Businesses invited to sponsor Northampton in Bloom scheme

Business Times
January 21, 2026

Businesses across Northamptonshire are being invited to sponsor Northampton in Bloom, the long-running programme that brings seasonal planting and floral displays to the town centre and surrounding neighbourhoods.

The scheme is delivered by Northampton Town Council in partnership with the Bloom Working Party, which includes Northampton Town Centre BID, idverde, Veolia and West Northamptonshire Council Park Rangers. Displays are installed annually from May to September and include hanging baskets, planters and sustainable community gardens in prominent public locations.

Northampton has taken part in RHS East Midlands and Britain in Bloom competitions for 18 years. The town secured Silver Gilt status in 2018 and a Gold Award in 2019. After a pause during the pandemic, it returned to competition in 2025 and achieved a further Silver Gilt award.

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, Northampton Town Centre BID is supporting efforts to expand the scheme through increased business sponsorship.

“Each year the Bloom displays make a visible difference to the town centre,” said Mark Mullen, operations manager at Northampton Town Centre BID. “Last year’s planting coincided with the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of Northampton and was particularly well received.

“To maintain that standard, continued backing from local businesses is essential.”

Sponsorship packages start at £400 for hanging basket schemes and extend to street-wide sponsorships, as well as support for schools and community gardens. Sponsors receive branding in high-footfall areas, inclusion in official Bloom submissions and associated promotional coverage.

Andy Kilbride, Chair of the Environmental Services Committee at Northampton Town Council, said the scheme played a broader role in improving public spaces. “Since reintroducing Northampton in Bloom, we have expanded planting and placed greater emphasis on sustainability,” he said.

“The programme supports community pride and wellbeing and demonstrates what can be achieved through partnership. Business sponsorship is an important part of that.”

Businesses interested in sponsoring Northampton in Bloom for 2026 and future years can contact Louise at Northampton Town Council via bloom@northamptontowncouncil.gov.uk.