirion’s sheep dog and duck demonstrations are designed to showcase the amazing talents of border collies and the communication between handler and dog. His demonstrations are informative, educational and highly entertaining. They are also interactive, allowing hands-on adult and children participation. Meirion provides his own humorous commentary as he uses a combination of commands to guide his dogs and cooperative (and sometimes uncooperative) Indian Runner ducks around a course that includes tunnels, slides and pens.

Taking to the skies with their magnificent birds of prey will be Chris Neal Falconry. Chris Neal and Ray Pickup are falconers with a great number of years’ experience between them in demonstrating working with birds of prey.

The free flying demonstrations demonstrate hawks, owls and falcons in free flight which will be accompanied by a commentary. The birds are flown using traditional methods which include work to the fist and various types of lures according to the species.