Reading Shortlisted as Britain in Bloom National Finalist

Reading in Bloom - town hall flowers

READING has been shortlisted in the annual Britain in Bloom competition. For the first time, the town has been put forward into the prestigious UK City category 2018.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) announced the national finalists on Tuesday 6th February. Reading is one of 76 communities battling it out to be crowned the cleanest, greenest and most beautiful place in the UK. For the first time it is up against the likes of Belfast City, Aberdeen and Norwich. In previous years, Reading has won numerous accolades within the Thames & Chiltern City category and in the RHS Parks category. The Reading in Bloom Committee is appealing to local individuals, schools, community groups and businesses to get behind them and support the entry. They would like to know about any community initiatives or projects to brighten or clean up local neighbourhoods. They are also keen for funding support towards the campaign, including erecting new Reading in Bloom banners. Get in touch by visiting the Reading in Bloom Facebook page www.facebook.com/ReadingInBloom or by emailing Reading in Bloom’s Chair at smowen1@hotmail.co.uk For more information visit the Reading in Bloom website www.readinginbloom.co.uk

Mayor of Reading, Cllr Rose Williams, said:

“This fantastic news for Reading – the nomination in the national City category is a great achievement in itself and something we should be very proud of. I hope as many members of the community can come together to support this entry and help make Reading a Britain in Bloom 2018 winner!” The RHS Britain in Bloom judges will visit the finalists in August with the winners of each category and finalists’ final score – ranging from Gold to Bronze - announced at an awards ceremony in Belfast on 19th October 2018.

Ends

Notes to Editors

The annual Britain in Bloom competition is the largest horticultural event in Europe and attracts nearly 2,000 entries from cities, towns and villages across Britain. www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/britain-in-bloom Now in its 54th year, the nationwide competition pits rural villages, urban corners and city centres against one another across a range of criteria that includes horticultural know-how, community engagement, efforts to bolster biodiversity and climate change adaptation. Finalists are put forward to the national finals based on their progress locally and will be scored by a team of RHS judges this summer. The main aim of the competition is to encourage and celebrate local communities that strive to improve their local environment. Reading's entry and bloom initiatives are undertaken in a partnership between Reading Borough Council and the voluntary Reading in Bloom organisation.