The Britain in Bloom 2024 winners are expected to be announced in the autumn of 2024, with the exact date yet to be confirmed by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). The Britain in Bloom awards are a prestigious national competition that recognizes and rewards the efforts of communities, volunteers, and local authorities in improving and beautifying their surroundings through horticultural achievements, environmental sustainability, and community participation.
Britain in Bloom Competition Overview
The Britain in Bloom competition has been running for over five decades, with the first competition held in 1964. It is one of the largest and most respected horticultural competitions in the UK, with hundreds of communities participating each year. The competition is open to towns, villages, cities, and urban communities, and it is judged on a range of criteria, including horticultural excellence, environmental sustainability, and community involvement.
Judging Criteria and Categories
The Britain in Bloom competition has a number of different categories, including small village, large village, small town, large town, and city. The judges assess each entry based on three key criteria: horticultural achievement, which accounts for 40% of the overall score; environmental sustainability, which accounts for 30%; and community participation, which accounts for 30%. The judges look for evidence of innovative gardening practices, conservation efforts, and community engagement in each entry.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Small Village | Populations of less than 300 |
| Large Village | Populations of 300-10,000 |
| Small Town | Populations of 10,001-20,000 |
| Large Town | Populations of 20,001-50,000 |
| City | Populations of over 50,000 |
In recent years, the Britain in Bloom competition has placed a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and biodiversity. The judges look for evidence of wildlife conservation, reduced waste, and increased recycling in each entry. The competition has also introduced a number of new categories and awards, including the Young People's Award and the Community Champion Award.
Previous Winners and Notable Entries
Past winners of the Britain in Bloom competition include a range of towns, villages, and cities from across the UK. Some notable entries have included St Andrews in Scotland, which won the large town category in 2019, and Truro in Cornwall, which won the small city category in 2018. The competition has also featured a number of innovative and creative entries, including vertical gardens, community orchards, and wildflower meadows.
Impact and Legacy of the Competition
The Britain in Bloom competition has had a significant impact on communities across the UK, promoting a sense of pride and ownership in local environments and encouraging people to get involved in horticultural and conservation efforts. The competition has also raised awareness of the importance of environmental sustainability and biodiversity, and has inspired a new generation of gardeners and conservationists.
When are the Britain in Bloom 2024 winners announced?
+The Britain in Bloom 2024 winners are expected to be announced in the autumn of 2024, with the exact date yet to be confirmed by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
What are the judging criteria for the Britain in Bloom competition?
+The Britain in Bloom competition is judged on three key criteria: horticultural achievement, environmental sustainability, and community participation. The judges assess each entry based on evidence of innovative gardening practices, conservation efforts, and community engagement.
How can I get involved in the Britain in Bloom competition?
+To get involved in the Britain in Bloom competition, you can contact your local council or community group to find out if they are participating in the competition. You can also volunteer to help with local gardening and conservation efforts, or start your own community project to improve your local environment.
