Northampton bursts into bloom as town prepares for RHS judges’ return

If you’ve wandered through Northampton town centre recently and thought things were looking a little brighter, you’re not imagining it.

Hundreds of colourful hanging baskets and planters have appeared across the town centre and surrounding neighbourhoods as Northampton gears up for this year’s RHS East Midlands in Bloom competition.

After picking up a prestigious Silver Gilt award last year, Northampton Town Council is once again backing the initiative and entering the competition for a second consecutive year. The town will be competing against communities from across the region in what has become one of Europe’s largest and most celebrated horticultural campaigns.

And this year’s entry comes with an extra theme woven through the displays.

Celebrating the Year of the Woman Farmer

When RHS judges arrive in July, they won’t just be looking at flower displays. They’ll also be assessing community projects, environmental initiatives and growing schemes taking place across Northampton.

This year’s entry has been inspired by the Year of the Woman Farmer, shining a spotlight on the women making a difference in growing, food production, farming, horticulture and community gardening.

It’s a theme that fits perfectly with the competition’s wider focus on community involvement and environmental responsibility.

More colour thanks to partnership support

Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) has once again thrown its support behind the campaign, helping fund additional planters along Gold Street and within the BID’s expanded boundary.

The extra displays are designed to create an even warmer welcome for residents, visitors and businesses alike.

Mark Mullen, Chief Operating Officer for Northampton Town Centre BID, said the organisation was delighted to support the project once again, bringing additional planting into areas including Marefair and helping create a more vibrant gateway into the town centre.

He said improving the appearance of the town centre helps make Northampton more attractive to visitors, boosts footfall and supports the local economy.

Mark also highlighted a number of successful environmental projects delivered through partnerships with organisations including Voi, Zone Developments, Northampton College and Mercure Northampton, adding that Northampton in Bloom provides an opportunity to showcase some of the town’s best community-led work.

Community spirit takes centre stage

Of course, Northampton in Bloom has never just been about flowers.

The judging route will feature an impressive mix of community, heritage and environmental projects from across the town, with groups including St Giles’ Community, Friends of St Peter’s Church, Friends of Castle Park, Friends of Dallington Park, The Wheatsheaf Pub, C2C Grows Allotment and West Northamptonshire Council Park Rangers and Friends of Bradlaugh Fields & Barn all playing a part.

Visitors will also see some creative touches along the way, including colourful yarn bombing installations from the Women’s Institute and plant-growing projects supported by Bees Be Happy, a group that has helped countless community initiatives flourish through plant donations and gardening activities.

Judges will assess entries across three key areas: horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.

In other words, it’s not just about who has the prettiest petunias (although those certainly help).

Greening the town for future generations

Cllr Andy Kilbride, Chair of Northampton Town Council’s Environmental Services Committee, said Northampton in Bloom brings a welcome splash of colour to the town throughout the summer while celebrating the dedication of volunteers, schools, community groups and local organisations.

He said supporting these projects forms an important part of the council’s ambition to “green the town”, helping public spaces thrive while encouraging biodiversity and greater community involvement.

He also thanked Northampton Town Centre BID for its support, noting that the partnership had enabled even more planting displays to be installed across the town centre.

The council continues to work closely with delivery partners Idverde and West Northamptonshire Council to ensure Northampton is looking its best ahead of the judges’ visit and to showcase the community projects at the heart of this year’s entry.

Blooming history

Northampton has an impressive Bloom pedigree.

The town previously competed in East Midlands and Britain in Bloom competitions for 18 years, securing a Silver Gilt award in 2018 before achieving Gold in 2019.

After a break, the competition entry was reintroduced in 2025 — and following last year’s Silver Gilt success, hopes will be high when judges arrive this summer.

One thing is certain: Northampton is already looking blooming lovely.

For more information about Northampton in Bloom, visit Northampton Town Council’s website or email bloom@northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk.

Image: Hundreds of floral displays have been installed across Northampton ahead of this year’s RHS East Midlands in Bloom judging.

Photo credit: Stu Vincent Photography/ NTC