Prestatyn is celebrating after being awarded Gold in the prestigious annual Wales in Bloom contest and first place in the Large Towns category.
Judge Jim Goodwin visited the town in July and was given a whistlestop tour of both Prestatyn and Meliden by Chair of the Prestatyn in Bloom Committee Dr James Davies, along with other committee members.
In his report, Mr Goodwin awards the town Gold in the ‘large towns’ category and said it was up against tough competition but that Prestatyn’s “environmental considerations just gave you the edge”.
He added:
“You scored very highly in this section again. Prestatyn is very environmentally aware from the Eco Garden, Allotments, Dunes, Orchard and Morfa project which all work together to make this element excellent in all respects. It doesn’t stop there, Hedgehogs, the Ffrith and the 'Mountain Top' all combining to enhance this section”.
He singled out the Eco Project for a special mention.
He said: “This is a first-class development with future proposals. There is much to merit here and many congratulations to all involved in this Eco Project.”
Last year, points were lost due to a lack of colourful displays in the Town Centre, but this year Mr Goodwin praised “more colour and effect in the Town Centre” and said “It was pleasing to see how far you have come since last year”.
In the Community section he praised the Coronation Gardens, which he said, “is much improved”, the Ffrith, Tiny Tots Nursery and the Hedgehog Sanctuary, which he said all formed “into good voluntary Community support”.
The results were announced last Friday at a special awards ceremony in Wrexham, and the judge’s report was received this week.
Commenting, Chair of the Prestatyn in Bloom Committee Dr James Davies said:
“We are all absolutely thrilled to be awarded another Gold award this year. We didn’t quite make it last year, receiving a still impressive Silver Gilt instead, but we listened and acted on the feedback from the judges to ensure we were back in the running for the top prize this year.
“So much hard work goes into achieving this standard from all our volunteers, so I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all.
“As well as the many kind words of praise in this year’s report, the judge did note some areas for improvement so we will be focussing on them in preparation for next year’s judging to ensure that we maintain this high standard.”
James, who has been the driving force behind a regular bloom entry since 2010, added:
“Taking part in Wales in Bloom every year ensures a sense of pride of place and makes both Prestatyn and Meliden more appealing places to live, work and visit. It takes a lot of hours of hard graft by many groups and individuals, but it is worth it – particularly when it results in Gold awards!”
Mayor of Prestatyn, Cllr Carol Holliday, said:
“I am absolutely delighted that Prestatyn has received a Gold award this year. Prestatyn Town Council have worked hard to help improve the floral displays throughout the town centre, so I am pleased that all our efforts have been formally recognised.
“This really is a team effort, and I would like to thank everyone who has been involved.”
Prestatyn has now made it through to enter Britain in Bloom 2026, the largest horticultural campaign in the UK.
