Preparations are already underway for this summer when a group of European judges will visit the town for the prestigious European competition, Entente Florale Europe.
Eleven judges from 11 European countries will be touring the borough on Friday 8 August scoring the town, not only on Bournemouth’s spectacular floral displays and areas of natural outstanding beauty but also on other areas that improve the quality of life for residents and visitors including; environment, development and regeneration, tourism and leisure and community and business involvement in making Bournemouth a great place for visitors and residents.
Bournemouth is one of only two UK locations to be judged in this year’s competition, the other being Edinburgh, and it is hoped that the judges will be impressed with what they see.
Councillor John Beesley, Leader of Bournemouth Council, said: “It’s a real honour to be invited to take part in this prestigious award and it is recognition that Bournemouth has so much to offer as both a place to live and as a world-class resort. I am very proud of Bournemouth. Not only are we spoilt for choice with award winning beaches, parks and gardens, we are also leading the way with our green initiatives, regeneration and investment in building a better Bournemouth.”
Rob Allardyce, Business Support Manager for Parks, said: “We are busy making preparations in time for the judges’ arrival in the summer and are looking forward to showcasing what Bournemouth has to offer. We will be taking the judges to a number of locations across the borough including; Bournemouth Seafront, Slades Farm, Horseshoe Common, JP Morgan Chaseside, Charminster, Hengistbury Head and Boscombe and Lower Gardens to highlight just some of the town’s key locations, not only from an environment perspective but also to witness how we are developing Bournemouth for the future.”
The nomination for Entente Florale follows huge success last year when Bournemouth scooped eight gold awards in South and South East in Bloom Awards and Gold at Britain in Bloom for the coastal category as well as a special tourism award.
Bournemouth last entered the Entente Florale competition in 1995 and gained the overall winner’s award.
Winners of the competition will be announced in September 2014.
