West Suffolk celebrates success in national Britain in Bloom awards

05 Nov 2025

West Suffolk towns Brandon and Bury St Edmunds have achieved national success in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom competition, winning gold in the Large Town and Town categories.

The ceremony, held in Brighton on Friday 31 October, celebrated outstanding floral displays and environmental achievements across the UK.

Britain in Bloom covers 17 regions that nominate their highest-performing entries to compete in the final. Both Brandon and Bury St Edmunds won gold in the regional Anglia in Bloom competition last year and were put forward for the national competition.

Britain in Bloom saw Brandon in Bloom CIC (community interest company) win the gold award in the town category and Bury St Edmunds in Bloom earn the gold award in the large town category.

Rachel Sobiechowski, Head of Horticulture for Brandon in Bloom CIC, won one of the eight Community Champion Awards given out at the competition ceremony.

Cllr Ian Shipp, Cabinet Member for Leisure at West Suffolk Council, said: “To see both Brandon and Bury St Edmunds awarded gold at a national level is an exceptional achievement and a reflection of the dedication, creativity and pride of our thriving communities in West Suffolk. 

The competition is a powerful example of how local action can create a lasting change. These awards recognise not only the beauty of our towns, but also the shared commitment of residents, volunteers and staff to make them greener, cleaner and more welcoming places for all.”

For more information about Britain in Bloom, visit: RHS - Britain in Bloom

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