Anglia in Bloom returns to Welwyn Hatfield!

Judges toured the area, visiting a range of different locations in Hatfield including Hatfield House; Hatfield Town Centre, with its award-winning, newly developed Market Place; and Minster Wood.

The visit began on Wednesday 8 July, starting in the Hatfield House grounds, then on to other beautiful locations around the town including Salisbury Square in Old Hatfield and the Potential to Grow Community Garden at The Galleria, where charity Potential Kids has created an accessible and inclusive green space to help children and young people make friends while learning skills and having fun.

For the Anglia in Bloom competition 2026, Hatfield is assessed in the ‘Small City’ category and has also entered for three special awards: 

• Best Industrial or Commercial Area: White Lion Square and Market Place
• Best Sustainable Planting: Market Place
• Best Project 12 to 18-year-olds: Potential to Grow Community Garden

In addition, Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City have both been entered into Virtual Award categories:

• Crematorium: Oak Hill Crematorium and Cemetery
• Public Park of Any Size: Howardsgate and Parkway

The judges will assess the entries based on criteria such as plant choice, maintenance, environmental responsibility and community participation.

Councillor Jane Quinton, Executive Member, Environment, said:

“We were delighted to welcome the Anglia in Bloom judges back to our borough to showcase the incredible work that has gone into making Hatfield such a vibrant and welcoming place.

“We are especially pleased to be recognised across a range of categories that celebrate not only horticultural excellence, but also sustainability, environmental responsibility and inspiring young people to get involved.

“This visit is a real celebration of the dedication shown by our council teams, local volunteers, community groups, businesses and young people, who all play an important part in caring for our public spaces throughout the year.

“I hope we can build on our excellent record in these awards as we continue to improve our green spaces and champion sustainability throughout our borough.”

Anglia in Bloom Judge John Crawley said:

“Welwyn Garden City was my home town, so it was great to come back and see how the borough and Hatfield have developed and improved. My fellow judges Ian Chatters, Robin Bletsoe and I really enjoyed seeing the wonderful sustainable planting in White Lion Square and Market Place and the Potential to Grow Community Garden. Thank you to all of the team at Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council for looking after us during our visit to Hatfield.”

The results of the 2026 Anglia in Bloom competition will be revealed at an awards ceremony on 24 September.

Find out more about the locations and green spaces mentioned on our Discover Welwyn Hatfield webpage.