Harrogate has been a renowned horticultural haven for many years, formed by hosting fantastic flower shows to more recent celebrations of our town’s floral heritage.
From the cherry blossom avenues on the Stray, to the flower beds blooming in Valley Gardens and Prospect Place, it seems that the majority of locations around Harrogate have got that ‘flower power’ feel.
The Harrogate Spring Flower Show was created more than a century ago in 1920 by The North of England Horticultural Society – which was set up to allow northern growers the chance to exhibit and compete. It was held at the old Winter Gardens venue in the North Yorkshire town, before moving to the famous Valley Gardens – where it was then held for more than 60 years.
An Autumn Flower Show is also held in September each year, with the combined events attracting more than 90,000 people to North Yorkshire.
The shows pull in people from all over the country – and even some international destinations – every year. It’s a huge part of not only the town’s floral legacy, but its heritage as a whole, with more than 100 nurseries taking part on an annual basis. It’s known as the ‘perfect day out for any gardener’.
Our town has a fantastic history with floral records, from Britain in Bloom to RHS awards. But, back in 1977, Harrogate was crowned the winner of the Entente Floral, or Europe in Bloom, accolade – recognised for its excellence in horticultural displays.
As the Business Improvement District in Harrogate, we’re always looking at ways to flex our town’s floral muscles and promote it as a must-visit destination. We work in collaboration with the majority of floral organisations in our town, attending regular meetings and supporting a series of groups – from Harrogate in Bloom to the Stray Defence Society.
Over recent years, we’ve created new events including the Harrogate Floral Summer of Celebration to build on our heritage and add new elements into the history books. This year saw more than 10 displays celebrate a ‘Friendship’ theme in line with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), which celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2024.
The floral celebration attracts thousands of visitors to Harrogate each year, with themed installations and exhibits creating a flowery feel across the town centre.
Last year, we were extremely proud to win Gold at the Britain in Bloom awards for the Floral Summer of Celebration, which was always a huge aspiration for the team. This year, we’ve set our sights on claiming a Yorkshire in Bloom award, so watch this space over the coming weeks…
The annual Floral Shop Window competition offers the chance to local businesses to dress their windows and fronts to honour Harrogate’s floral fame and create their own unique displays to show off to customers and visitors. It’s split into categories, with judging in each and trophies presented to the winners.
These events are held in addition to our regular floral offering around town, including almost 200 barrier baskets, shop doorway planters and hanging baskets.
We’re always working hard to contribute to Harrogate’s history, whether that be on a floral basis or our town as a whole. We know how important it is to not only local residents, but to visitors who see us as the jewel in Yorkshire’s crown.
If you have any questions on the latest BID Blog, or would like to provide us with any feedback, please email the team on info@harrogatebid.co.uk