Sefton Council Celebrates Historic Horticultural Win with New Signs
A pair of shiny new signs commemorating a historic horticultural title now welcome visitors into Southport after being installed by Sefton Council staff last week.
The signs read: “Sefton Council welcomes you to Southport”, adding “Britain in Bloom Champion of Champions”.
History makers
Southport’s bid for the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain In Bloom award in 2025 landed the Overall Winner award, marking the first time that the national title was brought to Sefton.
In a stunning sweep of successes, Southport In Bloom also took home a Gold Award and the Judge’s Highlight gong, while Southport was named the Best Coastal Town at a glittering ceremony in Brighton.
A sterling effort, coordinated between Sefton Council staff, volunteer groups and local businesses, wowed judges when they visited Southport last summer.
And in October, all members were able to celebrate as Southport In Bloom’s win was announced live on BBC One’s The One Show.
Cllr Joanne Williams, Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “Southport In Bloom becoming the Britain In Bloom Overall Winner was a huge achievement, especially as it’s the first time the national title has come here to Sefton since it started being awarded in 1963.
“It only makes sense to put up a permanent monument to that win, reminding visitors that they’re coming to a beautiful and green town, full of passionate and committed people who work hard to keep green spaces looking their best.
“Hopefully everyone involved will feel a burst of pride every time they drive into Southport and get a reminder of what their efforts led to.”
While the highlight of the horticultural awards season, Southport In Bloom’s triumph was far from the only cause for celebration in Sefton.
In Bloom bids from Ainsdale, Bootle and Crosby & Waterloo, alongside Southport, were granted Gold Award status by North West In Bloom.
Meanwhile, a long list of Sefton community groups received RHS In Your Neighbourhood awards, which celebrate outstanding care for their area.
Judges will soon visit the Borough again, with groups up and down Sefton putting forward their planting and growing achievements for recognition in 2026 awards ceremonies.
The new signs, located at the Plough Roundabout end of Preston New Road and the Woodvale end of the Coast Road, offer inspiration as to what can be achieved.
Cllr Williams added: “Sefton Council is proud to support local community and volunteer groups, and we work closely alongside them.
“I’m looking forward to seeing even more successful work being done together in 2026, especially because of the massively positive impact that this work has on our green spaces.
“There’s always room for another pair of hands, so I’d encourage everyone to visit the Sefton Council websiteand learn more about volunteering.”