Shrewsbury has been nominated by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) to take part in the 54th RHS Britain in Bloom finals.
Following the success of last year’s entry in the Heart of England in Bloom competition, winning Gold in the Small City Category, Shrewsbury in Bloom is one of 76 groups from across the UK competing across 12 categories this summer.
Groups will be judged on their horticultural achievements as well as how the community works together to improve their locality and manages the biodiversity of their area.
Keith Roberts, Chairman of Shrewsbury in Bloom said: “I am delighted that Shrewsbury has once again been chosen to participate in the national finals of the Britain in Bloom competition. It is testament to the hard work from everyone involved throughout the year that we have been nominated for the national finals this year.”
Helen Ball, town clerk for Shrewsbury Town Council, said: “It is always an honour to be nominated as a finalist for Britain in Bloom. Having been crowned RHS Britain in Bloom “Champion of Champions” in 2014, we are raring to show that our town is not only the town of flowers, but that it is a wonderful place to live, work and visit.”
Shrewsbury will face tough competition in the Small City Category from Derry City, Durham and Rochdale.
For the first time, a new BBC Two series following the quintessentially British competition is set to air this spring, featuring five of this year’s national finalists – Immingham, Lytham, Shrewsbury, Tewkesbury and Usk.
Organised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), Britain in Bloom is one of Europe’s largest horticultural campaigns, involving over a thousand communities each year and creating lasting improvements to local environments for the benefit of residents, workers and visitors.
Throughout the last five decades, Britain in Bloom has been part of the UK’s cultural and horticultural landscape, inspiring millions of people. The campaign involves up to 300,000 volunteers across the UK, who donate 11.7 million hours to projects that benefit the wider community.
The RHS became the organising body for Britain in Bloom in 2001 and along with the 16 “in Bloom” Regions and Nations, encourages and celebrates the positive impact of gardening on communities.
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