Months of preparation and hard work from community groups and organisations across Congleton left a lasting impression on National Britain in Bloom judges, Bernard Pendleton and Mel Kirby. The judges visited Congleton yesterday (Wednesday 14th) to evaluate the town as part of the North West in Bloom finals, where Congleton is competing in the Large Town, Large Park, and 14 entries in the In Your Neighbourhood categories.
The judging began at Astbury Mere and finished at Congleton Park, with the judges receiving a comprehensive tour of key horticultural sites throughout the town. These sites showcased Congleton’s commitment to floral excellence, biodiversity, and strong community involvement.
Bernard Pendleton, Chair of Northwest in Bloom praised the town’s efforts: “The sun has shone the blooms have bloomed and Congleton is looking blooming fantastic. We’ve met some fantastic community members who are doing wonderful things to make the town cleaner and greener. Special credit is due to everyone involved for their tremendous efforts, it’s about community, partnerships and the Streetscape team all working together to make the town fantastic for residents and visitor alike. A big thing this year is that RHS celebrates its 60th anniversary, emphasising the importance of friendship. Congleton in Bloom has made a massive impact, bringing people out into their gardens, talking to their neighbours and everybody. The community here epitomises what Britian in Bloom is all about, people get involved at all levels, doing their own bit, when you put all those bits together you end up with a vibrant tapestry of efforts.”
During a picnic lunch in the park, prepared by Stock at the Pavilion, the judges were joined by many of the in-Bloom volunteers. After the break, they continued their assessment of Congleton Park’s entry, beginning in the Polytunnels, where they admired the Back to Back garden displays created by local schools, nurseries, care homes, and community groups. The judges also had the opportunity to meet young gardeners from Friendly Faces Day Nursery and Congleton West Rangers. They then toured the ornamental gardens, rode the Beartown Rickshaw to the Just Bee Garden, and concluded their inspection at the allotments.
Chair of Congleton in Bloom, Cllr David Brown said: “A heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who have contributed throughout the year. From cleaning signs and picking up litter to gardening, weeding, and pruning—every little bit helps. The town council’s Streetscape team deserves special recognition for their excellent work in keeping the town tidy all year round. They empty an average of 160 litter bins a day, remove graffiti, and maintain the roundabouts, troughs, baskets, and the floral beds in the Jubilee Garden and Congleton Park.”
The town now faces a long wait to find out if they’ve struck gold, with results to be announced on 1 November at the North West Awards Ceremony in Bolton.
