Allotment gardeners from across Stoke-on-Trent have been celebrated at the city’s annual allotment competition.
The award ceremonies, held on Saturday 22 August at Dolly’s Lane in Burslem and FenPark Hilltop, brought together allotment holders from across 28 sites to celebrate their hard work and achievements throughout the growing season.
Awards were handing out in categories including:
- Best allotment
- Best tomato
- Best cucumber
The annual competition recognises the passion, creativity and commitment of allotment gardeners across the city, with awards presented to this year’s winners.
Winners were all gifted an allotment mug designed by local firm Moorland Pottery and presented by founder Jon Plant alongside Allotment Champion, Councillor Sarah Hill, Bee Friendly City Champion, Councillor Lyn Sharpe and local ward councillors, Councillor Mubsira Aumir and Councillor Laura Carter.
Stoke-on-Trent Allotments Annual Competition
Councillor Sarah Hill, Allotment Champion at Stoke-on-Trent City Council said:
“Once again, it has been fantastic to see the hard work, creativity and passion of our allotment holders being celebrated.
“Our allotments are such an important part of our communities, giving people the opportunity to grow their own food, spend time outdoors and create spaces that are enjoyed by people and wildlife alike. The standard of this year’s entries has been brilliant, and I’d like to congratulate all of our winners and everyone who took part.
“A huge thank you also goes to our fantastic Allotments Team for organising the awards and supporting allotment holders across the city throughout the year.
“Now, let’s get growing for 2027!”
The events also provided an opportunity to promote Stoke-on-Trent’s bid to become a Bee Friendly City, with Let’s Get Stoke Buzzing attending to highlight the importance of creating spaces where bees and other pollinators can thrive.
Councillor Lyn Sharpe, Bee Friendly City Champion at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:
“Allotments are the bees knees for pollinators, providing a huge supply of food and habitats.
“We know that allotments are really important green spaces in towns and city’s and can help stop the decline of bees on top of all the benefits for the people who use them.
“So allotment holders of Stoke-on-Trent, keep on growing duck and make sure you’re ready for the 2027 competition. We’ll be rooting for you!”
The city’s allotments provide valuable green spaces for residents to grow their own fruit and vegetables, get active outdoors and enjoy the benefits of being part of a local community.
With this year’s competition now wrapped up, gardeners can start thinking about next year’s entries.
Anyone interested in an allotment plot can register their interest at: www.stoke.gov.uk/allotments
