Wales in Bloom judges named Prestatyn best large town

After a one-year Covid-enforced break, the popular community horticultural awards returned with amazing Gold award winning floral displays. Wales is the only region or nation in the UK to hold an in person awards ceremony this year.

The relaxing of restrictions allowed gardeners and volunteers to produce some spectacular floral displays across Wales and these were celebrated at this year’s Wales in Bloom Awards Ceremony at Beaumaris.

The weather this summer did not come without its challenges but residents, visitors and winners have been rewarded with colourful displays across the country.

This year’s award ceremony was hosted by Beaumaris Town Council at Canolfan Beaumaris. Gardeners and volunteers from across Wales gathered to receive their awards.

In the class for Large Towns, both Prestatyn and Colwyn Bay retained their Gold awards, however this year Prestatyn just pipped Colwyn Bay for first place.

Ian Scott, from Prestatyn, was delighted with the win. He said: "These awards are achieved through all the hard work put in from residents, businesses and community groups."

In the Town Class the standards were raised again with both Denbigh and Abergavenny receiving Gold awards and Holywell getting a Silver Gilt. This year Denbigh took the title for best Town in Wales.

Judy Huxley, of Denbigh in Bloom, said: "Everyone works so hard and all of the community have helped us achieve this. We put in so much each year, the standards go up every year and we keep making that extra effort to raise our standard year on year."

The class for Small Towns saw Conwy achieving Silver Gilt and first place with Deganwy being awarded Silver in runners up place.

Cllr Shari Barber-Bailey of Conwy Town Council said: "We just hoped that we could retain the Silver Gilt award we won in 2019 and we did. I would like to say thank you to all involved, our community groups who contribute to the overall entry and to everyone in Conwy."

The class for Coastal Communities saw Llandudno with a magnificent Gold award and first place.

Cllr Louise Emery, chair of Llandudno in Bloom, said: "We are delighted to have even been able to compete this year following the cancellation of last years event, so to win Gold is a tremendous achievement and shows the strength of our community groups who kept on going throughout a very challenging year."

Meanwhile, hotels with large gardens saw a Gold award for Bryn Guest House, Conwy.

Owners Ann and Neil Carr said: "We are amazed and delighted especially as it is our first entry. What really thrills us most is that others enjoy it as much as we do."

Wales in Bloom Chair, Peter Barton-Price thanked Beaumaris Town Council for hosting Wales in Bloom this year.

"This year has been a harrowing year for us all, and are thoughts are with all those affected by the pandemic," he said. "It was particularly difficult for the volunteers who are so used to gathering together in ‘Bloom groups’.

"Yes most of the hard work is done outdoors but the fundraising events, planning meetings and potting shed gatherings have had to be done differently, more spaced out as individuals or in family groups rather than groups of friends. The words Zoom and Teams mean something completely new and sometimes challenging but you all got through.

"Excellent Covid safety measures have been put in place by Wales in Bloom and the entrants and we managed to judge everyone safely. In spite of all the additional barriers, masks and PPE, we saw some outstanding displays that are enjoyed by participants, locals and visitor, really making wales a beautiful place to work, live and visit.

"While I was on the judging trail, on entrant told me 'when lots of people do small things, Big things happen' and each and every one of you are making communities grow."