Entente Florale - Bristol’s Gold success

Bristol has won Gold in the prestigious 2012 European Entente Florale. Bristol’ s success was announced at a special ceremony in Venlo, Holland on Friday, September 14. The presentation ceremony was attended by representatives from the 11 European countries that took part in the 2012 Entente Florale. Bristol was the UK’s city entry alongside Rustington Village in West Sussex, the UK’s village entry.

The Gold award recognises Bristol’s outstanding environmental and horticultural strengths and Bristol’s success in achieving and maintaining high quality of life standards across the board, directly benefiting residents and visitors alike.

“To have won Gold is a testament to all the hard work the city council and its partners have put in over many years,” says Councillor Gary Hopkins, Bristol ’s executive member for environment and community safety. “Bristol was proud to be the UK’s city entry in the annual Entente Florale competition and I’m pleased we were able to showcase the city’s exceptional green and environmental credentials to an international audience.

“This award recognises our investment in the city, including: the care paid to our parks and open spaces; how we deal with waste and recycling; promoting tourism and our strategies to champion best practice in ecological, environmental and green development. These add up to make Bristol a great place to live and visit and this is reflected in the pride of place shown by our diverse communities.

“I’d like to thank all our partners for their fantastic support not just in the build-up to the competition but for their work year after year - all year round.”

Mike Crook, Chairman of the Bristol in Bloom Community Association, added: “I’m absolutely thrilled with Bristol’s success. 2012 saw Bristol put on another stunning display of colour and creative floral arrangements, which wowed the jury members. I’m sure everyone involved in Bristol’s bid will want to celebrate.”

The European Entente Florale competition is now in its 27th year. It officially recognises and celebrates those cities, towns and villages across Europe that successfully embrace horticulture, tourism and care for the natural environment as part of their social, cultural and economic development.