Southport In Bloom has been named the Overall Winner of Britain In Bloom 2025, the national awards for horticulture, community gardening and environmental quality across the nation. 

In a glittering UK Finals event held at the Grand Hotel in Brighton on Friday 31st October, Southport’s entry into the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) competition was given the highest honour ahead of more than 40 other finalists. 

It is the first Britain In Bloom triumph for Southport, and for Sefton, in the five decades since the first event was held in 1963. 

Blooming brilliant

Southport’s entry was given the RHS Gold award, the top honour handed out to outstanding entrants. 

It then came out on top in the Coastal category, seeing off competition from Llandudno, Whitehaven and St Clement’s in Jersey. 

Among the many factors that impressed judges were the Lord Street Gardens, the “stunning” herbaceous border at Rotten Row and the work done in Hesketh Park and Botanic Gardens. 

Judges also highlighted the outstanding efforts to preserve Sefton’s natural coastline and protected habitats. 

That was then followed by the historic announcement that Southport In Bloom had taken the national title, replacing 2024 victors Bath In Bloom as ‘Champion of Champions’. 

To top it off, Southport In Bloom also landed a Judges’ Highlights Award, which puts the spotlight on good practice and promoting In Bloom values. 

Judges gave special mention to the partnership between Sefton Council, volunteers and local businesses, and the impact of gardening on the community.

Seeds of promise

The In Bloom awards celebrate community gardening and the way in which horticulture strengthens bonds within communities, as well as its positive impact on the environment. 

Overall, there were 44 finalists from 17 different parts of the country. Southport In Bloom was put forward for national recognition by North West In Bloom. 

Community groups across the Borough had their work entered into the In Bloom awards, with Southport’s entry representing the work done up and down Sefton by volunteers, Green Sefton staff and local businesses. 

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, as well as Green Sefton’s Mark Shaw and John Dempsey, went to the awards event on behalf of Sefton Council. 

They were joined by volunteers Ann and David Cobham, who represented the many community groups whose tireless efforts led to Southport In Bloom’s triumph. 

The triumph was announced the same night on the One Show on BBC One. 

Cllr Doyle, who is the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said after the event: “I’m absolutely blown away by this – I may have gotten a little misty-eyed when we won! 

“This is a victory for every single volunteer who gave their time to make Southport a cleaner, greener and more beautiful place. 

“They have shown the whole country that Southport is a thriving town with a wonderful community that truly cares about its public spaces. 

“I hope everyone involved takes a moment to congratulate themselves for the part they’ve played in helping Southport In Bloom take this historic award.” 

Mark Shaw, Service Manager for Green Sefton, added: “Every day, we work with volunteers and community gardening groups who show the most incredible dedication to their local parks, trees, green spaces and coastline. 

“We never take them for granted. We’re incredibly lucky to have such passionate people contributing to keeping Sefton clean and protecting our unique habitat. 

“It has been a pleasure working with every group that worked on all the In Bloom entries. This is a great moment for Southport and all of Sefton.” 

If you’ve been inspired to volunteer at your local parks, greenspaces or on our protected coastline, send an email to john.dempsey@sefton.gov.uk. You can learn more about volunteering on the Sefton Council website.