The town won an impressive Gold in East Midlands in Bloom last year and has now been shortlisted by the RHS-led judges to compete for the overall national 2022 title.
Ilkeston is up against seven other finalists in the Large Town category – Dunstable in Bedfordshire; Workington in Cumbria; Congleton in Cheshire; Farnham in Surrey; Portishead in Somerset; Prestatyn in Denbighshire; and Mirfield in Yorkshire.
The RHS Britain in Bloom judges will visit all of the finalists this summer with the winners of each category announced at an awards ceremony in the autumn.
Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, says:
“This is uplifting and exciting news. What a great achievement and it is something of which we should all be very proud. Ilkeston – and indeed Long Eaton – consistently win the top honours in East Midlands in Bloom thanks to the outstanding floral displays created by our team and the support of the local community. We look forward to welcoming the judges in the summer and showing them that, once again, we have the wow factor in our borough.”
Both Ilkeston and Long Eaton retained their Gold medals in the regional competition last year, a massive achievement amidst the challenges of the pandemic.
This year, finalists will be judged according to strengthened environmental criteria that will help implement planet-friendly gardening techniques, plus horticultural excellence and community participation.
Draycott’s volunteer In Bloom group is also celebrating being shortlisted for the national finals and will be competing against four other finalists from across the country in the Large Village category.