JUDGES from RHS Britain in Bloom have returned to Washington Village as it represents the region in this year’s competition.
The village is going head-to-head with nine others across the UK this summer in the Best Village category.
It follows lots of success in previous years, when Washington Village was named Best Village in 2024, along picking up the Northumbria in Bloom overall winner award last year, having previously taken the title in 2021.
A team of 20 volunteers welcomed judges Rae Beckwith and Mary Bagley as they toured the village and inspected the floral displays – while also judging the village for community involvement and environmental responsibility.
The volunteers have worked tirelessly on planting, weeding and maintaining the flower beds and plants, alongside Environmental Services Officers from Sunderland City Council, and some extra volunteers from Barclay’s Bank.
“We are incredibly proud to be representing the North East in this year’s Britain in Bloom competition,” said Joan Atkinson, Chair of Washington in Bloom. “This achievement is down to the dedication of our volunteers and the fantastic support we receive from local people and businesses, as well as partner organisations.
“The competition is about much more than making our village look beautiful, it is also about community spirit, environmental responsibility and creating a place we can all feel proud to call home.”
Coun Ciera Hudspith, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Heritage, added: “Washington Village is looking beautiful this summer thanks to the efforts of everyone who comes together to work on planting, weeding, street cleaning and looking after the streets and green spaces.
“Being listed as one of only ten villages nominated in Britain in Bloom is an absolutely fantastic achievement and I want to wish Washington in Bloom the very best of luck for the judging.”
The Village will discover if it has been successful when the winners are announced at an awards ceremony later this year.
