'Flower show has been my entire life, now it's gone'

Margaret Thrower was introduced to the show by her father, Percy Thrower

The community of Shrewsbury has reacted to the "shock" cancellation of one its most popular summer events, which has been running for 150 years.

Shrewsbury Flower Show, set up by the Shropshire Horticultural Society, began in 1875.

Known for its notable display of flowers and fireworks, the event has brought thousands of visitors to the Quarry park each year - but organisers announced on Wednesday that they can no longer continue to run it due to rising costs.

Margaret Thrower, a horticulturalist from Shrewsbury who has been involved with the flower show most of her life, said she is "heartbroken" as the show is "her family".

Margaret Thrower has been involved with the flower show since she was a little girl

Ms Thrower, daughter of Percy Thrower, who became famous in the 1970s and 80s for his appearances on shows such as Gardeners' World and Blue Peter, and was parks superintendent for Shrewsbury, said she is lost for words over the news.

"It has been my life from the day I was born almost," she told BBC Radio Shropshire.

"When I think of the years of history, years of hard work that have gone in to producing that show.

"But not only that, the joy and entertainment it has brought to so many people and what it has brought to Shrewsbury, it is sad," she said.

"The show is me, it is a family. It has brought a lot to the town but it is an end of an era.

"I know the show was struggling but I never thought it would come to this."

Shrewsbury Flower Show is held annually every August and attracts thousands

The show, which takes place over two days in mid-August, has been making a loss over recent years said Maelor Owen, chairman of Shropshire Horticultural Society.

Organisers cited "changes to National Insurance (NI) and the minimum wage", alongside the cost of living crisis as the reason behind the decision.

Mr Maelor, who joined the society in 2004, said: "[For] people who have been with the society for a long time, it is safe to say people have looked at these things with their heart rather than their head.

"But if we continue the way we are then in the next 10 years we will be insolvent, it is no way to run any business or do anything."

He said the 2024 show operated at a loss of £400,000, which led organisers to "act quickly" and make the decision.

'Part of who we are'

Shrewsbury Town Council have said the news has come as a surprise as they were in discussions with organisers last week.

Helen Ball, town clerk of Shrewsbury Town Council, said: "The Shrewsbury Flower Show is more than just a weekend event – it's part of who we are as a town.

"We understand the increasing pressures faced by event organisers in today's climate and sincerely thank the Shropshire Horticultural Society for their many years of dedication.

"We acknowledge the financial contribution the Horticultural Society made to the Quarry in 2000, which has left a lasting legacy for the town.

"We've always worked closely and positively with their team, and this announcement will come as a disappointment to many."

The council added that the introduction of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill – Martyn's Law – has introduced new and challenging responsibilities for event organisers, but said public safety must always remain paramount.

• BBC Sounds: Shrewsbury Flower show cancelled

Mark Hooper, from Visit Shropshire, told BBC Radio Shropshire: "When you say Shrewsbury people say 'flowers', so to lose something like this is terrible news, it is sad more than anything."

Mr Hooper said the show is one of Shropshire's top five events of the year, bringing in a "substantial" amount of business for accommodation providers and the hospitality sector.

"It will be a big loss this year," he added.

"But Shrewsbury has got some great entrepreneurs, maybe someone else could take it on?"

Maelor Owen, chairman of Shropshire Horticultural Society, said the event cannot continue to operate at a loss

The 2024 show featured more than 35 floral exhibitors and 175 traders - with expensive extra security measures added following a security threat at the 2023 event.

Ms Thrower, who lived in the park house in the Quarry as a young child, said she understands the society, which is a registered charity, cannot continue to make a loss but added the event has not changed with the times.

"It has got into a bit of a rut and just hasn't managed to get out of it," she said.

"Together people's aspirations and wants have changed over the years but the show hasn't changed with them."

Mr Owen said the society will be looking at the event's long-term future, and those who have already bought tickets for the show can request refunds via the society's office.

Additional reporting by Paul Shuttleworth