Manchester plays host to prestigious awards
17 October 2007
The very best of the North West’s gardeners will be gathering for not one but two gala luncheons at Manchester’s Town Hall this week.
North West In Bloom hold their Awards ceremonies in The Great Hall on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 October.
Regional competition entrants have been invited to the awards, which take place over the two days. This year sees the Neighbourhood Awards celebrated as a separate event in its own right, due to the amazing number of entrants to the competition. Local TV presenter and meteorologist, Fred Talbot, will present 126 improvement, merit and outstanding awards to the best Small Neighbourhoods, Neighbourhoods and Large Neighbourhoods from the region at Thursday's event.
On Friday, the guest of honour will be Lord Lieutenant of Greater of Manchester, Warren J Smith JP, who will present the 73 North West in Bloom Awards: 13 categories, from large city to small village, plus 30 discretionary/commendation awards which include School Environmental Awards, Community Tourist Attraction, Hotels and Conservation, and Bio-Diversity.
Councillor Eddy Newman, Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services said: "We are delighted to host this prestigious event in Manchester Town Hall. Manchester itself is well represented in the regional competition; last year an impressive haul of 23 North West In Bloom awards were brought back from the 2006 event in Blackpool, and with an increase in entrants from the city this year, it's hoped that this year's Manchester's haul will be even better."
Chair of North West In Bloom, Bill Blackledge, commented: "Due to the success of the North West In Bloom Neighbourhood Awards, we're having to have two separate ceremony: we wouldn't have been able to fit everybody into just one day, which is great news for the competition. Over three hundred people will be attending each of the Awards Ceremonies and I'd like to thank Manchester City Council for providing this year's magnificent venue, and for their help and assistance with the presentations."
Media contact:
Jacqueline Meenan, tel: 0161 234 4027
