Uppingham in Bloom is chosen as a finalist for Britain in Bloom 2025 for the first time following 10 consecutive gold awards from East Midlands in Bloom

A community group which is dedicated to brightening up its town is in the running for a national accolade.

Uppingham in Bloom has been chosen as one of 44 finalists for this year’s Britain in Bloom competition for the first time.

The announcement comes after the town clinched its 10th consecutive gold award from the East Midlands in Bloom judges last year.

Group chairperson Sarah Medley said: “It’s a great honour for the town. It’s not a given that we will go forth and win but it’s wonderful to have this recognition for Uppingham.”

The Royal Horticultural Society contacted the group in early January to ask if they would accept the place, but the committee was sworn to secrecy until the official announcement was made last week.

Uppingham will compete in the small town category and is one of 13 groups across the whole competition to be nominated for the first time.

Its competitors in the small town category are Conwy in Wales, Garstang in Bloom in the north west, Kingsbridge in the south west, Rawdon in Yorkshire, Whitchurch in the south and Stony Stratford from the Thames and Chilterns area.

Judging will take place in the summer but Uppingham in Bloom volunteers work all year round to keep the town looking its best. Spring bulbs are already in the ground and orders have been placed for the summer flowers.

The group’s main focus will continue to be the town centre but it is also supporting a butterfly and wildflower project at the Tod’s Piece allotments.

Sarah said: “We want to make the town beautiful for the people who live here but also to support the traders by encouraging people to come into the town and spend their money.”

A Winter Warmer lunch is taking place on Saturday, February 22 to raise money for the group. People can drop into Uppingham Town Hall between midday and 2pm for a soup and jacket potato lunch costing £7.

Anyone who would like to support this year’s Uppingham in Bloom efforts can find out more via the 2025 Uppingham in Bloom page on Facebook or email uppinghaminbloom@gmail.com