Cullybackey - Winner of the Large Village Category in Translink Ulster in Bloom 2023.
Winners of the 2023 season of Translink Ulster in Bloom were presented with their prizes in recognition of the many hard-working volunteer teams, community gardeners and council staff in cities, towns and villages across Northern Ireland.
In an event hosted at Belfast Castle, the popular horticultural competition celebrated local volunteers and council teams for their time and efforts creating stand-out floral displays and welcoming outside spaces.
The 2023 Award winners by category were:
City - Derry City (Derry City & Strabane District Council)
Large Town – Coleraine (Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
Town - Donaghadee (Ards & North Down Borough Council)
Small Town - Randalstown (Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council)
Celebrating all of Mid and East Antrim’s wins at Translink Ulster in Bloom 2023 (L-R)
Front row: Dr Michael Wardlow, Translink Chairman; Ald Stewart McDonald, Deputy Mayor, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council; Elizabeth Boyd and Paul Christie, Cullybackey Community Partnership; and Councillor Billy Webb, Vice President, NILGA.
Back Row: Cathy McCrudden, Ballystrudder in Bloom; Lisa O'Regan, Ballystrudder in Bloom; Alex Carmichael, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council; Graeme Smyth, Translink and Claire Duddy, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
Large Village - Cullybackey (Mid & East Antrim Borough Council)
Village - Donaghmore (Mid Ulster District Council)
Small Village - Ballynure (Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council)
Special Award winners included:
Antrim Town Centre for Most Improved Award
Eight South in Carryduff for Horticultural Impact
Dr Michael Wardlow, Translink Chairman; Cathy McCrudden and Lisa O'Regan, Ballystrudder in Bloom.
Ballystudder for Sustainability in Practice
Moira Girlguiding for the Children and Young People special award.
Richard Wallace, from Ballynure and District Residents Group, was announced as the winner of the Ken Powles Community Champion Award in recognition of the lasting and positive difference he has made to his local area by embracing the ‘Ulster in Bloom’ ethos.
The Best Floral Station title was won by Foyle Street Bus Station (Derry City and Strabane District Council)
Judges from the Translink Ulster In Bloom Awards
Speaking at the award presentation, Translink Chairman Dr Michael Wardlow said:
“Ulster in Bloom reflects Translink’s commitment to better connect people and places across Northern Ireland and the importance of bringing people together.
"These awards are a great opportunity to highlight the community spirit, commitment and efforts of local volunteers, council teams and Translink staff. They showcase how planting, weeding, watering, and cleaning-up can transform spaces, from floral displays to bug hotels, boosting biodiversity and creating beautiful and welcoming community spaces for people to connect, which our winners should be very proud of.”
The Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition is co-ordinated by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA).
Councillor Billy Webb, Vice President, NILGA, said:
“The winners of the 2023 Translink Ulster in Bloom campaign clearly demonstrate the incredibly positive impact which can be delivered for both the wider environment and the local community thanks to the commitment, hard work and dedication of council teams and community groups. On behalf of NILGA, congratulations to everyone and thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm.”
If you’re interested in getting involved in the Translink Ulster in Bloom 2024 Competition contact NILGA on 028 9079 8972.