Huntingdon in Bloom’s 2018 launch event was held on June 5 unveiling a number of displays across the town.

The Hunts Post: Huntingdon in BloomHuntingdon in Bloom (Image: Archant)

More than 100 representatives of the local community joined the mayor of Huntingdon, Councillor Sarah Gifford, in celebrating the occasion.

Sites across Huntingdonshire were visited at the event launch, including Hinchingbrooke Hospital, Sebastopol Cannon Site and Walks East.

A visit to one of Hinchingbrooke Hospital’s courtyard gardens commenced the launch, not only to unveil a tribute for the First World War Centenary, but also to celebrate 70 years of the National Health Service.

The second stop of the tour went to the Sebastopol Cannon Site, where Huntingdon In Bloom had partnered with Shakespeare at the George for the second year running, to celebrate their 2018 performance of Shakespeare’s Richard III. A floral display created by Huntingdon Town Council’s estates services team was unveiled by the mayor and representatives from Shakespeare at the George.

The Hunts Post: Huntingdon in Bloom launchHuntingdon in Bloom launch (Image: Archant)

The group moved on to unveil a commemorative 3D floral display at the Walks East, again created by Huntingdon Town Council’s talented estates team. The display, in the form of a First World War Tank, was unveiled by the mayor, members of the estates team, and primary school pupils.

The conclusion of the tour took place on the Market Square, where, thanks to the Huntingdon branch of the Royal British Legion, a poppy drop fell from the town hall and the names of the fallen from Huntingdon during the First World War were remembered with the planting of a field of remembrance in the garden at All Saints’ Church.

Throughout the tour, displays of hand-made poppies were also unveiled, all created by the community.

More than 2,000 poppies made from recycled plastic, felt, wool and other materials were donated by groups, businesses, schools and individuals to make up the displays.

The Hunts Post: Huntingdoon in Bloom launchHuntingdoon in Bloom launch (Image: Archant)

Judging for this year’s Anglia In Bloom competition will take place on the morning of July 9, where it is hoped that Huntingdon can maintain its 2017 gold award.

If you would like to get involved with the campaign or find out more information about Huntingdon In Bloom, contact Natasha Pierson on 01480 410384 or by email: Natasha.pierson@huntingdontown.gov.uk.

The Hunts Post: The poppies at Huntingdon Town HallThe poppies at Huntingdon Town Hall (Image: Archant)