Help catch bomb scare 'idiot', urges chairman after Shrewsbury Flower Show survives chaos for 'wonderful' comeback
The Shrewsbury Flower Show chairman slammed the "idiot" whose bomb scare hoax threw the event into chaos - but hailed traders and punters for making a "wonderful" comeback.
The event, possibly the biggest on the Shropshire calendar, was marred on Friday night when the Quarry had to be evacuated after an anonymous call was made saying two "suspicious packages" had been left in the arena.
Thousands were hastily ushered out within 15 minutes and a huge police cordon was put around the venue and surrounding streets in preparation for the bomb squad to come and investigate.
Superintendent Damian Pettit, of West Mercia Police, said late on Friday night that it is believed the call was a hoax. It is understood no arrests have yet been made and investigations are ongoing.
Maelor Owen, the show chairman, said: "No event should have to put up with idiots like this. Even if it was a small event, people would be outraged. If anybody has information, get in touch with the police or Crimestoppers."
It was the larger-than-life town crier Martin Wood who delivered a bellowing announcement that the show was over for the evening on Friday including the much-anticipated fireworks display, in a moment described on social media as "about as 'Shropshire' as it gets!"
"It was completely out of our hands, sadly," said Mr Owen. "We had to do things properly."
The police had the site under lockdown until around 8am the following morning, but thankfully nothing was found, and the show was able to continue as normal on Saturday, save for a few schedule changes. An extended fireworks display took place in the evening, and many Friday ticket-holders took advantage of an offer to enter the showground for free between 6pm and 7pm to see the show.
Mr Owen said: "Thousands of people came and people supported us really well on the day."
It had been a stressful weekend for some traders who had to leave their food, equipment and tents in the showground. However, the experience has not deterred many of them, according to Mr Owen. "About 95 per cent of the traders want to book with us again next year and many of them want bigger plots," he said.
"We've had lots of positive feedback. The show is so important in bringing people to the town. It would be a sad day if the flower show should die."