Translink Ulster in Bloom Awards Celebrate Floral Feats, Friendship and Fortified Community Spirit

Green fingered community gardeners and dedicated council staff from across Northern Ireland were commended for their hard work and dedication as the results were announced for this year’s Translink Ulster in Bloom, with a special focus on the importance of community spirit and friendships formed through teamwork.

In an event hosted at Old Market House, Bangor, the popular horticultural competition celebrated the fantastic work of committed gardening enthusiasts across the country and officially recognised the most beautiful plant and floral displays across local cities, towns and villages.

The 2024 Award winners by category were: City - Derry City (Derry City & Strabane District Council); Large Town - Coleraine (Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council); Town - Donaghadee (Ards & North Down Borough Council); Small Town- Randalstown (Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council); Large Village - Cullybackey (Mid & East Antrim Borough Council); Village - Donaghmore (Mid Ulster District Council); and Small Village - Ballyeaston (Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council).

Special Award winners for Most Improved was presented to Swatragh in Bloom, whilst a special award for Lifelong Commitment was presented to Charlestown Village. The Best Station title was won by Whitehead Railway Station (Mid & East Antrim Borough Council).

This year Saintfield, took third place in the large village category in the Translink ‘Ulster in Bloom’ competition. Saintfield has picked up several awards in the past for its commitment to keeping the village tidy, beautiful floral displays and maintaining picturesque surroundings for visitors and residents.

Head of Safety and Corporate Responsibility, Translink, John Thompson said, “Ulster in Bloom celebrates not only the hard work and commitment of our local Councils, but also the many volunteers and community groups who are out all year round making their community spaces look tidy, welcoming and engaging for residents and visitors alike. Over the years we’ve seen amazing examples of how something as simple as seeds, water and elbow grease can transform spaces, with everything from floral displays, growing allotments for young and old, and beehives to boost biodiversity. The awards also showcase the work and commitment of our Translink staff in stations and halts across Northern Ireland in bringing biodiversity, plants and flowers to these spaces. On behalf of Translink, I’d like to congratulate all our Ulster in Bloom winners and participants.”

The Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition is co-ordinated by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA). Representing the NILGA, Councillor Frances Burton said, “Ulster in Bloom demonstrates the high value which local councils and our Ulster in Bloom community groups have given to improving, maintaining and caring for our local spaces regardless of size or location. The participants and winners from the 2024 Translink Ulster in Bloom campaign have yet again highlighted the impressive results which can be achieved through community engagement and hard work and the importance of team spirt, friendship and a sense of community. Their hard work and the hours spent planning, planting and pruning have an extremely positive impact by supporting biodiversity, conservation and sustainability which improves the quality of life for citizens in our cities, towns and villages. On behalf of NILGA, congratulations to everyone and thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm.”

If you’re interested in getting involved in the Translink Ulster in Bloom 2025 Competition contact NILGA on 028 9079 8972.