Blackpool in Bloom celebrates another record-breaking year

Blackpool in Bloom 2026 winners and awards.

Blackpool in Bloom has celebrated another record-breaking year, bringing together residents, businesses, volunteers and community groups to recognise the people helping make our town greener, brighter and full of civic pride.

More than 180 guests attended this year’s Awards Ceremony at the Village Hotel Blackpool, making it our biggest celebration yet. The event recognised the incredible efforts of entrants from across the town, while also celebrating the volunteers, judges, sponsors and partners who continue to support the competition year after year.

Since Enveco NW took over the organisation of Blackpool in Bloom four years ago, the competition has continued to flourish.

In our first year, we received 27 entries. Fast forward to 2026, and that number has grown to more than 70 entries, with the awards ceremony almost doubling in size from around 100 attendees to more than 180 guests. The continued growth reflects the increasing pride people are taking in their local communities and the growing commitment to creating greener, more welcoming neighbourhoods across Blackpool.

Blackpool in Bloom has been bringing communities together for many years, celebrating the residents, businesses and community groups who help make our town greener and more welcoming.

When Enveco took over the organisation of the competition in 2023, we were proud to build on the incredible work of the previous organisers while introducing new ideas to help the competition continue to grow.

Former organiser Elaine Smith MBE shared her thoughts on the competition’s journey:

“I was involved with Blackpool in Bloom for over 20 years, first as a judge and later as organiser. When the time came to hand the competition over, I knew we had chosen the right team. Enveco worked alongside us to learn the competition before putting their own amazing stamp on it, building on our methods while introducing many great ideas of their own. My team and I couldn’t be more delighted with the way Blackpool in Bloom is being carried forward by Enveco. Long may they continue to make Blackpool beautiful as well as magical.”

Elaine Smith MBE
Former Blackpool in Bloom Organiser

Blackpool in Bloom is about far more than flowers. Each year, the competition celebrates the residents, businesses, schools, volunteers and community groups who dedicate their time to improving their surroundings, whether that’s creating beautiful front gardens, maintaining community spaces, supporting wildlife, transforming parks or brightening the town with colourful hanging baskets.

This year’s competition once again highlighted the important role gardening can play in supporting biodiversity, encouraging pollinators, improving wellbeing and bringing communities together.

New and expanded categories continue to ensure the competition is inclusive, recognising everything from first-time gardeners to long-standing community projects and environmental champions.

Four days of judging

Judging took place over four days, with our dedicated volunteer judges travelling across Blackpool to visit every entry. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Pauline Taylor, Tim Riley, Judi Brown and Steve Harvey for generously giving their time and expertise throughout the competition.

A special thank you also goes to John Thornley, who supported the judging by driving the team throughout the four days, and to our Engagement Team, who coordinated the judging schedule, planned the routes, organised the competition and captured the fantastic photographs that helped showcase this year’s entries.Their knowledge, enthusiasm and commitment ensured every entry received the time and consideration it deserved.

The judges praised the exceptionally high standard of entries this year, noting the growing emphasis on conservation gardening, wildlife-friendly planting, sustainable practices and community involvement.

Blackpool in Bloom continues to grow thanks to the support of our fantastic sponsors and partners.

A special thank you goes to:

My Blackpool Homes

Our headline sponsor for another year, whose continued support helps make Blackpool in Bloom possible.

Village Hotel Blackpool

For hosting the Awards Ceremony for the second consecutive year and providing a fantastic venue to celebrate our entrants.

Tesco

For joining us on the day with a community information stand, fantastic gift bags and generously donating raffle prizes, including gift vouchers and beautiful plants.

What The Flowers

For creating two stunning bouquets for the Mayor and Mayoress, helping make the event extra special.

Forsyth & Steele

For kindly producing all of the event’s printed materials, including certificates, programmes, welcome boards and table plan boards.

We are incredibly grateful for your continued support.

Congratulations to all our winners

The competition recognised outstanding achievements across a wide range of categories, celebrating gardens, community projects, businesses, parks and conservation spaces.

