Britain In Bloom 2019 launches

Community participation and environmental responsibility are the themes for this year's Britain in Bloom competition which was launched in Hunstanton last Friday (15 February 2019).

Volunteers and representatives from businesses, local schools, Scouts, Hunstanton Town Council, Civic Society, the allotments, and community orchard, were invited to a special tea party at Hunstanton Town Hall to celebrate Hunstanton's achievement of Gold in Anglia in Bloom and Gold Coastal Winner in Britain in Bloom. The event also marked the beginning of the 2019 campaign.

Cllr Elizabeth Nockolds, Borough Council of King's Lynn & West Norfolk cabinet member for Culture, Heritage and Health, said: "Taking part in Anglia in Bloom and Britain in Bloom is a real community event. We rely on the contribution of local volunteers, community groups and organisations and local businesses to make it successful. The efforts that are made in Hunstanton have seen repeated success in the competition and we felt it only right to celebrate this achievement and thank those involved in making it happen."

"This year is going to be busier than ever as we have two entrants into the Britain In Bloom competition for the first time ever. Hunstanton has been entered for the Anglia region (Coastal) and King's Lynn has been entered in the Business Improvement District category."

Darren Taylor, Chair of Discover King's Lynn, the Business Improvement District for King's Lynn town centre, said: "Britain in Bloom was started by the British Tourist Authority in 1964 as a way to attract people to locations through floral displays. Now we all recognise that having beautiful parks, gardens and floral displays in an area can attract tourism and encourage people to return. It encourages all involved to focus on how they can take pride in their area and help protect and enhance the local environment."

"Discover King's Lynn is looking forward to encouraging business involvement in this year's ideas and plans and we will certainly be supporting everyone's endeavours."

Cllr Carol Bower, Chairman of Hunstanton In Bloom committee, said: "Our team of volunteers in Hunstanton working alongside the council staff never fail to deliver. The pressure is on this year to hold on to our success and for that we need even more volunteers and more involvement. To gain a further Gold award really would be the icing on the cake and, as well as making it an even more beautiful town to live in, would help us encourage more visitors."

Anyone wishing to get involved with In Bloom in King's Lynn or Hunstanton should contact the team on 0500 2532687 or email cleanup@west-norfolk.gov.uk.