Harrogate to host 2007 Europe in Bloom awards
18 September 2007:
ENGLAND'S floral town, Harrogate, will be the focus of Europe's floral and environmental best when Harrogate Borough Council hosts the Entente Florale Awards Ceremony 2007.
Over 230 delegates from 12 European countries will be converging on the Harrogate district over this coming weekend, all eager to hear the 2007 results at a glittering prize giving ceremony being held in the stunning surroundings of Ripon Cathedral on Friday, 21 September.
Twenty-three entries in this year's competition were selected from more than 21,000 participating towns and villages involved in their own National in Bloom competitions.
As well as visits to local attractions such as RHS Garden Harlow Carr and World Heritage Site Fountains Abbey, delegates will be taking part in a "meeting of participants" at the Old Swan Hotel in Harrogate.
Our guests will be showcasing what makes their area of Europe unique, which will include offering local produce and musical entertainment.
Members of the public are invited to this event, which will take place between 10.00am and 12 noon on Saturday, 22 September.
Councillor Mrs Pat Jones, Cabinet Member for Cultural Services, is looking forward to welcoming delegates to the district.
She said:
"We are no stranger to this competition with Harrogate being the first winner when it was launched in the 1970s when it was just between France and England.
Pateley Bridge won in 1978 and in 2004 Harrogate town and Darley both achieved Gold medals.
"We value the importance of this competition, not only has it opened up more frontiers, it has extended beyond just floral excellence and now very much focuses on quality of life and the environment in which we live.
It is for this reason that Harrogate Borough Council continues to support Europe in Bloom and offered to host this year's event.
We are grateful to everyone who has helped arrange this weekend and particularly for the financial sponsorship from Amberol."
ENDS
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:
Please contact Lynne Mee on 01423 556022 or email lynne.mee@harrogate.gov.uk when arrangements can be made for members of the media to attend the weekend's events.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
The Entente Florale competition is organised by the Association of Europeene pour le Fleurissement et le Paysage (AEFP) registered in Brussels.
It is a non-profit and non-government organisation.
The overall aim is social and cultural development and enhancement of the quality of life for urban and village dwellers.
FUTHER INFORMATION:
is available from Mr Patrick Kilburn, Head of Parks and Open Spaces on 01423 55670
4.