Judges from Britain in Bloom visited Brandon last week to tour the town just two weeks after regional judges completed their visit.
Last October Anglia in Bloom asked us to participate in the national finals of Britain in Bloom, the largest horticultural campaign in the United Kingdom.
Judging takes places over two years in two stages, which started in 2024 for this round of judging.
Anglia in Bloom, as a regional judging panel, submitted their entries following their judging that year. Brandon was lucky to be one of those put forward for the national finals in 2025.
After the judging of the regional stage, the best entrants from their region are put forward for the second UK-wide stage. To ensure that effort is sustained over time, this second stage of judging takes place in August the year after they qualify. Winners of the UK judging are announced at a prestigious ceremony in October.
Two sets of judging in one year can be demanding, but in Brandon we try to be “Judging Ready” all year. Our aim is constant pride in our town, not just medals.
On Wednesday 6th August, Britain in Bloom judges Roger Burnett and Ian Beaney arrived by train for their visit. That evening, a BBQ at the Bridge Hotel – where they were staying – brought together Bloom volunteers, the Happy to Sing Choir, councillors, council staff, and the West Suffolk Director of Operations. Volunteers were thanked with gifts from directors Gary, Rachel and Claire, plus cupcakes from Burtons Bakes.
The next morning, under sunny skies, the tour began at 7:45am. First stop: the Heritage Centre for a presentation on our past year’s work, rabbit topiaries, and white blooms. At the Rose Garden, we explained muntjac damage to the “Super Trouper” roses and our plans to prevent it, showing striking before photos from its COVID-era transformation.
From there, the judges saw the Town Council’s multi-coloured planters, Wellington Close wildlife garden, and Brandon Country Park, where ranger Sarah Austin shared highlights – and molehills caught Ian’s interest. At the Friendly Bench, they enjoyed choir performances, a Jane Austen reading in Regency dress, and unusual flowers like Ptilotus ‘Joey’.
We pointed out swift boxes, the King’s Coronation Garden, utility boxes painted by Glade Academy, and The Hive’s solar-powered tools. The tour also took in new recycling bins, the Regency Zoo display, hanging baskets, and a parasol-themed window in an empty shop. Rachel demonstrated a pollution monitor, earning praise from Roger for tackling air quality – something unusual among Bloom groups.
Finally, at our showpiece The Wedge, the judges admired a new green wall behind Fred The Flintknapper, fan-trained fruit trees laden with peaches, and scented Antirrhinum ‘Appleblossom,’ which Roger hopes to stock himself. After coffee at No. 30 and packed lunches from Tilly’s Tearoom, we waved them off to their next stop.
The next day, Ian sent a warm thank-you for our kindness and hospitality. We’ll learn the results on 31st October in Brighton, travelling with friends from Bury in Bloom.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has contributed – not just on judging day, but throughout the past year. Our regular Bloomers deserve special praise for braving all weathers to keep Brandon looking its best. We’re also deeply grateful to our sponsors, whose generosity makes our floral displays possible, and to our supporters, whose cheers, beeps, and kind words lift our spirits. Whatever the results, Brandon in Bloom leaves us with the true reward: a cleaner, brighter, and more beautiful town for everyone to enjoy.
