Heart of England in Bloom judges will visit Newcastle-under-Lyme on Wednesday, 29 July to assess the town's entry into the prestigious RHS Britain in Bloom campaign. The tour is organised by Newcastle-under-Lyme Business Improvement District in partnership with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.
The judging route will begin at Brampton Museum and conclude in Queen's Gardens. Along the way, judges will meet council delivery teams, local businesses, volunteers, artists and community groups shaping the town centre.
Who is involved
Contributors to this year's entry include Castle Artisan Market, local historian Jenna Goodwin (known as The Red Haired Stokie), the Strathcross Group (a community theatre and arts initiative for adults with learning difficulties), and representatives from the voluntary sector.
What will be judged
The judging route will highlight seasonal and permanent planting schemes, town centre cleansing, community safety initiatives, heritage projects, public art, events and cultural activities. Judges will also hear about ongoing and future regeneration projects.
Heart of England in Bloom assesses environmental sustainability, biodiversity, community participation, cleanliness, heritage, conservation, horticulture and how communities work together to improve the places where they live, work and visit.
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."
Cllr. Andrew Fisher, Cabinet member for Residents' Services and Neighbourhoods at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, added: "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."