Blackpool in Bloom 2026 Results

Yards

• Winner – David and Cait Graham
• Runner-Up – Paul Markham

Small Gardens

• Winner – Mr and Mrs A Trigger
• Runner-Up – Anne Walker

Large Gardens

• Winner – Catherine Jones and Steve Burns
• Runner-Up – Debra Clayton

Community Support Gardens

• Winner – The People’s Pantry, Bostonway
• Runner-Up – Claremont Park Community Centre

Amenity Gardens

• Winner – Michael Feeney
• Runner-Up – Forward Project

Hanging Baskets and Tubs

• Winner – Carl Norman
• Runner-Up – Jaycie Mottashed
• Runner-Up – Sue and Ray

Commercial Premises

• Winner – Madeira Guest House
• Runner-Up – Lyndene Hotel

Conservation Gardens

• Winner – Mr Gareth Braithwaite
• Runner-Up – Blackpool Careers Centre Volunteers

Blackpool Parks

• Winner – Devonshire Road Rock Gardens
• Runner-Up – Highfield Park

Champion of Champions

• Winner – Ian Brown
• Runner-Up – Ellen Chambers

New Roots

• Winner – Young People at Argosy House
• Runner-Up – Hollie Dridi

Judge’s Special Award

• Mavis Poole – Watson Road Secret Garden

Congratulations also to all 37 Highly Commended entrants, whose dedication and hard work continue to make a real difference across Blackpool.

Highly Commended

In addition to our winners and runners-up, the judges also recognised a number of outstanding entries with Highly Commended awards. Congratulations to:

• Barbara Dent
• Brian and Pat Porteus
• Bloomfield Pub
• Carole Cregan
• Carol Jones
• Christopher Wyatt (Bloomfield)
• Laura Marshall
• Daniel Mullan
• Dee Gregson
• Denise Astbury
• Diane Glister and Keith Rawlinson
• Emma Cartwright
• Gavin Breakell
• Gill Howard
• Howard Crump
• Ian George Cross
• Irene Stott
• James Grisedale
• James Tonner
• Jane Berry
• Jeanette Grierson
• Jenny Fitzsimmons
• John Moran
• Julie Trapnell
• Linda Bullock
• Liona Michalska
• Marie Kelly
• Michael Emsley
• Nicola Barnett
• Paul Worthington
• Paula Storton
• Stephanie Steanson
• Street Life
• Stuart Reynolds
• Stuart Reynolds (Back)
• Susan Bailey
• Wendy Ayres

Congratulations to every winner, runner-up and highly commended entrant. Thank you for your passion, creativity and commitment to helping make Blackpool greener, brighter and more welcoming. Together, you’re helping Blackpool bloom.

Looking ahead to 2027

As another fantastic year comes to a close, we’re already looking ahead to Blackpool in Bloom 2027.

Whether you have a beautiful front garden, maintain a community space, care for a local park, support wildlife or simply want to brighten your neighbourhood, we’d love to see you get involved.

Every entry, no matter how big or small, helps make Blackpool a cleaner, greener and more vibrant place to live, work and visit.

Thank you to everyone who entered, volunteered, judged, sponsored and supported this year’s competition.

Enveco NW shortlisted for prestigious Green Council of the Year Award

We are proud to announce that Enveco NW has been shortlisted for Green Council of the Year at the 2026 Political Purpose Awards by Nature 2030.

The national award celebrates councils and organisations leading the way in environmental sustainability, climate action and nature recovery through innovative services, community engagement and environmental leadership.

Our shortlist recognises the contribution we make every day towards creating a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Blackpool through frontline environmental services, behaviour change campaigns and strong partnerships with residents, volunteers, community groups and businesses.

With a workforce of fewer than 250 employees, we deliver a wide range of essential environmental services while supporting a town that welcomes more than 21 million visitors each year. From waste and recycling collections, operating the Household Waste Recycling Centre, street cleansing, grounds maintenance and beach cleaning, to environmental education and community engagement, our teams work tirelessly to help keep Blackpool clean, green and welcoming.

