Loughborough has won gold at the 2026 East Midlands in Bloom awards, securing the accolade for the 15th time since 2011. The town achieved a score of 96 out of 100 points — its highest ever score — in the Small City category at the awards ceremony held in Ockbrook, Derbyshire, on Wednesday, 23 September 2026.

Knightthorpe Methodist Church received a special judges' award. Queen's Park in Loughborough was awarded a National Certificate of Distinction for Parks.

Pat Cook, chair of Loughborough in Bloom, was presented with the East Midlands in Bloom Committee Award in recognition of her work. She said: "We are thrilled to have achieved gold once again at the East Midlands in Bloom awards, and receive our highest score ever. This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of our volunteers and partners throughout the year to ensure Loughborough looks its very best."

Cook added: "I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone on the Loughborough in Bloom board, along with all those whose efforts helped secure this award. I was especially proud to receive the East Midlands in Bloom Committee Award. I wasn't expecting it, so it came as a lovely surprise."

Council and volunteer efforts recognised

Charnwood Borough Council maintains more than 600 acres of open space across the borough through its partner, idverde.

Cllr Anne Gray, the Council's lead member for open spaces, said: "I am delighted that Loughborough's open spaces have once again been recognised through these awards. We take great pride in our parks and green spaces across Loughborough and the wider borough. Thanks to the continued support of our partners, volunteers and community groups, we are able to maintain them to an exceptionally high standard."

When judges visited Loughborough in early July, they toured Stonebow Washlands, Forest Road Greenbelt, Loughborough University and Queen's Park, as well as several community sites managed by volunteers. The judges heard about work carried out by volunteers, community groups, the Council, idverde and waste partner Serco. This year's portfolio included projects such as the new woodland at Nanpantan and a free birdbox giveaway.

Other local successes

Rectory Wildlife Garden in Loughborough won the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) Gardening for Wildlife Award at national level. Watermead Day Nursery in Loughborough was crowned winner in the East Midlands in Bloom Nursery School category. Barrow Upon Soar Railway Station achieved a gold award in the Railway Stations/Transport Hubs category.