The Tenby in Bloom contest is back once again for 2024 - with businesses, shops, restaurants, schools, hotels and households urged once again to pull out all the stops to help the seaside town look blooming marvellous for the summer season ahead!

The In Bloom committee which comprises of chair Sue Lane, fellow members Tish Rossiter, Lynn Attewell, Sian Waters, Sam Jackson, Charley Waters and president Caroline Thomas is gearing up for its annual competition, which sees Tenby’s establishments join in to show off their floral flare and displays, which at the same time makes the town more colourful over the summer season. 

Judging for the annual In Bloom contest will take place on Wednesday, July 17, with application forms to enter included in this feature. 

Categories range from classes for private houses to hotels/guest houses; and public houses/restaurants to group projects; whilst there is also a category focusing on school projects. 

“We’re proud to say we’re flying high as an event, and look forward to visiting the various business establishments throughout the town as well as people’s houses, to see what they’ve created,” said chair Sue. 

“We hugely appreciate the work put in and everyone’s efforts every year, and are hoping that this one will be a bumper one! 

“It’s a pleasure for us to be invited into residents’ gardens, and remember, it doesn’t matter how small a size your garden is, everyone is welcome to enter. 

“There is a competitive element in that there are trophies awarded, but everyone has a certificate featuring their own floral displays and a silver, silver gilt or gold award to keep so there is really nothing to lose. And the better your displays the better and more appealing the town looks,” explained Sue. 

“The competition has resulted in very high standards of displays in recent years and we hope this will long continue. 

“The pubs, restaurants and hotels always give their full support with their window boxes and hanging basket displays and it’s great when other traders in the town come on board too. 

“Our Tenby in Bloom competitors, both private individuals and businesses, are a real credit to the town. They work tirelessly year after year to provide us with spectacular results, and then allow our judges into their cherished gardens. 

“We really admire them and urge them to keep on making Tenby a brighter and tidier place, and we’d like to thank everyone once again who keeps this up year after year.

“We’re hoping for everyone whose entered in the past to do so again this year, and more, and for people to pull out all the stops once again to help keep Tenby looking rosy! 

“We would like to offer a big thank you to all our sponsors past and present and all the local individuals, organisations and businesses that have offered, and continue to offer, their financial or physical support. 

“By all locals, organisations and businesses pulling together in this way we can show the world what we who live here already know, Tenby is blooming great!” she continued.

Tenby In Bloom is an independent organisation with a charitable status. Although in the past it has worked alongside the local authority in supporting their work, the organisation has no connection to Pembrokeshire County Council or Tenby Town Council, who are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the town’s public gardens and displays. 

“We survive solely through generous donations from various organisations and individuals, as well as charity collections through events such as the Summer Spectaculars held in the town, and welcome any donations for the organisation,” added Sue. 

Anyone who wishes to donate to the cause can contact the organisation through the Tenby In Bloom Facebook page or by contacting Sue via 07970 688303. 

Please return entry forms to the Tenby Town Council office at the De Valence Pavilion on Upper Frog Street, or phone Sue with your entry details before July 10. 

Please note each house or premises may enter only one category per garden except for group entries. The Serendipity Holdings Rose Bowl will once again be presented to the overall winner with highest points.