This year’s Shrewsbury Flower Show, arguably one of Shropshire’s key events in its annual calendar year, was celebrating its 127th anniversary, though this time with a difference, focusing the show on the commemoration of ‘The Show that never was’.

Due to the outbreak of WW1 in August 1914 the Flower Show had to be cancelled with barely 2 weeks notice. A hundred years on The Shropshire Horticultural Society wished to mark the 1914 centenary with a special tribute, evoking an Edwardian theme throughout the whole event. Many people, both members and visitors,  were dressed in costumes of the period and exhibitors and stands had been asked to bare the theme in mind when designing their exhibits, the result of which gave a wonderfully evocative spirit to the whole event.

The High Sheriff and his wife attended this commemorative day, beginning with a special Thanksgiving Service held at Shrewsbury RC Cathedral. Also in attendance was The Right Rev. Mark Ryland, Bishop of Shrewsbury, who read out a poem written by the wartime poet Wilfred Owen. The service was followed by a lunch at the High School hosted by the President, The Reverend Canon Mark Oakley, Chancellor St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Chairman, Donna Hamer. A very moving speech was given by the President evoking the mood and memories of the time and fusing the past with the present.

The show opened with a military Band marching through the town to the show ground, The Mayor of Shrewsbury, following behind in a chauffeur driven Edwardian Landau.  Despite the sombre but poignant theme the show buzzed with activity, the bright, warm summer’s day allowing visitors to enjoy the vast array of fabulous exhibits, immensely tempting Trade Stands, mouth watering Food Halls, sporting activities, brass bands playing, and unquestionably the most stunning floral arrangements as well as equally beautiful plant stalls. There were giant fairytale figures, including Punch and Judy, walking around the show enthralling both young and old. The Town Crier was also doing his bit to entertain the crowds. The ‘Suffragettes’ were significantly represented and the ‘Large Gold Award’ was won by The Hope House Children’s Hospice garden, designed by Emma Parry from the British Iron Works Centre. It was a show garden on the theme of the great war with a life-size cast-iron  horse.

The show is a truly impressive occasion encompassing people from all over the country as well as locals. It offers a fantastic day’s entertainment, both days finishing with a magnificent display of explosive fireworks. Definitely an event not to be missed!