Yorkshire in Bloom 2026

Yorkshire in Bloom is a regional campaign and part of the largest horticultural campaign in Europe, the RHS Britain in Bloom. It not only focuses on horticulture, but of environmental and sustainable approaches, and of community partnership and spirit.

The Friends of Wombwell Cemetery entered Yorkshire in Bloom for the first time in 2017, achieving a Gold award. The group then decided to enter again in 2018 and then in 2019, earning Platinum, the highest award in the Parks and Open Spaces category, both times.

As a result of the COVID pandemic in 2020, the awards and judging moved online. So for 2020 and 2021, the Friends entered online and won a couple of titles as regular awards and categories were paused.

It is therefore seven years since the Friends welcomed a judge to Wombwell Cemetery, so the group thought it was time, after so many projects, to enter again this year.

The group has been working tirelessly, and through two heatwaves, to bring the cemetery up to the highest standard achievable. New projects for this year include:

• A stumpery in the shady bed near Summer Lane gates

• A small bed around the plant pot at the 'roundabout' to compliment the current yucca and bring colour. Stones around the edge have been recycled from a pile of old Peace Garden chapel stones that were saved from the top when it was 'evened out' after making the structure safe.

• Vibrant pink and blue fencing around the baby memorial nearest the Community Hub, with complimenting blue and pink plant pots and flowers

• Updating the bug hotel and 'vacancies' sign

• Planting over 100 donated annuals around the cemetery and 'top' baby memorial, even if the squirrels made light work of ripping them back out!

• Repainting the Cemetery Road gates and touch ups to the Peace Garden display

• Repainting the bird-mouth fencing around the Cabin area and Summer Lane gates

• Re-installing the notice board at the Summer Lane gates following one of the legs rotting away, and updating all notice boards with fresh posters and information

Aside from the projects, we also edged the paths, did litter picks, swept, weeded, and more. The list could go on and on!

The Friends welcomed the Yorkshire in Bloom judge on Thursday 8th July, during a 32 degree heatwave. Aside from melting, we hope the judge had a fantastic visit. Results will be posted in September after the regional awards event, with an awards ceremony following shortly after in Barnsley. Wish the group luck and keep an eye on our socials for our results!

Find out more about the Yorkshire in Bloom campaign: https://www.yorkshireinbloom.co.uk/