Ironbridge’s iconic Victorian policeman Guy Rowlands named runner-up in VisitEngland Tourism Superstar 2020

Discover Shropshire & Telford, the tourism board for the area, is celebrating as their nominee for VisitEngland Tourism Superstar 2020, Ironbridge’s iconic Victorian policeman Guy Rowlands, is named runner-up.

After a trio of honours at the West Midlands Tourism Awards in February, this is a moment of celebration for tourism people and businesses across Shropshire and Telford.

In a close run national poll, Guy finished in second place behind winner Lorry Middleton of Hovertravel in the Isle of Wight, who secured 36% of the public vote.

Guy said:

“This whole experience has been extremely humbling, first of all to be nominated for this award by our local tourism organisation, Discover Shropshire & Telford, and then to receive the number of votes from the public across the UK.

“I’m just glad that the work I do has obviously left an impression on all of those who have visited Ironbridge Gorge Museums and Blists Hill Victorian Town over the years.

“What I’m really looking forward to now is being able to return to Blists Hill and to bring entertainment and light to our visitors when this is all over. People are going to need that more than ever.”

Guy, who lives in Brownhills, has been the Victorian town’s bobby for more than two decades and can be seen patrolling the streets of Blists Hill on his bicycle, making unforgettable memories for international and national visitors across all ages and generations.

He takes 250,000 people each year back to the 1900s and is famed for playing songs on the piano and singing a merry tune at the attraction’s The New Inn Pub. As well as being popular with groups, schools and grandparents, Guy is also brilliant with those visitors with learning difficulties and with dementia care needs.

Carolyn Healy, Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy & World Heritage for Telford & Wrekin Council said:

“Guy is a great ambassador, not only for our UNESCO World Heritage Site but for the whole of Shropshire as a visitor destination. Receiving this recognition nationally is a testament to the incredible work he does in delivering unforgettable visitors experience for those travelling here from across the UK and the world, but Guy is also a local hero too and an iconic and important part of community pride.”

Fiona Allan, Chair of the West Midlands Regional Board for Tourism, said:

“We congratulate Guy on the fantastic achievement of finishing second in VisitBritain’s Tourism Superstar 2020. His passion for his role makes him a great ambassador for the Blists Hill Victorian Town at Ironbridge Gorge Museums, one of the jewels in the West Midlands’ tourism offer.

“It is clear that Guy makes visits to Blists Hill richer and more memorable for guests. It is people like him who represent the friendliness and down-to-earth character of the region.”