THE EAST MIDLANDS IN BLOOM COMPETITION
Entry is welcome from communities of all shapes and sizes from small villages to large towns and cities in in east midlands region which covers Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland.
Entries can be from communities or local authorities though we find a partnership between them works best. Advisory visits to first time entrants can be made from an experienced judge or entrant to give you more information and guidance. Contact our secretary for more information.
Entries are divided into like size categories based on the number on the electoral roll.
The entry fees reflect the changes agreed by the full committee in November 2022
| CATEGORY | POPULATION
from electoral roll* |
JUDGING TIME (route).
Additional time is available, see below** |
Entry fee |
| Small Village | Up to 300 | 1 hr | £20.00 |
| Village | 300 – 1,000 | 1hr | £25.00 |
| Large Village | 1,001-2,500 | 1 ½ hours | £30.00 |
| Small Town | 2,501-6,000 | 2 hours | £45.00 |
| Town | 6,001-12,000 | 2 ½ hours | £55.00 |
| Large Town | 12,001-35,000 | 3 hours | £75.00 |
| Small City | 35,001-100,000 | 3 ½ hours | £100.00 |
| City | 100,001 + | 4 hours | £150.00 |
| Urban Community | Up to 25,000 | 2 hours | £25.00 |
| Small Coastal Resorts | Up to 12,000 | 2 ½ hours | £45.00 |
| Large Coastal Resorts | 12,001 + | 3 hours | £75.00 |
| BID (Business Improvement District) | not applicable | Maximum 2 hours | £150.00 |
** an addition 15 minutes is allowed in each entry for a welcome presentation and 15 minutes for a press opportunity. More information is given in the guidance notes.
Please note the above fees reflect an agreed change for 2023
JUDGING
This takes place during July and the entrants will be contacted by the judges in May or June. Judging criteria include:
Visible impact of flowers and floral bedding
Maintenance and care of horticultural displays
Photographic evidence of seasonal colour and activities
Attractive permanent planting and landscape
Community and private involvement
Local environmental quality
Commercial and industrial involvement
Absence of litter, graffiti, fly tipping and general cleanliness of the area
Efforts made by the Police, hospitals, universities, schools, churches community groups etc.
AWARDS
We hold an annual Awards Ceremony in mid-September. Representatives of all entrants are invited to join in the celebrations and receive their award with the category winners being presented with a trophy.
There are a number of discretionary awards. These are nominated and agreed by the judges based on what they see and hear about during their judging. More information is on the Discretionary page.
There is also an opportunity to meet up with the judges, to compare notes and share stories and ideas with other entrants.
HOW TO ENTER
The entry form can be found on our Judges’ and entrants’ Information page. This page also contains marking sheets, guidelines and other useful information.
OTHER AWARDS AND COMPETITIONS
As well as the main East Midlands in Bloom competition, entries can also be made into our Special Floral Awards and Best School Garden. There are also a number of Discretionary Awards given by judges.
If you are not associated with a Bloom entry but would still like your grounds to be judged then please view our Independents~ Non Bloom page.
More information on these are available on the relevant pages.
Have you considered training to become a judge? More details can be found from this link Advert for New Judges
Find out more in our Judges and Assessors handbook which is available on the Judges’ and Entrants’ Information Page