NEWBURY IN BLOOM 2026 WINNERS ANNOUNCED

The Corn Exchange was bursting with community pride on 9 September 2026 as Newbury came together to celebrate this year’s Newbury in Bloom winners.

Hosted by the Mayor of Newbury, Cllr Jo Day, and supported by our generous sponsors, the evening recognised the green-fingered heroes who help keep our town looking its very best.

This year saw 60 entries across eight categories, with every entrant invited to join the celebration. Winners were invited to the stage to receive a beautiful burn-etched garden dibber, each one handcrafted by Tim Holmes, a member of the Men’s Sheds Association, and then beautifully etched by talented local pyrography artist Naomi Lunn. Winners also received a certificate and a £100 prize from our sponsors.

The event also shone a spotlight on another huge achievement for the town: Victoria Park and City Recreation Ground were once again officially awarded Green Flag status earlier this year, a prestigious national recognition that marks them as among the best parks in the country. The award is a testament to their excellent facilities, high environmental standards, and the care that goes into keeping them beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

Reflecting on the evening, Cllr Ian Jee, Chair of the Town Council’s Green Spaces Working Group, said, “Newbury looks spectacular all year round, and it’s wonderful to see so many people putting in the extra effort to make our town bloom. Together with our Green Flag awards, we can all be proud to live and work in such a vibrant, welcoming place.”                                                           

The Council extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the Awards Evening. We thank all participants, our valued sponsors, and the Corn Exchange team for helping to create a truly memorable celebration of community spirit. Special recognition goes to John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance Ltd, the Town Council’s grounds maintenance contractor, for generously sponsoring the evening.

The winners for each category were:

Schools and Colleges – sponsored by Rivar Sand and Gravel Ltd

Winner – John Rankin Schools

Allotments – sponsored by Yew Tree Garden Centre

Winner – Jane French-Drayton with Plot 18 Wash Common

Front Garden – sponsored by John O’Connor

Winner Alice Fogg with Passing By

Community Projects – sponsored by Rivar Sand and Gravel Ltd

Winner – Secret Garden Project: Globe Garden  

Businesses – sponsored by Sundog Hire

Winner – Bill’s, Newbury

Places of Worship – sponsored by Sundog Hire

Winner – St Nicholas Church

Neighbourhood – sponsored by Greentips Tree Surgery

Winner – Lower Raymond Almshouses

Miniature Garden – sponsored by Greentips Tree Surgery

Winner – Marion Fenn with Bring Me Sunshine