Felixstowe in Flower causes buzz in local community

The Felixstowe community is buzzing for this year's Felixstowe in Flower, which officially launched this Saturday (23rd June 2018).

Families flocked to Felixstowe town centre to see a special display created to celebrate the launch of the annual floral competition by Felixstowe Town Council. The event, which encourages Felixstowe residents to get green fingered over the summer, has opened its annual floral display competition that includes a special 'tallest sunflower' category. 

The East of England Co-op Funeral Services sponsors the community scheme and donated sunflower seeds and balloons, which were handed out by Guides and local volunteers dressed up as flower fairies and bumblebees at the event. Sunflower seeds, plant pots and grow bags have also been donated by the East of England Co-op to nurseries and schools involved in the scheme. 

Officially opened by the Mayor of Felixstowe, Cllr Graham Newman, the event included relaxing music organised by Fresh Gold Radio and a bake sale organised by the Guides for local residents to enjoy as they viewed the floral displays in the town centre. 

Tanya Carlton-Smith, Sector Manager from East of England Co-op Funeral Services, has been judging the nursery and primary school displays in Felixstowe in Flower for the past four years. She commented: “For over 30 years Felixstowe in Flower has helped bolster community spirit locally, particularly in our schools, and we are very proud to support a scheme that gets children interested in gardening.”

The East of England Co-op offered free tea, coffee and squash to local residents at the event as part of their Co-op Cuppa initiative, which is focused on fuelling positive conversation within local communities.

Tanya continues: “It has been great to get our Co-op Cuppa initiative involved in the scheme this year as it has been so well received across East Anglia. The tea and coffee went down a treat and helped local residents enjoy a great conversation in the sun.”

Cllr Graham commented: “Every summer since 1985, the Town Council has promoted Felixstowe in Flower as a way to transform the town with floral displays and colour throughout the season.  I am delighted to see just how many local businesses are supporting the scheme alongside the local community this year. It really makes such a difference to see all these superb flowers along our streets and in all the local gardens.”

Felixstowe residents are being encouraged to take part in the community scheme, whether it’s creating an impressive window box or a spectacular front garden, everyone can get involved. To participate in Felixstowe in Flower, visit Felixstowe.gov.uk for further details. A competition entry form is available on the Felixstowe Council website, which includes all of the categories available to enter this year.

Felixstowe Town Council has been organising and running the initiative for over 30 years, putting up florals baskets and displays each year and awarding prizes to community participants at the end of the summer.