Newcastle-under-Lyme Welcomes Heart of England in Bloom Judges

Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, will welcome the Heart of England in Bloom regional judges on Wednesday 29th July, as the town looks to build on its continued success in the prestigious RHS Britain in Bloom campaign.

Following another successful year of partnership working, this year's tour will showcase how businesses, volunteers, community organisations and public sector partners are working together to create a cleaner, greener, safer and more welcoming town centre.

Beginning at Brampton Museum, before concluding in Queen's Gardens, judges will join Newcastle-under-Lyme BID and council representatives for a tour through Newcastle-under-Lyme that reflects the town's rich heritage, vibrant community spirit and ambitions for the future.

Along the route, judges will meet members of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council's delivery teams, local businesses, volunteers, artists and community groups who all play a role in shaping the town centre. Contributors this year include Castle Artisan Market, local historian Jenna Goodwin, known as The Red Haired Stokie, the Strathcross Group, a long-running community theatre and arts initiative for adults with learning difficulties, alongside representatives from the voluntary sector and many of the organisations helping to bring Newcastle-under-Lyme to life.

The judging route will highlight a broad range of projects delivered throughout the year, including seasonal and permanent planting schemes, town centre cleansing, community safety initiatives, heritage projects, public art, events and cultural activities that animate the town throughout the year. Judges will also hear about the exciting regeneration projects that will continue to shape Newcastle-under-Lyme in the years ahead.

Heart of England in Bloom, part of the wider RHS Britain in Bloom campaign, recognise environmental sustainability, biodiversity, community participation, cleanliness, heritage, conservation and the ways communities work together to improve the places where they live, work and visit, as well as horticulture.

Charl Pearce, BID Manager at Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said:

"Heart of England in Bloom is an opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Newcastle-under-Lyme special. Whilst planting remains an important part of the judging, it's the people behind it all that really make the difference.

“The judging day reflects a huge collective effort. We're proud to showcase how partnership working continues to make Newcastle-under-Lyme a more vibrant and welcoming town throughout the year."

Cllr. Andrew Fisher, Cabinet member for Residents' Services and Neighbourhoods at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said:

"Newcastle-under-Lyme has a proud and outstanding record in Heart of England in Bloom, and judging day is another opportunity to showcase the very best of our historic town centre.

"The displays residents and visitors see are the result of a tremendous team effort by businesses, volunteers, community groups, the BID and council staff. Their hard work, creativity and civic pride help to make Newcastle cleaner, greener and more welcoming throughout the year.

"With major regeneration transforming the town centre, our ambition is clear: to create a vibrant place where people are proud to live, work, visit and invest. We wish the BID every success and thank everyone who has helped Newcastle bloom.”