Over the past year, we have supported one of Blackpool’s biggest changes to waste and recycling services through the Government’s Simpler Recycling programme. This has included introducing weekly food waste collections, delivering thousands of new recycling containers and providing a wide range of education and engagement activities to help residents recycle more and reduce contamination.

Alongside delivering essential services, we continue to develop campaigns that inspire long-term behaviour change and community pride. Initiatives such as Keep Blackpool Tidy, recycling education, volunteer programmes, fly-tipping prevention campaigns and accessible communications encourage residents, businesses and visitors to play their part in protecting Blackpool’s environment. We are also proud to be in our fourth successful year of delivering Blackpool in Bloom, celebrating civic pride while encouraging biodiversity, environmental learning and community participation.

Accessibility remains central to everything we do. From accessible waste guides and Makaton-supported recycling resources to inclusive communications, we are committed to ensuring environmental information is available to as many residents as possible.

We have been shortlisted alongside Newark and Sherwood District Council, Hull City Council, City of London Corporation and the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, and are incredibly proud to be recognised alongside other organisations making a positive difference to the environment.

Councillor Adrian Hoyle, Chair of Enveco NW, said:

“Being shortlisted for Green Council of the Year is a fantastic achievement and reflects the dedication of Enveco NW and our partners. With fewer than 250 employees, Enveco NW delivers a wide range of environmental services for our residents while supporting more than 21 million visitors each year. From waste and recycling collections to street cleansing, grounds maintenance, Keep Blackpool Tidy and Blackpool in Bloom, our teams work tirelessly to keep Blackpool clean, green and welcoming. We’re incredibly proud to have been recognised on the national stage.”

John Higginson, Founder of Nature 2030, added:

“It is an honour to recognise the very best environmental champions in UK public life. From the corridors of Westminster to grassroots movements across the country, the stakes could not be higher, and these awards shine a light on those rising to meet them.”

Being shortlisted is recognition of the dedication shown every day by our employees, volunteers, partners and local communities. Together, we are helping to build a cleaner, greener and more sustainable future for Blackpool.

Eight Green Flag Awards for Blackpool’s Parks

Blackpool is celebrating a record-breaking achievement after eight parks were recognised with the prestigious Green Flag Award, the international benchmark for well-managed parks and green spaces.

The awards recognise the dedication and hard work of Enveco NW’s Grounds Maintenance teams, alongside Blackpool Council, Friends Groups and volunteers, who work throughout the year to keep Blackpool’s parks clean, safe, welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.

This year’s success marks Blackpool’s highest number of Green Flag Awards to date, with one park receiving the award for the very first time and seven others successfully retaining their status.

This Year’s Green Flag Parks

Claremont Park has achieved its first-ever Green Flag Award, recognising the continued investment and care that has transformed the park into a valued community space.

Highfield Road Park has retained its Green Flag Award for a third consecutive year, reflecting the consistently high standards maintained by the teams and volunteers who care for the park.

Devonshire Road Rock Gardens has also secured its third consecutive Green Flag Award, celebrating its beautiful planting, heritage and welcoming environment.

Anchorsholme Park has retained its Green Flag Award for a second consecutive year, recognising another year of excellent maintenance and community pride.

Crossland Road Park continues its Green Flag success after retaining the award for a second consecutive year, highlighting the ongoing commitment to providing a high-quality green space.

Kingscote Park has once again achieved Green Flag status, recognising another successful year of maintaining a clean, safe and welcoming park for residents and visitors.

One of Blackpool’s most iconic parks, Stanley Park has retained its Green Flag Award for a second consecutive year, reflecting the dedication of everyone involved in caring for this historic green space.

Watson Road Park completes this year’s success story, retaining its Green Flag Award for a second consecutive year and continuing to provide a well-maintained space for the local community.

These awards are a testament to the commitment of our Grounds Maintenance teams, whose work is supported by Blackpool Council, Friends Groups, volunteers and local communities.

The Green Flag judges praised the parks for their strong community focus, excellent recreational facilities and the ongoing work to keep them clean, welcoming and well maintained.

