Alnwick to represent Northumberland in national bloom competition

Alnwick Town Council and Alnwick In Bloom are delighted to announce that Alnwick has been selected to represent Northumbria in Bloom in the Britain in Bloom finals.

Liz Adams, Chair of Alnwick in Bloom (AiB), remarked “We are thrilled and it must be said, a little bit terrified! To be chosen by Northumbria in Bloom to represent them in Britain in Bloom is a great honour and rewards the years of hard work and dedication of our team. Alnwick in Bloom will work harder than ever to ensure that we showcase Alnwick at its very best when the judges visit this summer”.

These sentiments were echoed by Alnwick Town Mayor, Councillor Geoff Watson who said “To be invited to enter the national competition is quite an accolade and I know the Town Council, the Alnwick in Bloom volunteers and our residents will pull together to ensure the town is up to the challenge.”

Alnwick is one of 44 finalists of the 2023 RHS Britain in Bloom competition and in the Town category is up against Abergavenny Town Council, Monmouthshire; Brandon in Bloom, Suffolk; Donaghadee, Ards & North Down Borough Council; Elloughton cum Brough in Bloom and East Riding and Wistaston in Bloom in Cheshire.

Each of the finalists will be visited by a pair of Britain in Bloom judges in summer 2023, and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in the autumn.

The group’s efforts will be judged according to criteria that assesses their commitment to improving the local environment, community engagement and horticultural excellence.

Kay Clark, RHS Community Development Manager, said: “Across the UK, groups are enjoying the benefits gardening brings to both their local communities and their own wellbeing. These groups are also trailblazers, trialling innovative ways to tackle environmental issues and engage their wider communities in today’s most pressing challenges.”

Alnwick In Bloom has already been discussing their Northumbria in Bloom (NiB) entry which includes ten ‘Specials’ which are judged together with the main town entry. Additionally, in April, Alnwick will have the NiB Spring judging.

AiB activity over recent months includes planting 800 bulbs in Swansfield Park and planting white Narcissi bulbs around the trees near the Tenantry Column which will complement the 16,000 crocuses.

With environmental issues in mind, AiB follows best practice which includes examining ways of collecting rainwater, being peat free, planting pollinators and increasing biodiversity.

Alnwick in Bloom welcomes more volunteers – if you are interested please send an email to: Janet.Pibworth@alnwick-tc.gov.uk

Pictured below: Alnwick in Bloom celebrate the town’s success in the 2022 Northumbria In Bloom competition and images of the towns spring and summer floral displays.