Masterchef star to headline Shrewsbury Flower Show

The Australia-born chef will cook up a storm in the food hall at the show on August 11 and 12.

He became a familiar face to television audiences in 1996 as the resident chef on ITV’s This Morning with Richard and Judy, a post he held for four years.

The 51 year old has paired up with Gregg Wallace since 2004 handing out feedback, criticism and support to hundereds of hopefuls aiming to be crowned MasterChef.

Shropshire Horticultural Society secretary, Simon Badrock, said: “Having John Torode at the 2017 flower show continues our aim of bringing top chefs to Shrewsbury.

“He is a great personality and no doubt his passion for good food and great discussion will be a huge success in the food hall, where he will be demonstrating alongside some of Shrewsbury’s homegrown talent.”

The Flower Show features TV personalities, celebrity chefs, singers and spectacular arena acts entertain the crowds for 12 hours on each day of the show, ending with a magnificent firework display.

The show is one of the country’s Premier Flower Show events, attracting top exhibitors from all over the country.

It has a small permanent staff and over 100 volunteers who manage and organise the whole event, from traffic flow, marquee and services contracts, publicity and marketing, public safety, catering, entertainment, engaging specialist judges for hundreds of competitive classes etc. and ensuring that visitors have an extraordinary experience with value for money.

Expert gardeners Joe Swift and Penny Meadmore are also on the bill, while the main arena will feature a spectacular headline performance from the The Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team – The White Helmets.

The show will also feature live Friday night music from London Community Gospel Choir and The Overtones on Saturday.

Performances from Shrewsbury Male Voice Choir and Of One Accord with a Massed Band Finale wrap up both nights, along with the hugely anticipated fireworks display.

Children 15 years and under are admitted free when accompanied with an adult and the event will feature a dedicated children’s area with a host of activities, unusual animals to see, and ponies and ducks to pet.

The large Quarry Marquee also features top national nurseries and growers who create stunning displays.

The show’s Severn Marquee is full of home grown flowers and vegetables and people can get advice on from exhibitors and horticultural organisations.