Artistic excellence and Olympian efforts of the floral variety will be rewarded by one of the show’s most loyal competitors at this year’s 125th Shrewsbury Flower Show.

Mr Gordon Bradley, who has been exhibiting in the Show’s floral art classes for 50 years, has established a new trophy for floral artistic arrangements, which this year will be awarded for an arrangement based on an Olympic theme. The donated trophy, a magnificent large 1930’s Sheffield Plate Silver Rose Bowl will go to the winner of the class.

This will be an ideal opportunity to ‘go for gold’ for the many ‘gold’ exhibitors in the Dingle, whilst the Quarry Marquee will showcase prize winning displays that have already achieved the greatest accolade at last month’s Chelsea Flower Show.

The popularity of the show and its enduring appeal is underlined by Mr Bradley’s new trophy which he has dedicated to the show in recognition of the inspiration the show generated within him as he set out on his chosen career as a florist back in 1961.

Mr Bradley commented: “Despite having exhibited at the show for 50 years, it has never lost its appeal. There are always lots of original ideas and something new to see every year. My donation of a trophy aims to recognise all the hard work that goes into the displays that make it to the show each year.

“The atmosphere is wonderful at Shrewsbury, with lots of inspirational classes to bring out the best in florists both professional and amateur. The organisers really look after the competitors and that’s what makes the show stand out from the crowd.”

Mr Bradley will be competing in the ‘Crown for a Royal Dinner Party’ class this year and has already spent over 60 hours on his entry.

To commemorate the 125th Shrewsbury Flower Show, the Shropshire Horticultural Society has teamed up with the Shrewsbury Flower Club to present a magnificent floral display within the Quarry Marquee.

Shrewsbury Flower Show, now in its 125th year, runs from 10 to 11 August. This year, alongside the best in garden design and planting, there will be demonstrations, hints and tips from TV gardener, Chris Beardshaw and other horticultural experts. In addition, celebrity TV chef, James Martin will be presenting cookery master classes in the Marches Food Hall, and the Severn Marquee will feature one of the largest wine and honey selections in the country.

For more information and tickets visit www.shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk or call 01743 234050.

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