Blackpool Wins Silver Gilt at Northwest in Bloom Awards 2024

The award was accepted by Enveco NW Environmental Services on behalf of the town during a ceremony held on Friday, 30th October, at the Bolton Arena.

The Northwest in Bloom competition is part of the nationwide Britain in Bloom initiative, the UK’s largest community gardening competition, overseen by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). The competition celebrates excellence in horticulture, community involvement, and environmental sustainability, three core themes of the RHS.

This Silver Gilt award is a significant achievement for Blackpool, building on the town’s recent success in the Blackpool in Bloom competition. Two RHS judges, Sharon Martin and John Bilsborough, visited a range of parks and community spaces across the town, showcasing the dedication of volunteers, community groups, and Enveco’s gardening and street cleansing teams. Their work has contributed to a cleaner, greener, and more attractive Blackpool.

Among the highlights of the judging tour were local landmarks such as the Fylde Memorial Arboretum, Community Woodland, Claremont Park Community Centre, and the Watson Road Park Secret Garden, all of which reflect the town’s commitment to creating vibrant, green spaces for everyone.

Blackpool’s parks are maintained by a dedicated team of 17 Enveco gardeners, whose hard work is complemented by the support of a passionate group of volunteers. Their collective efforts ensure that the town’s green spaces remain not only beautiful but also welcoming to all.

The award ceremony at Bolton Arena saw many North West communities celebrated for their gardening achievements, with entrants, winners, and volunteers applauded for their invaluable contributions to the region’s natural beauty.

Full North West in Bloom Awards 2024 results for Blackpool:

  • Blackpool Victoria Hospital, Hospital Category – Gold
  • Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Large Tourist Attraction/Visitor Centre – Gold
  • Belle View Strawberry Gardens Community Group, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 5 – Outstanding
  • Cherry Tree Community Gardens, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 4 – Thriving
  • Claremont Park Community Centre, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 3 – Advancing
  • Devonshire Road Rock Gardens, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 5 – Outstanding
  • Enveco NW, Blackpool –Small City, Silver Gilt
  • Friends of Anchorsholme Park, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 4 – Thriving
  • Friends of East Pines Park, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 4 – Thriving
  • Friends of Jubilee Gardens (Gynn Square), Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 4 – Thriving
  • Fylde Memorial Arboretum and Community Woodland, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 5 – Outstanding
  • Grow Blackpool The Grange, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 5 – Outstanding
  • Solaris Dementia Gardens, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 3 – Advancing
  • The Hub at Grange Park, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 4 – Thriving
  • Watson Road Park, Secret Garden, Blackpool IYN Neighbourhood, Level 5 – Outstanding

Cllr Jane Hugo, Blackpool Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change with responsibilities for parks and green environment, said:

“This is a fantastic achievement and it is wonderful to see this well-deserved recognition for all of the hard work undertaken to make our parks and community spaces cleaner and more attractive for all to enjoy.”

“A big thanks to Enveco NW Environmental Services and all the community groups and volunteers from the 15 gardens, parks, and green spaces in Blackpool that were named in the North West Bloom Awards. We are so proud of everyone.”