Each year, up and down the country, local volunteers work hard on beautifying their local city, town or village making sure everything is perfect for the visit of the Britain in Bloom judges.
The Competition
The idea of an annual competition pitching community against community originates in France. The intention being to encourage local councils and community groups to improve their areas appearance using flowers. The first national competition was held in 1964, organised by the British Tourist Board. Bath were winners in the first year.
The Royal Horticultural Society took control from 2002. Through the years the format has been tweaked, most notably adding separate categories. These are;
- Best city
- Best large city
- Best small city
- Best town
- Best large town
- Best small town
- Best coastal town > 12,000 population
- Best coastal town < 12,000 population
- Best village
- Best large village
- Best small village
- Best urban community
- Best business improvement district
The Britain in Bloom competition operates regionally. Winners receive Gold, Silver Gilt, Silver and Bronze medals. Regional winners are put forward, for the national awards, The Champion of Champions.
The regions are;
- Anglia
- Cumbria
- East Midlands
- Guernsey
- Heart of England
- Isle of Man
- Jersey
- London
- Northumbria
- North-West
- Scotland
- South
- South-East
- South-West
- Thames and Chiltern
- Ulster
- Wales
For more information, click on this link to visit the RHS website