Washington Village welcomes judges as volunteers hope to take UK's Best Village in Bloom crown

Inspectors from the Royal Horticulture Society (RHS) descended on Washington Village today (August 3) to judge whether the new town’s historic centre is to take the crown of UK’s Best Village in Bloom award.

Already crowned the region’s best village in bloom, Washington is now one of ten villages currently being judged to take the coveted national title.

For the last 25 years, the village’s 11 flower beds have been tended and cultivated by the Washington Village in Bloom volunteers group. Earlier this year (2026) there was a welcome new addition to the village’s display in the form of an 8 foot bald eagle carved out of a collapsed tree, signifying Washington’s historic connection with our trans-Atlantic namesake.

Welcoming the judges was the volunteer group’s chair Joan Atkinson who said: “We started up the group 25 years ago with the initial aim to get rid of graffiti and deter antisocial behaviour and it has just grown from there. Whilst it would be fantastic to win the competition, this is just one day of the year and the main aim of our group is to provide a place for residents to enjoy 365 days a year.

“It’s just prestigious to be named as one of the ten villages to be in the running. This is a fantastic opportunity to highlight not only our floral displays, but the community spirit and pride that make Washington Village such a special place.”

The ten villages will be judged not just on their horticultural displays, but also their community engagement and support for the natural environment. Washington took the title of Best British Village in Bloom in 2024.

On the prospect of being crowned champions again, Joan said: “In the regional Northumbria in Bloom competition we came top in all categories. As winners in 2024 we weren’t able to enter the national competition last year, but it would be amazing to win the competition again.

“It’s been a particularly tough year for the flowers and plants due to the lack of water. We’ve done our best, but we’re obviously up against nine other villages also hoping to win.”

Volunteer member Sam Foley added: “We put a lot of dedication and hard work into the village and it’s a great pleasure to be in the final 10. We are very passionate about the village and the displays we put on. We would be absolutely ecstatic to win the award again.”

Also in Washington to welcome the judges and show her support was Sunderland City Council’s portfolio holder for Culture, Tourism, and Heritage, Cllr Ciera Hudspith.

She said: “It’s absolutely wonderful to see the work the volunteers have put in to get the village looking as beautiful as it does. Winning this award can only benefit the city and attract more people to come and see this historic village.”

The winner of the Britain’s Village in Bloom award will be announced in September.

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Visiting judge, Rue Beckworth said: “We’ve been struck by the passion and involvement of people of all different age groups and people should be proud of their village and what they have achieved.”