Rochdale has achieved something truly exceptional in 2026, being crowned the best Town and City Centre in the country at the RHS Britain in Bloom National Finals, alongside further outstanding success at North West in Bloom.

What an incredible year it has been for Rochdale in Bloom, our volunteers, community groups, local businesses and everyone who has played a part in making our town shine.

National Gold and Best in Category – The Best in the Country!

This year’s RHS Britain in Bloom National Finals were particularly special, with Rochdale having the honour of hosting the national event.

And what an occasion it turned out to be!

Rochdale was awarded Gold and Best in Category for Town Centres and City Centres, officially recognising Rochdale as the best in the country in its category.

To achieve such prestigious national recognition in the very year we welcomed Britain in Bloom to our town is an extraordinary accomplishment and a moment of immense pride for everyone involved.

It is an achievement that deserves to be celebrated, not just by Rochdale in Bloom, but by the whole town.

Further Success at North West in Bloom

Our national success was followed by another fantastic result at the North West in Bloom awards, where Rochdale once again achieved Gold and Best in Category.

The celebrations didn’t stop there, with numerous local businesses, community groups and organisations also receiving recognition for their individual contributions.

Among those celebrating success were the Hampton Hotel and Springhill Hospice, alongside many other groups whose dedication, enthusiasm and hard work have helped make this such a memorable year.

These achievements demonstrate the strength and diversity of Rochdale’s In Bloom community and the pride people take in improving their surroundings.

More Than Just Flowers

Rochdale in Bloom is about so much more than beautiful floral displays.

As a volunteer-led organisation, we work throughout the year to encourage, guide and coordinate activities that make a positive and lasting difference to our town.

Our work brings together residents, volunteers, schools, businesses, community groups and organisations, alongside the ongoing activities of Rochdale Borough Council and other partners.

Together, we focus on three important principles:

  • Horticultural excellence: Encouraging attractive, well-maintained and welcoming spaces throughout our town.
  • Environmental responsibility: Supporting biodiversity, wildlife, sustainability and improvements to our natural environment.
  • Community participation: Inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds to take pride in their surroundings and become involved.

The awards are not about preparing for one judging day. They recognise the ongoing commitment, dedication and improvements taking place throughout the year.

It is this collective effort that has helped Rochdale achieve recognition at the highest national level.

Celebrating Our Communities and Supporters

Behind every successful In Bloom entry are people who care.

From volunteers tending planting areas and community groups improving their neighbourhoods to local businesses providing materials, resources and practical assistance, every contribution matters.

We are enormously grateful to everyone who has supported Rochdale in Bloom throughout 2026.

We would also like to recognise the cooperation and assistance of Rochdale Borough Council and its officers and teams, whose ongoing activities and partnership working contribute to our shared ambitions for the town.

Our success is built on the commitment of many individuals and organisations, each playing their own important part.

These achievements belong to everyone who has helped make Rochdale a place we can all be proud of.

Let’s Celebrate Rochdale’s Success!

Being recognised as the best Town and City Centre in the country is something truly special, and we want as many people as possible to know about it.

We hope to see our national and regional achievements celebrated more widely across Rochdale, through displays, banners, community events and opportunities to showcase the people and projects behind the success.

We are also exploring ways to bring together those who have contributed throughout the year for a celebration of their achievements.

As a small volunteer-led organisation, we rely on the goodwill, generosity and practical support of our community and local businesses to help make these ambitions possible.

Looking Ahead to 2027

While 2026 will certainly be a year to remember, our work doesn’t stop here.

We want to build on this extraordinary success, encourage even more people to get involved and continue making improvements that benefit our town throughout the year.

Whether you are an individual, business, school, community group or organisation, there is a place for you in Rochdale in Bloom.

Together, we have helped make Rochdale the best Town and City Centre in the country. Together, we can continue making it an even better place to live, work and visit.

Thank you to everyone who has made 2026 such an exceptional year for Rochdale in Bloom! 🌸🏆