Radstock in Bloom has been awarded Gold in the Ayre Cup category of the 2026 RHS South West in Bloom competition, recognising the efforts of volunteers who work throughout the year to keep the town looking its best.
The prestigious award celebrates work to improve Radstock’s floral displays, green spaces and local environment, bringing colour and pride to the town.
The results were announced at the South West in Bloom awards ceremony, held at the Atlantic Hotel in Newquay on Friday 23 October.
Radstock competed in the Ayre Cup category alongside Kingsbridge, Dartmouth and South Molton. The Ayre Cup is contested by smaller towns and communities. Entries are assessed on horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community involvement.
Judges consider everything from floral displays and the maintenance of public spaces to biodiversity, sustainability and the involvement of local volunteers, schools, businesses and community organisations.
During the July judging visit, the tour included Writhlington Allotments, Connections Day Care’s Dig It project, the “Love Letters to Radstock” trail, the Brian Perret Memorial Signal Bed, The Street vista, the Radstock Wheel, Museum and Memorial Gardens, Haydon Gateway and Community Gardens, Haydon Batch, the Church Street flower bed and Youth Connect Southwest.
Additional In Your Neighbourhood visits included Swallows Community Café and Garden, Writhlington Village Hall, Haydon Allotments, Radstock Orchard and Southfields Community Garden.
Radstock also received 10 awards in the In Your Neighbourhood programme, with eight achieving Outstanding recognition of the many local groups and volunteers making a difference across the community.
Radstock has a proud history of success in the competition, having won the Ayre Cup outright in both 2013 and 2022.
Its 2022 victory earned the town a place in the prestigious Champion of Champions competition the following year, where Radstock achieved Gold. The town also secured another Gold award in the Ayre Cup category in 2024.
The latest achievement continues that successful tradition and recognises the dedication of Radstock in Bloom volunteers, whose efforts throughout the year help make the town an attractive and welcoming place for residents and visitors.
Radstock in Bloom would also like to thank Radstock Town Council for its support, and Radstock Knitters for their contribution to the town.
South West in Bloom forms part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s nationwide Britain in Bloom campaign, which celebrates community gardening, environmental improvements and the positive contribution volunteers make to their local communities.
