Together, those efforts have earned an exceptional collection of honours: Gold at the national RHS Britain in Bloom UK Finals, Gold and the under-10,000 Champion of Champions title at South West in Bloom, and the Michael McGahey Trophy for exceptional community effort.
Further recognition included second place for art in the landscape for Heart of the Tribe, a Community Champion award for Sarah Marks, 15 business medals, three Outstanding school assessments and nine neighbourhood assessments. To achieve so much in a single season is remarkable. From national recognition to the individual gardens and projects that enrich our neighbourhoods, these results give people across Glastonbury considerable cause for celebration.
Understanding the awards
At South West in Bloom, Glastonbury received Gold in the Champion of Champions category and was also named the category winner for entries under 10,000. These are two separate achievements: Gold recognises the standard reached against the judging criteria, and several entrants can achieve it. Winning Champion of Champions means Glastonbury was placed first within its category, competing against other previous regional category winners. Separately, Glastonbury represented the South West in the national RHS Britain in Bloom UK Finals, receiving Gold in the Town category. This national Gold recognises an excellent standard among finalists selected from across the UK.
Britain in Bloom celebrates how communities improve their surroundings through gardening, environmental responsibility and working together. Judging covers horticulture, accounting for 40% of the marks, environment at 30%, and community at 30%. Glastonbury’s South West assessment awarded Gold in all three areas.
Praise for planting, heritage and community
Regional judge Rod Pooley described the town’s floral displays as being “of the highest standard”, with plants supplied by local nursery Sweet Acre. The War Memorial planting was singled out as outstanding, while herbs in hanging baskets added an interesting touch. Perennial planting supporting bees and other pollinators, together with the reuse of plants in winter displays, also received praise.
The report highlighted responsible water use through cup and saucer hanging baskets and rainwater collection at St Dunstan’s House. The new approach to Glastonbury Abbey was praised for blending with its surroundings, alongside recognition of the biodiversity within the Abbey grounds.
Glastonbury’s heritage and community spirit were evident throughout the visit. Historic buildings were well cared for, litter-picking groups helped keep the town “spotless”, and the Mural Trail was described as “amazing and thought-provoking”.
More than 360 pupils took part in the children’s poster competition. Community gardening projects were praised for their teamwork, dedication and commitment, while the judges recognised the contribution of Community Payback and the importance of peaceful gardens where people can relax and enjoy their surroundings.
Community Champion: Sarah Marks
A special congratulations goes to Sarah Marks, who received a South West in Bloom Community Champion award. Sarah is Glastonbury in Bloom’s Committee Clerk, supporting the work behind the town’s entry. Her individual recognition is a lovely opportunity to celebrate the contribution she makes alongside the volunteers, businesses, schools and Council staff involved in Bloom.
Further awards across Glastonbury: Businesses, Schools and Community.
Glastonbury in Bloom also received the Michael McGahey Trophy for exceptional community effort and second place in the Denise James Art in the Landscape Trophy. The Mitre Inn placed third in the Shaun Cregan Trophy, which recognises floral displays at public houses.
Local business entries achieved the following results:
Gold: The Mitre Inn, White Rabbit of Glastonbury, Glastonbury Abbey, Abbey Tea Rooms, Heart of the Tribe Gallery, Glastonbury Galleries, St Margaret’s Chapel & Royal Magdalene Almshouses, Café Chakra, Beckets Inn, Cavendish Lodge and Happy Glastonbury Art Café.
Silver Gilt: Marchant Buildings, Rainbows End Café, Nature Preserved and St Dunstan’s House Community Health & Wellbeing Centre.
There was success for local schools too, with St John’s Infants, St Benedict’s Junior and St Dunstan’s School all assessed as Level 5: Outstanding in It’s Your School.
In It’s Your Neighbourhood, Outstanding assessments went to St Margaret’s Chapel & Royal Magdalene Almshouses, Cavendish Lodge, Avalon Allsorts, Paddington Farm, Glastonbury Tribunal and Beckets Gardening Group. Fisher’s Hill Community Garden achieved Thriving, while Herbies Field and the United Reformed Church Community Garden achieved Advancing.
Judges Suggestions for Improvement
The judges’ suggestions for the future included expanding the Open Gardens Weekend, recording volunteer hours on the website, seeking further hanging-basket sponsorship and introducing separate recycling bins.
Our thanks go to everyone who contributes their time, skills, sponsorship and enthusiasm. These achievements reflect a shared commitment to caring for Glastonbury and making it a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.
All awards won by Glastonbury and its community
| Competition / category | Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|
| RHS Britain in Bloom UK Finals: Town | Glastonbury in Bloom | Gold |
| South West in Bloom: Champion of Champions, under 10,000 | Glastonbury in Bloom | Gold |
| South West in Bloom: Champion of Champions, under 10,000 | Glastonbury in Bloom | Category winner |
| Michael McGahey Trophy | Glastonbury in Bloom | Winner: exceptional community effort |
| Denise James Art in the Landscape Trophy | Glastonbury in Bloom | Second place |
| Community Champion | Sarah Marks | Award recipient |
| Shaun Cregan Trophy: best floral public house | The Mitre Inn | Third place |
| South West in Bloom business entry | Medal |
|---|---|
| The Mitre Inn | Gold |
| White Rabbit of Glastonbury | Gold |
| Glastonbury Abbey | Gold |
| Abbey Tea Rooms | Gold |
| Heart of the Tribe Gallery | Gold |
| Glastonbury Galleries | Gold |
| St Margaret’s Chapel & Royal Magdalene Almshouses | Gold |
| Café Chakra | Gold |
| Beckets Inn | Gold |
| Cavendish Lodge | Gold |
| Happy Glastonbury Art Café | Gold |
| Marchant Buildings | Silver Gilt |
| Rainbows End Café | Silver Gilt |
| Nature Preserved | Silver Gilt |
| St Dunstan’s House Community Health & Wellbeing Centre | Silver Gilt |
| It’s Your School entry | Assessment |
|---|---|
| St John’s C of E VC Infants School | Level 5: Outstanding |
| St Dunstan’s School | Level 5: Outstanding |
| St Benedict’s C of E VA Junior School | Level 5: Outstanding |
| It’s Your Neighbourhood entry | Assessment |
|---|---|
| St Margaret’s Chapel & Royal Magdalene Almshouses | Level 5: Outstanding |
| Cavendish Lodge | Level 5: Outstanding |
| Avalon Allsorts | Level 5: Outstanding |
| Paddington Farm | Level 5: Outstanding |
| Glastonbury Tribunal | Level 5: Outstanding |
| Beckets Gardening Group | Level 5: Outstanding |
| Fisher’s Hill Community Garden | Level 4: Thriving |
| Herbies Field | Level 3: Advancing |
| United Reformed Church Community Garden | Level 3: Advancing |
Our thanks also go to the judges for their time, encouragement and thoughtful feedback, and to everyone who helps organise and support the Bloom competitions. Congratulations to this year’s award recipients and to all the other participants whose efforts brighten communities across the South West and beyond. We look forward to building on these achievements next year, welcoming new people and ideas, and continuing to help Glastonbury flourish together.
