Alton In Bloom 2026 Returns with New Categories and Climate Focus.

Press release from Alton Town Council:

Alton Town Council is proud to announce the return of Alton In Bloom 2026, inviting residents, businesses and community groups to take part in the town’s celebration of gardening, sustainability and community pride.

Alton In Bloom is a long-standing initiative that encourages participants to enhance their surroundings while helping wildlife and building a stronger, greener community.

This year’s competition features the return of well-loved categories including Best Garden, Containers, Community Garden and Commercial Premises, alongside the popular Tallest Sunflower challenge.
New categories for 2026 include Best New Build Garden and Children’s Garden, as well as expanded recognition through the Climate Change Gold Star Award.

Participants are encouraged to adopt wildlife-friendly and sustainable gardening practices, such as planting for pollinators, creating habitats like ponds and bug hotels, and avoiding chemical pesticides.

Chair of the Climate Change Committee, Cllr Don Hammond said:
“Alton In Bloom is a fantastic opportunity for everyone in our community to take small but meaningful steps towards tackling climate change. By creating wildlife-friendly spaces and gardening sustainably, residents can make a real difference while helping make Alton an even more beautiful place to live.”
Entries are submitted primarily through photographs, with a deadline of 31 July 2026, and in-person judging for selected categories taking place on 5 August 2026.

Residents of all ages and abilities are encouraged to take part.
Find out more and enter online: https://www.alton.gov.uk/alton-in-bloom/