A trail of colourful floral displays has been created in Harrogate in the hope the town will do well in the regional heat of this year’s ‘In Bloom’ competition.
The trail is part of the Harrogate Business Improvement District (BID)’s ‘Floral Summer Celebration’ and tells the story of the town centre.
Each of the seven displays has a link to Harrogate’s history, including its retail offering, spa heritage and fabled tea rooms.
They are:
- Get Your Heels On, Victoria Shopping Centre Piazza, sponsored by LK Bennet
- Rabbit Patch, corner of Princes Square and Albert Street, sponsored by Nurture
- Afternoon Tea, Library Gardens
- In the Garden, West Park United Reformed Church, sponsored by The Autumn Flower Show
- …And Relax, The Cenotaph, sponsored by Cold Bath Brewing
- Cocktail Time, Montpellier Hill
- The Show Goes On, Harrogate Bus Station, Station Parade
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To boost the floral theme the BID has also created an indoor exhibition which features the first Harrogate Flower Shower, held in the Sun Pavilion.
In addition, town centre businesses are involved in a shop window competition – designed to catch the eye of the In Bloom judges as they tour the town over the coming weeks.
Harrogate BID Manager Matthew Chapman said:
“Harrogate is renowned as a horticultural haven, and for the next month we are helping the town centre flex its floral muscles.
“Our Floral Summer of Celebration is all about shouting about our fame for hosting nationally-acclaimed flower shows, the fantastic Valley Gardens, and wonderful flower displays.
“In previous years, Harrogate has achieved national and international floral fame in the In Bloom competitions, and we are determined to reclaim our rightful place as the floral capital of not only the north, but the whole country.
“For the last three years, we have funded just short of 200 brightly-coloured barrier baskets and large planters outside town centre shops and businesses, whilst over the last two years, we have worked with Harrogate in Bloom and Harrogate Borough Council in facilitating hanging baskets outside town centre shops and businesses.”
Jo Caswell, Harrogate BID Project Lead, said:
“We are really excited to officially unveil our Floral Summer of Celebration. The trail will take followers to different parts of the town, helping visitors get a real flavour of what Harrogate has to offer.
“And once they have completed the trail, they can then visit the exhibition and watch the fantastic film loaned from the Yorkshire Film Archive, which will also really appeal to residents.”
Meanwhile, Harrogate in Bloom wants the public to nominate their favourite floral exteriors in the town. These can be restaurants, cafes, bars, shops or offices and should be sent to [email protected].
The closing date for nominations is Friday 5 August 2022
Winners will be awarded with a trophy and certificate at the Harrogate in Bloom Awards in September.
