The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has revealed the 52 finalists of Britain in Bloom 2024, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. 

The finalists, selected from across the UK, will compete to be crowned winner in one of the 11 categories, and will secure an RHS gold, silver gilt, silver or bronze award.

One of the category winners will then go on to be named RHS Britain in Bloom Overall Winner for 2024. 

Each group will be assessed on criteria that evaluates their commitment to improving the local environment, community engagement and horticultural excellence. 

Among this year’s finalists in the Small City category is Bath in Bloom, who were the first ever winners of the competition in its inaugural year. 

While first-time UK finalist Wreay in Bloom, in Cumbria will be presenting their rural area in the Village category. 

The RHS says bringing people together and making gardening accessible to all are strong themes among this year’s entrants.

Kay Clark, RHS community development manager, says: “While planting trends may change and environmental practices evolve, the belief that plants and communal green spaces are important for creating healthy and happy communities endures.”

She goes on to add: “In this special anniversary year, we’ve chosen the theme of friendship, to highlight the way in which community gardening can bring people together and enrich lives.”

As part of the national campaign’s 60th anniversary, the RHS will be sharing ‘friendship flower seeds’ to all of the Britain in Bloom groups. 

Over two million flowers, including sweet peas, cosmos and zinnias will be sown and planted by Bloom groups as part of the celebrations. 

Judges will visit each of the finalists in summer 2024, with winners to be announced at an awards ceremony in the following autumn. 

A full list of the finalists can be found at www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/britain-in-bloom/britain-in-bloom-finalists, or to get involved in community gardening, find out more at www.rhs.org.uk/community.