THE sound of bagpipes will be rocking the Quarry Park on Saturday, August 9, as the world renowned band the Red Hot Chilli Pipers hit the stage for the final night of this year’s Shrewsbury Flower Show.

Since they walked away with the top prize on UK primetime TV talent show, 'When Will I Be Famous' in 2007, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers haven't stopped for a breath, other than to inflate their bagpipes!

Formed in 2002, The Chillis have fast become a global phenomenon, taking their signature 'Bagrock' sound to the masses and rocking far-flung shores from New York to Beijing and everywhere in between with their unique fusion of rocked up Bagpipes and clever covers of popular songs from all genres.

Simon Badrock, Shropshire Horticultural Society secretary said: “We are very lucky to have the The Red Hot Pipers entertaining the crowds this year as at the moment this is their only English concert for 2014, so it’s a bit of a coup really.

“Anyone who is a fan will hopefully take the opportunity to come and see them, so the final night will have a wonderful atmosphere The Red Hot Chilli Pipers put on a show guaranteed to amaze any audience. They are a genuinely unique experience”.

Their performance in Hyde Park for the BBC as part of the Proms in the Park Concert with Brian Ferry and Nigel Kennedy and the BBC Concert Orchestra last September attracted 40,000 people and their fan base has been growing steadily with regular appearances on both BBC Radio 1 and 2.

This year’s show will be taking place next Friday and Saturday, August 8 and 9, and another headlining guest announced for 2014, in complete contrast, will be the popular loveable TV chef Tom Kerridge.

Chef patron at the extraordinary two Michelin-starred Hand and Flowers pub in Marlow, Tom is a great character with amazing presence, obvious warmth and an infectious laugh.

His BBC2 series Proper Pub Food became a huge overnight success with excellent ratings and as a result Tom’s fan base has been growing weekly with the accompanying book of the same title became a best seller.

Prior to having his own TV show, Tom appeared on shows such as Market Kitchen, MasterChef the Professionals, Saturday Kitchen and has competed and won the main course twice on BBC2’s Great British Menu. No-one else has ever won twice!

Shropshire Horticultural Society chairwoman Donna Hamer said: “Having Tom Kerridge at the 2014 Flower Show continues our aim of bringing top chefs to Shrewsbury, he is a great character and no doubt his enthusiasm for good food and his great personality will be a huge success in the Foodhall”.

Joining Tom in the Foodhall will also be local chef Marcus Bean winner of the Channel 4 “Iron Chef” title and a regular on such TV shows as “This Morning”.

Another star guest at the show this year will be celebrity gardener Pippa Greenwood appearing at 10.30am and 3pm each day; and there will also be Friday night entertainment featuring The Opera Boys.
 

There will be military bands, the Shrewsbury and Shawbury Choirs, an historic steam locomotive from the Ffestiniog and Highland Railway giving rides, a Period Dress competition in commemoration of the 1914 Flower Show cancelled because of the outbreak of the First World War; and a “New Beginnings” photography competition.

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