'Making Fylde even more beautiful' - Groups celebrate national and regional success at 2026 In Bloom awards

Fylde’s parks, villages and seafront have been recognised among the best in the country after local communities achieved success at the national RHS Britain in Bloom finals and the North West in Bloom Awards 2026.

Ansdell in Bloom led the way nationally, winning Gold in the Coastal category in recognition of the volunteers who work to keep the area’s streets colourful. Fylde also secured nine Gold awards at the regional North West in Bloom competition.

The winners included Ashton Gardens, Lowther Gardens, Promenade Gardens and Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee Gardens, informally known as Crescent Gardens, alongside St Annes on Sea, Kirkham, Freckleton, Little Eccleston and Weeton. Ansdell, Staining, Wrea Green and Clifton Hospital were also recognised, each receiving Silver Gilt awards.

There was further recognition for individuals who have contributed to the area's green spaces. Greg Anderton, the garden designer behind the Leafy Lytham Garden Hub plant centre at Lytham Hall, received the Chairman’s Award in memory of Bill Blackledge MBE.

Amy Docherty, Fylde Council’s Parks Operations Supervisor, was presented with the North West in Bloom Award for Outstanding Contribution. Community groups also enjoyed success, with eight achieving the highest ‘Outstanding’ level in the It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards.

The Fylde Sand Dunes Project celebrated its ninth consecutive Outstanding award and also received the North West in Bloom Award for Sustainable Gardening. Meanwhile, the Friends of Newton Community Park marked five years at the Outstanding level.

Building on last year's 41 honours, the latest results recognise the efforts of Fylde Council’s Parks and Coastal Services; Waste and Fleet Services; Parish and Town Councils; and numerous community groups. Residents can enjoy the results of their work in parks across the borough, while anyone interested in getting involved encouraged to join their local In Bloom group.

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “From Ansdell’s National Gold to our smallest pocket park, these awards show what happens when volunteers, community groups and council teams pull together.

“Our green spaces are where families spend their weekends, where friends meet for a walk and a catch-up, and where visitors fall in love with Fylde – so this recognition belongs to everyone who lives here.

“A huge thank you to every member of our parks and ranger teams, In Bloom volunteers and community groups who have weeded, watered and planted their way through the year. You’ve made Fylde an even more beautiful place to live and visit.”

Full List of Honours 2026

RHS Britain in Bloom 2026

• Coastal – Ansdell in Bloom – Gold

North West in Bloom Discretionary Awards

• Chairman’s Award in Memory of Bill Blackledge MBE – Greg Anderton
• North West in Bloom Award for Outstanding Contribution – Amy Docherty

NWIB Awards

• Local Authority Small Park – Ashton Gardens – Gold
• Local Authority Small Park – Lowther Gardens – Gold
• Local Authority Small Park – Promenade Gardens – Gold
• Pocket Park – Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee Gardens – Gold
• Large Coastal – St Annes on Sea in Bloom – Gold
• Small Town – Kirkham in Bloom – Gold
• Small Town – Freckleton in Bloom – Gold
• Small Village – Little Eccleston in Bloom – Gold
• Village – Weeton in Bloom – Gold
• Small Coastal – Ansdell in Bloom – Silver Gilt
• Large Village – Staining in Bloom – Silver Gilt
• Large Village – Wrea Green in Bloom – Silver Gilt
• Hospital – Clifton Hospital – Silver Gilt

It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards

• The Fylde Sand Dunes Project – Outstanding and Special Award for Sustainable Gardening
• Friends of Newton Community Park – Outstanding and 5 Years Outstanding Certificate
• Park View 4 U – Outstanding
• iHope Fylde – Outstanding
• Friends of St Annes Station – Outstanding
• Friends of Lytham Station – Outstanding
• Friends of Ansdell & Fairhaven – Outstanding
• Shepherd Road Allotments – Outstanding
• Forces of Nature Community Wellness Garden – Outstanding