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11
Aug
Judges arrive as Harrogate aims to reclaim Britain in Bloom crown
Judges embarked on a four-hour tour of Harrogate today to assess the town’s bid to win the annual Britain in Bloom contest.
Harrogate is one of eight places vying for the national title in the small city and city category.
Harrogate, which qualified by winning the Yorkshire in Bloom accolade last year, has a formidable history at Britain in Bloom but last won the overall award in its category in 2016.
It is up against Aberdeen, Chorley, Derry, the London borough of Tower Hamlets, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Shrewsbury and Torquay.
Although the award might seem to matter little beyond gardeners, success can have far reaching consequences.
Pam Grant
Pam Grant, president of Harrogate in Bloom, said owning a Britain in Bloom title has a significant impact on the local economy. She said:
Tourism is Harrogate’s main industry and winning this would market the town to the whole country. It’s a unique selling point.
Harrogate in Bloom is a voluntary organisation that represents all those involved in the bid. They include North Yorkshire Council, which manages parks and gardens, Harrogate Business Improvement District, which organised the floral summer of celebration trail, Harrogate Flower Shows, Horticap, Pinewoods Conservation Group, Friends of Harlow Carr, the Stray Defence Association, schools and Woodlands Community Garden.
Winning is about more than pretty blooms: it also requires demonstrating community engagement and good environmental practice.
This was reflected in the wide range of stops on today's judging route, in which UK finals judges Andrew Jackson and Brendan Mowforth visited Horticap, Harlow Hill allotments, Rossett Acre Primary School, Rossett Acre Nature Reserve, Valley Gardens and the town centre.
Harrogate in full floral glory today.
The judges are from the Royal Horticultural Society, which organises the annual regional and national In Bloom contests.
Mr Jackson said: “The Harrogate in Bloom team have put together a really impressive tour and have demonstrated a lot of wonderful work.”
Fabulous displays on West Park.
Harrogate will find out whether it wins the overall title, or a gold, silver or bronze award, in October.
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