Northampton blossoms with Silver Gilt success in East Midlands in Bloom

Pictured: Members of the Northampton in Bloom Working Group accepting their award from RHS Judge John Constable. Photo credit: EMiB

It turns out Northampton’s not just good at lighting up the skies with fireworks — it’s also blooming marvellous at gardening. The town is celebrating after scooping a Silver Gilt Award in this year’s East Midlands in Bloom competition, marking a proud return to the RHS-led contest for the first time since 2019.

The accolade was announced at a ceremony in Grimsby Town Hall and recognises the collective graft of local volunteers, schools, community groups and partners — all with a shared goal of making Northampton a greener, more welcoming place.

Flowers, fire and a flourish of community spirit

The judges were particularly impressed by the town centre’s floral baskets and planters, which followed a fiery colour scheme inspired by the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton. Sustainability also got a nod of approval, with 99% of planters using peat-free compost and more perennial plants being introduced.

But it wasn’t just about the pretty petals. Community spaces like Billing Road Cemetery, now a thriving green haven thanks to local volunteers, and Bradlaugh Fields, with its composting, wildlife pond and rainwater harvesting, showed off Northampton’s commitment to biodiversity and environmental care.

Volunteers at the heart of it all

More than 88 community groups received council support for their gardening schemes this year, with 22 of them actively taking part in the competition. From the much-loved gardens at 78 Derngate, to the vibrant planting at St Giles’ Churchyard with the help of Northampton College students, every project told a story of teamwork and passion.

Cllr Andrew Kilbride, Chair of the Environmental Services Committee, summed it up: “We are absolutely over the moon to win a Silver Gilt Award, especially as this is our first entry as a town council. This award recognises the enthusiasm and commitment of our officers, partners and volunteers, who’ve worked so hard to make Northampton a more attractive and biodiverse town.”

Even the RHS judges couldn’t help but praise the dedication, noting Northampton’s clear understanding of how planting “improves the environment for local people and visitors and benefits the local economy” — with a long-term focus on making the town greener.

The takeaway

Whether it’s baskets bursting with colour, community gardens buzzing with wildlife or neighbours rolling up their sleeves to dig in together, Northampton’s green-fingered pride is shining through. And with this Silver Gilt win, the town has set down strong roots for even greater success in years to come.

Want to see more of the projects? The full portfolio is available on the Northampton Town Council website: northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/northampton-in-bloom