With millions of residents and visitors enjoying Blackpool’s parks every year, these awards demonstrate what can be achieved through partnership working, pride in our local environment and a shared commitment to creating greener, cleaner spaces for everyone.

Huge congratulations and thank you to everyone who has played a part in achieving this fantastic milestone. Together, we’re helping to make Blackpool an even greener and more welcoming place to live, work and visit.

Waste Changes update for Blackpool Residents

Blackpool residents are recycling more than ever since new changes to bins collections were brought in earlier this year.

Since April, more than 572 tonnes of food waste have been collected and recycled.

Over the first eight weeks, even more people are using the food waste collections, with tonnage increasing by 57%.

The new food waste service started in April 2026 as part of the government’s Simpler Recycling initiative, where all councils are encouraged work towards a recycling target of 65% by 2035.

Blackpool’s previous recycling rate was 45% – one of the highest in Lancashire but still some way from the national target, meaning that changes were needed to reach the government’s target.

Collected food waste is now recycled and transformed into renewable energy and agricultural products, supporting both increased recycling and a greener future for Blackpool.

As well as introducing weekly food waste collections, larger brown and blue bins were delivered to households.

More than 188,000 new recycling bins and food waste caddies have been delivered to households across Blackpool, with paper and card recycling increasing by more than 20% compared with the previous brown sack system.

The cost of green waste collections was reduced to £30.00 per year to encourage people to recycle more green materials. The cheaper green waste collections have led to almost 10,000 more people taking up the service – an increase of 19% compared to the entire last period.

Grey bin collections were reduced to every three weeks to encourage more people to recycle.

Previously, around a third of waste in the grey bin could have been recycled. Blackpool’s approach to use three-weekly grey bin collections to encourage recycling was already proven in other areas of the country like Rochdale and Salford.

The early increase in recycling shows that the change to collection frequencies has encouraged more people to increase their recycling.

The next phase of the programme will focus on completing 20,000 deliveries of larger blue recycling bins across collection rounds, further increasing household recycling volumes.

Requests for larger blue bins are currently paused while the borough-wide rollout continues.

Cllr Adrian Hoyle, Chair of Enveco NW, said:

“These changes represent the most significant transformation to Blackpool’s waste and recycling services in many years, and I would like to thank residents for their patience, understanding and support throughout the rollout. It is encouraging to see so many households already embracing the new services, particularly food waste recycling, and the early results show that residents are making a real difference. I would also like to recognise the hard work and dedication of our teams, who have worked tirelessly alongside Blackpool Council to deliver these changes across the borough.”

Cllr Jane Hugo, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment at Blackpool Council, said:

“These early results show that people in Blackpool want to recycle and are responding positively to the new waste and recycling service changes. The introduction of weekly food waste collections is helping residents recycle more of their household waste while supporting national recycling targets and reducing the amount of waste that would otherwise be disposed of. Like any major service change, it doesn’t come without challenge. The transition has required residents to adapt to new arrangements, and we would like to thank everyone for their support and cooperation throughout the rollout. The early results demonstrate that residents are already making a real difference by recycling more and reducing waste.”

A major promotional campaign has supported the rollout, including but not limited to direct mail, local media campaigns, community outreach, educational materials and targeted support for residents who may have limited digital access.

As part of the service changes, brown sack recycling collections have ended across Blackpool and have been replaced by the new brown bin service for eligible households.

A trial of community bin hubs was also installed across town, and work continues to grow this programme.

The aim is to improve recycling options across community areas for households who are not currently on wheeled bin collections. Current options for domestic recycling for such households can be found on the council website.

As a reminder, residents who have household waste and recycling bins collected from the rear of their property should present their food waste caddy at the front of their property on collection day to ensure it can be safely collected.

Blackpool Council and Enveco NW will continue monitoring service performance, increasing participation in food waste recycling and exploring opportunities to further improve recycling access across the borough.

Together, these changes will help increase recycling rates, reduce waste and create a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Find out more about where your waste goes today.

This release is a joint Blackpool Council and Enveco article.