Middleton has triumphed in this year’s most prestigious horticultural competition in the country, taking the top spot for the first time at Britain in Bloom awards.
Middleton defeated strong competition from Darlington in Northumbria, Kirkcaldy in Scotland, and Sevenoaks in Kent.
Middleton received a gold award for its floral displays, heritage and gardens and was named the overall category winner for town centres and city centres at the Britain in Bloom national awards held on Friday, 31 October 2025 in Brighton.
The council, in partnership with Middleton in Bloom, the local friends' groups at Jubilee Park and Alkrington Woods, as well as volunteers, businesses, Middleton Shopping Centre, and residents worked together to support Middleton's success as the deserving winner.
The judges were impressed by strong working partnerships and impressive presentation, meeting the gold standard in horticulture, environmental responsibility and community participation. The well-kept Jubilee Park, home of the Grade II listed steps and Exedra, and the town’s overall cleanliness, also scored highly.
Bowlee Garden Nursery was also commended for its high-quality plants and strong environmental practices, including recyclable pots, peat-free compost, and eco-friendly maintenance of beds and borders throughout the town.
Councillor Tricia Ayrton, deputy leader and cabinet member for climate change and environment at Rochdale Borough Council, stated:
“We are delighted that Middleton has been recognised as one of the leading towns nationally. Achieving both a gold award and being named overall category winner reflects the exemplary collaborative efforts among the council, volunteers, and local businesses, all of whom demonstrate significant commitment to creating a town centre of which we can be proud.”
Simon Bennett, chair of Middleton in Bloom, added:
“Middleton in Bloom has been a gold medal winner since 2019 as an entry for the RHS Northwest in Bloom, and it was an honour to be asked if we would represent the north west in the wider national competition in the town centre category.
“We were honoured not only to receive a gold award for Middleton, but also to secure the overall category prize. This represents a significant accomplishment for both Middleton and the borough of Rochdale.
“I would like to thank my predecessor as chair, Pat Proctor, for her involvement and dedication over the years. Winning this award was a triumph for partnership working with volunteers, friends’ groups, local businesses and the council’s environmental management teams.”