Ilkeston can celebrate a stunning silver-lining performance on the national stage of the prestigious Britain in Bloom finals this week (Monday 10th).
The town was one of just eight finalists in the Large Town category that was shortlisted by the RHS-led judges to compete for a top title.
The results for all categories were announced on Monday afternoon and there were celebrations all round when Ilkeston scooped an impressive silver guilt award – a fitting honour for the town’s superb displays.
The judges visited the town during the summer and were wowed by the town centre blooms and the ever popular floral displays in Victoria Park, with Erewash Borough Councillors, parks team members and community volunteers all welcoming their visit.
Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, says:
“Our borough goes from success to success and is proving to be a real leader in showing how to put the feel-good factor into the borough. But it is about much more than just blooms – our incredible parks team, together with an army of volunteers, prioritise sustainable and wildlife friendly gardening. It is an incredible community effort and this national success is so well deserved.
“I was delighted to meet the judges and tell Ilkeston – and indeed Long Eaton’s – story.
I know they saw the wow factor in our borough.”
Ilkeston was up against seven other finalists in the Large Town category – Dunstable in Bedfordshire; Workington in Cumbria; Congleton in Cheshire; Farnham in Surrey; Portishead in Somerset; Prestatyn in Denbighshire; and Mirfield in Yorkshire, with Dunstable taking gold.
Draycott’s volunteer In Bloom group was awarded gold in the Large Village category.
