Congleton Community out in force for National In Bloom Finals

Months of preparation and hard work from community groups and organisations across Congleton impressed the National Britain in Bloom judges, Geraldine King and Ann Holland when they judged Congleton as one of the best large towns in the UK.

Congleton was one of just 46 locations across the UK that was selected to represent their region in this year’s Britain in Bloom finals. 1600 locations entered the 2021 competition. Congleton was entered after winning Best Large Town in the North West.

The judges were interested in three key criteria: horticultural achievement, community participation and environmental responsibility. Congleton in Bloom team felt they were able to demonstrate each of the criteria in abundance and the judges praised the sheer number of local people involved in the In Bloom programme.

Many of those involved in Congleton in Bloom and the 10 Its Your Neighbourhoods were able to meet the judges either on route or at a picnic lunch in the park at the end of the tour. Judge Geraldine King praised all those involved saying that the judges had enjoyed a lovely day in Congleton and had met some great and extraordinary people. On behalf of the Royal Horticultural Society she thanked everyone for the time and efforts they spent improving Congleton and remarked on the strength of the community and the impressive number of long term improvements that had been made and sustained over the years.

Chairman of the Congleton In Bloom team, Cllr David Brown said: “Congleton in Bloom has helped transformed many parts of Congleton since it was formed 24 years ago in 1998. There’s so much more to Congleton in Bloom than pretty flowers. It’s about bringing people together, improving areas and instilling community pride. I would like to thank all the individuals, groups, businesses and areas that have supported Congleton’s entry this year. The town council’s Streetscape team deserve a special mention for their excellent work in keeping the town tidy and the thousands of plants alive during this extraordinary summer.“

The standard just keeps getting higher and higher. We think Congleton looks blooming marvellous and we hope the judges agree! We have received gold standard in the Britain in Bloom finals in previous years and this year we would love to retain gold and the dream would be to be best in category!”

The results will be announced in London in October.