Congleton in Bloom has earned the honour of representing the North West region as a finalist in the prestigious Britain in Bloom UK finals, hosted by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). This recognition follows Congleton’s outstanding success at the North West in Bloom Awards (NWIB), held on Thursday 31 October, at Bolton Football Ground, where the town secured a prestigious Gold award in the Large Town category and was crowned overall winner for the Best Large Town in the North West.
At the regional North West awards, Congleton achieved multiple honours across categories, with community projects and organisations receiving the highest accolades. In addition to the Large Town Gold, Congleton Park and The Alexandra Court Hotel won Gold in their respective categories, while ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood Groups’ (IYN) including Buglawton in Bloom, Congleton Bath House and Physic Garden, and Friends of Congleton Park, received the prestigious Level 5 Outstanding status. Additionally, Congleton in Bloom received the discretionary NWIB Pride of Cheshire East award for the groups outstanding commitment and dedication and Congleton War Memorial Hospital scooped a new award introduced for 2024 – Best New Landscaping Project.
Chair of Congleton in Bloom, Cllr David Brown, celebrated the recognition, saying, “We’re thrilled with our success at the North West in Bloom Awards, and it’s a great honour for Congleton to now represent our entire region nationally at the RHS Britain in Bloom UK Finals. Winning the discretionary award for Outstanding Contribution to NWIB is also deeply meaningful—it reflects the commitment of everyone involved. This achievement truly belongs to the whole community.
Congleton’s impressive regional results were made possible by the joint efforts of the Congleton in Bloom committee, Streetscape gardeners, council officers, ANSA Environmental Services, local businesses, groups, schools, and trusts all supported by an incredible network of community volunteers. Thanks also go to the residents of Congleton, who support the work of Congleton Town Council through their annual precept and actively contribute to maintaining a clean, welcoming town.”
Beyond floral displays, the North West in Bloom judges recognised Congleton’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, noting its pollinator beds, wildlife meadows, and habitats created with insect hotels, bird, and bat boxes around town. These initiatives contribute to a greener environment for residents and local wildlife alike.
Ruth Burgess, Streetscape Development Manager at Congleton Town Council, is enthusiastic about Congleton’s next steps: “The Congleton in Bloom Working Group and Streetscape Team are delighted to have the opportunity to represent the North West in the UK finals next year. Our plans include a sustainable approach for our displays and continued efforts to beautify and preserve our town. Huge thanks go to the town council team and all the volunteers for their dedication; without them, this recognition wouldn’t be possible. Here’s to a busy and flourishing year ahead!”
Congleton celebrated amazing success again from the 14 ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood Groups’ (IYN). A fantastic set of awards were announced at the Bolton Ceremony with 12 level 5s (Outstanding) the highest award you can get! Aswell as two Level 4s (equivalent to Silver Gilt). Congratulations to everyone involved. The full set of IYN awards are:
Level 5 Outstanding
- Astbury Mere care Home
- Bromley Farm in Bloom
- Buglawton In Bloom
- Congleton Bath House and Physic Garden
- Congleton War Memorial Hospital
- Friendly Faces Day Nursery
- Friends of Congleton Community Garden
- Friends of Congleton Park
- Friends of Stirling Close
- Hilary Avenue Allotment Association
- Jubilee Club New Life Church
- Vale Allotments Association
Level 4 Thriving
- Bromley Bloomers
- Congleton Tennis Club
Congleton in Bloom Chair, Cllr David Brown concludes: “Todays results just shows what an amazing town and community we have. Congleton In Bloom will be holding a thank you evening in November at the town hall to celebrate the fantastic achievement of all the groups and the wonderful volunteers.”
