Northampton in Bloom: Our Town Centre is Bursting with Colour This Summer

Have you noticed how gorgeous Northampton town centre is looking right now? If you’ve been in over the last few weeks, you’ll have spotted the hundreds of hanging baskets and planters that have gone up all around the town — and honestly, they’re absolutely beautiful. It turns out there’s a very good reason for all that extra effort, and I think it’s something worth knowing about if you’re planning a trip into town with the kids this summer.

Northampton is entering the Royal Horticultural Society’s East Midlands in Bloom competition again this year, and the town is putting its best floral foot forward. Read on for all the details — and why it’s well worth making a trip into town over the coming weeks.

Northampton in Full Bloom Ahead of Horticultural Competition Entry

Hundreds of colourful baskets and planters are now in place around Northampton’s town centre and surrounding neighbourhoods in preparation for this year’s entry into the Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘East Midlands in Bloom’ competition.

After winning a prestigious Silver Gilt award last year, Northampton Town Council is funding the project for another year running, and entering the competition for a second time, competing against other towns and cities across the region as part of one of Europe’s largest horticultural campaigns.

RHS judges will visit Northampton in July, to assess floral displays provided by the town council, as well as environmental and community-led growing projects. This year’s entry is inspired by the ‘Year of the Woman Farmer’, celebrating women in growing, food, farming, horticulture and community gardening.

This year’s competition entry is supported by the Northampton Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID), with a funding contribution that has provided additional planters along Gold Street and areas within the expanded BID boundary, adding more colour and vibrancy for residents, visitors and businesses.

Mark Mullen, Chief Operating Officer for Northampton Town Centre BID, said: “We are delighted to once again support this year’s Northampton in Bloom entry by bringing more planters into the newly extended BID area along Marefair — adding a vibrant pop of colour to this key gateway to our town centre.

“By ensuring our town centre looks welcoming and well cared for, we are making Northampton more attractive to visitors, boosting footfall and reaping rewards for the local economy.

“We have worked in collaboration with multiple partners including Voi, Zone Developments, Northampton College and Mercure Northampton on successful environmental projects in St Katherine’s Gardens and St Giles’ Churchyard and we look forward to Northampton in Bloom once again showcasing the very best of our town.”

Community Groups at the Heart of the Entry

This year’s judging route will showcase a wide range of community, heritage, horticultural and environmental projects across Northampton. Groups involved include St Giles’ Community, Friends of St Peter’s Church, Friends of Castle Park, Friends of Dallington Park, The Wheatsheaf Pub, C2C Grows Allotment and West Northamptonshire Council Park Rangers/Friends of Bradlaugh Fields & Barn.

Additional community contributions will also feature on the day, including creative yarn bombing by the Women’s Institute and plant growing and donation work led by Bees Be Happy, who have supported numerous local projects with plants and gardening activity.

Planting projects will be assessed on three key areas: horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation. Judges will also consider how well public spaces are cared for, including the quality of floral displays, street scene improvements, partnership working and the overall welcome created for residents and visitors.

Cllr Andy Kilbride, Chair of the Environmental Services Committee at Northampton Town Council, said: “Northampton in Bloom brings a joyful pop of colour to the town centre and surrounding neighbourhoods throughout the summer months. It is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the dedication and creativity of community groups, volunteers, schools and local organisations who work throughout the year to enhance our green spaces.

“Supporting these projects is an important part of the town council’s ambition to ‘green the town’ and ensure that our public spaces continue to thrive for future generations. It is encouraging to see more people getting involved each year and helping to make Northampton a more biodiverse place.

“We are grateful to Northampton Town Centre BID for supporting this year’s entry. Their contribution has increased the number of town centre planters and demonstrates the value of partnership working in delivering improvements that benefit residents, businesses and visitors alike.

“We also work closely with our delivery partners, Idverde and West Northamptonshire Council, to ensure the town is looking its very best ahead of the judge’s visit and to highlight the outstanding community-led projects at the heart of this year’s entry.”

A Rich History of Bloom Success

Northampton town previously participated in both the East Midlands and Britain in Bloom competitions for 18 years, earning a Silver Gilt in 2018 and a Gold Award in 2019. The town council reintroduced the competition entry in 2025 — and last year’s Silver Gilt result shows the town is very much back on the map when it comes to its floral credentials.

For more information, visit northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk/northampton-in-bloom or email bloom@northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk.

A Great Reason to Head Into Town This Summer

Whether you’re popping in for a coffee or making a proper morning of it, the town centre is genuinely worth a wander this summer just to take in all the colour. If you’re heading in with little ones, why not pair it with a trip to some of the other family-friendly spots nearby — we’ve got a full guide to family days out across Northamptonshire if you need some inspiration for combining a town visit with a bigger adventure.

And while you’re in town, don’t forget that the Northampton BID has been behind some brilliant family activities recently too — if you missed the space trail earlier this summer, keep an eye on what they have coming up next.

The RHS judges visit in July, so the town is going to be looking its absolute best over the coming weeks. Fingers crossed for another award — Northampton has certainly earned it.

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