Blackburn hoping to Bloom again!

Blackburn has been selected to represent Business Improvement Districts in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom UK Finals 2017.

The group will join 78 other Britain in Bloom finalists competing to be crowned one of the cleanest, greenest and most beautiful places in the UK.

Blackburn was chosen for the group’s commitment to environmental responsibility, high levels of community participation and outstanding gardening achievements.

The partnership between Blackburn BID and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council sees thousands of blooms fill the street of the town. The cost of the planting is supported by local BID businesses, with the councils teams of gardeners maintaining them throughout the year.

The partnership will add to the thousands of seasonal plants, perennials, shrubs and trees being planted around the UK by over 2,500 Britain in Bloom and It’s Your Neighbourhood groups, transforming hard grey areas into green spaces that benefit both people and the environment.

In August the group will lead RHS Britain in Bloom judges on a tour of their area as they bid to win a top award. The winners will be announced at the Britain in Bloom awards ceremony in Llandudno, North Wales on 27 October.

A number of special awards that recognise excellence in a particular area, be that protecting the local environment, getting young people involved in gardening, or overcoming adversity such as flooding or vandalism, will also be up for grabs.

Now in its 53rd year, Britain in Bloom has evolved into a UK-wide campaign that brings communities together while promoting the environmental and health and wellbeing benefits of gardening.

Harriet Roberts, manager of the Blackburn BID, said:

Visitors from across the UK commented on the incredible displays across the town centre last year when they came to our high profile events. We would encourage people to come and take a look at this year’s displays which will fill the town from May onwards.

Councillor Jim Smith, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said:

The flower displays in the town centre look great and we would love to build on last year’s brilliant achievement and win gold for a second year running.

We have strong partnerships between the Council, Blackburn BID and volunteers such as the Blackburn Horticultural Society and organisers of the Blackburn Flower Festival. We all work together to help transform our town centre into a beautiful space for our residents and visitors.

Andrea Van Sittart, RHS Head of Community Outreach said:

Congratulations to Blackburn on reaching the UK Finals of this year’s RHS Britain in Bloom campaign.

To represent their region on the UK stage is an incredible achievement and shows they are already at the top level of community gardening, going the extra mile to improve their local area and make it cleaner, greener and more beautiful for everyone.