ENTRANTS from all corners of Wales gathered in Denbigh to find out how they had done in this year’s Wales in Bloom.

While gardeners struggled to keep the displays flowering through the summer residents, visitors and judges were treated to some spectacular floral displays across Wales.

This year’s Wales in Bloom Awards Ceremony was hosted by Denbigh in Bloom/Dinbych yn Blodeu in Denbigh, with entrants visiting the fabulous floral displays through the town.

It saw many communities, schools, businesses and individuals in North Wales earn Gold and Silver status for their floral achievements.

Welcoming the guests, chair Lyndsey Tasker said: "Denbigh in Bloom welcomed the opportunity of inviting like-minded people and groups from across Wales, to celebrate another year of Wales in Bloom here in beautiful Denbigh.

"We are excited to share some of what our historic medieval town has to offer and are proud to showcase Denbigh."

Prestatyn, Colwyn and Denbigh were awarded Gold status.

Denbigh was awarded Gold first place in the Town category, while Prestatyn also received Gold, coming second in the Large Town category – missing out on first place by just one point to Colwyn Bay.

James, Davies MP, who is Chair of Prestatyn in Bloom, said: “It was a proud moment at Friday’s ceremony when the results were announced and we discovered that Denbigh and Prestatyn had both been awarded gold.

“Wales in Bloom is a tough contest, so for two of Denbighshire’s major towns to score so highly is a remarkable achievement and is testament to the hard work of the committee members and many volunteers in both towns, as well as local councils.

“As Chair of Prestatyn in Bloom I know just how many hours of meetings and work on the ground go into keeping a town in top form and I would personally like to thank and congratulate everyone involved, both in Prestatyn and Denbigh.”

He added: "I would also like to congratulate Judy Huxley on a very well deserved Community Champion Award specifically in relation to Temple Beer Garden in Denbigh."

The category for Small Towns saw Conwy in Bloom winning the category with a Silver Gilt.

Wales in Bloom is a regional event that falls under Britain in Bloom, organised each year by the Royal Horticultural Society and designed to encourage community spirit and pride. It used to be primarily a floral competition, but now it is much more community-orientated, and judges look at a variety of things, including litter, signage, graffiti and flyposting, woodlands and much more.

Meanwhile, one of four RHS National Certificates of Distinction was presented to Rhuddlan Nature Reserve.

Mark Porter, the Vice President of the Royal Horticultural Society presented the RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards and the RHS National Certificates of Distinction.

The category for Coastal Communities saw Llandudno in Bloom with a magnificent Gold award and category winner.

The judges thought they covered all areas exceptionally especially the laburnum Arch, The Great Orme, and Haulfre Gardens for the sub tropical appearance.

Hotels with large gardens saw a Gold award for both Bryn Guest House in Conwy and Bodelwyddan Castle. This year Bodelwyddan Castle claimed top spot.

There were strong entries in the School Garden category. The winning school was Cila Primary school, Swansea, in second place Our Lady and St Michael RC Primary School, Abergavenny and in third place Ysgol Bodnant Prestatyn.

There were also six Wales in Bloom Community Champion Certificates awarded, including one to Judy Huxley of Temple Bar Garden in Denbigh.

The imaginative replanting at Temple Bar Garden has swept away the tired municipal plantings and has created a garden that contains pollinator friendly sustainable plantings with horticultural interest throughout the year. Judy played a major role in the transformation of this lovely garden.

The Jim Goodwin Young Person Award was presented to Joe Scarratt of Glanwydden & Valley Community Trust, Llandudno Junction.

Tree Tops Caravan Park in Gwespyr received a Gold first placein the ‘Caravans/Camping/Holiday Homes’ category, and Woodlands Hall Holiday Park, Llanfwrog, won Silver Gilt in the same category.

In closing Peter Barton Price, Chair of Wales in Bloom said: "2023 has been another successful year for Wales in Bloom with us seeing even more entries and ever increasing standards.

"Our Judges and Assessors have certainly been kept busy this year travelling the length and breadth of Wales, meeting with a diverse range of people and amazing groups throughout their visits.

"You are all to be congratulated in the success and triumphs you have achieved and continue to deliver.

"Congratulations to you all and a very big thank you from all of us at Wales in Bloom."