Shrewsbury Flower Show 2016: Giant dragonfly to welcome visitors

The colourful model has landed at the showground and will take pride of place, ready to be admired by thousands descending on the Quarry.

Final preparations were today being carried out ahead of the two-day event, which starts on Friday.

Show gardens are being planted, stalls and tents erected and lorry-loads of plants and flowers are being brought in.

Last year's show attracted record crowds and organisers are expecting perfect weather this time around..

Advance ticket sales are up on previous years as are members tickets.

And with a line-up of celebrities both in the gardening marquees and in the food hall, there will be something for everyone.

The Quarry Marquee will be festooned with flowers to mark the Queen's 90th birthday with displays inspired by her love of gardens and her passion for horses.

The marquee will also house the displays from companies as diverse as Eagle Sweetpeas, Green Jjam Nurseries and Pretty Ugly Plants.

Meanwhile the Severn and Dingle Marquess will house the competitive classes which are open to amateurs and professionals alike.

There will also be a kids zone complete with a jester, magic shows, a bouncy castle and hoola hoop workshops.

Nigel Pearson, of Shropshire Horticultural Society, said: "We are looking forward to a brilliant show. Everyone has worked hard behind the scenes and their hard work has paid off. The Quarry looks fantastic and we can't wait to welcome visitors to the show.

"We have a really interesting programme of events this years. Not only will there be the marquees for everyone to look around, there are also the food halls, the craft tents and the main arena programme which will feature marching bands, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, The Christians, The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, The Royal Yeomanry and Forge Falconry.

"And of course, there will be the amazing fireworks display on both days. It really is a great show."

The show is on Friday and Saturday and gates open at 10am.