Thetford Town Council was delighted to welcome judges from the Anglia in Bloom 2026 competition to the town on Thursday 9th July, showcasing the outstanding community effort, environmental initiatives and horticultural achievements that have been delivered as part of this year’s Thetford in Bloom campaign.
The judges were welcomed by the Town Clerk and members of the Town Council team at the Council Offices before being taken on a tour of some of the town’s most colourful and inspiring projects.
One of the highlights of the visit was the Winnie the Pooh-inspired Bear Bench, along with eye-catching beehive planters surrounding the Carnegie. These elements celebrate both creativity and biodiversity. The Bear Bench, which has recently been installed, is part of a community project. It features a bear sculpture created by local chainsaw artist Matt Darge. This sculpture has been sponsored by local engineering firm Mason Mechanical and sits on a bench that was refurbished and donated by K.W. Welding. The beehive planters, funded by Breckland Council, showcase artwork in the form of wooden bees painted by local children throughout the spring months.
The judges visited Boudica Pocket Park to see the town’s striking new bee sculpture, created by local woodturner ‘Good Turns’. The sculpture, alongside the other installations, symbolises Thetford’s commitment to supporting pollinators and enhancing green spaces.
The tour continued to Thetford Railway Station, where the judges met the dedicated station adopter volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the year to maintain and improve the station’s platforms, creating a welcoming first impression for visitors arriving in the town. The judges also had the opportunity to meet members of Thetford in Bloom, the horticultural and conservation volunteers, whose passion and commitment play a vital role in keeping Thetford looking its best alongside the Town Council team.
At Thetford Cemetery, the group visited the beautifully maintained Memorial Garden, where a brand-new Winnie the Pooh-inspired bird table was officially unveiled, adding another thoughtful feature to encourage wildlife and provide a peaceful space for reflection.
The final stop on the tour was Thetford Academy, where judges met the enthusiastic members of the school’s Gardening Club. The club has entered this year’s competition in the 11-18 Years category, which recognises the students’ hard work, creativity and dedication to gardening and environmental stewardship.
Thetford Town Council is once again aiming to achieve a prestigious Gold Award for the town, following its successful Gold-winning entry in the 2025 competition.
The results of the Anglia in Bloom Awards will be announced at the awards ceremony on 24th September 2026 in St Ives, Cambridgeshire.
Councillor Vic Peters, Mayor of Thetford, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Anglia in Bloom judges to Thetford and to showcase the incredible work that has taken place across our town over the past year. This campaign is a true community effort, and I would like to thank everyone who has played a part. From our dedicated Town Council team and hardworking volunteers to the staff and students at Thetford Academy, the station adopter volunteers and the many community groups who continue to make such a positive difference.
“Their enthusiasm, commitment and pride in Thetford are what make our town so special, and we are incredibly proud of everything we have achieved together. We wish everyone involved the very best of luck and look forward to the results in September.”
Thetford in Bloom continues to bring together residents, volunteers, schools, businesses and community organisations with the shared aim of creating a greener, more attractive and environmentally sustainable town for everyone to enjoy.
If you would like to get involved with volunteering or are a local business or community group that would like to support the campaign through sponsorship, contact mail@thetfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.
