City Centre Initiative unveils winners of 2024 Floral Competition

The City Centre Initiative has revealed the winners of this year's Floral Competition, a vibrant event that has infused our city’s core with a burst of colour and vitality.

Designed to celebrate the beauty of nature while enhancing our urban landscape, the competition showcased a stunning variety of creative and inspiring floral displays and garden.

After a meticulous review by the judging panel, the winners of the City Centre Initiative Floral Competition have been chosen.

The competition saw participation from retailers to passionate community members, all demonstrating exceptional dedication and green-thumbed talent.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian-Seenoi Barr remarked: "I am proud to witness the creativity and dedication our community has exhibited through this competition. City Centre Initiative's commitment to fostering a lively urban environment is evident in the captivating floral boxes and gardens that can be seen in our city."

Jim Roddy, Chief Executive of City Centre Initiative, congratulated the winners and expressed gratitude to all participants who have kept the city centre and surrounding areas bright and colourful throughout the summer. This competition celebrates our summer season and highlights the efforts of city centre businesses, community groups, and residents who have invested so much into their gardens and floral displays.

“This event showcases the teamwork within our city, with traders, residents, and the council’s ground maintenance teams collaborating to make the city centre attractive and welcoming for both locals and visitors. I understand some may be disappointed not to have made the final three, but the judges faced a challenging task given the high standard of entries.

“What truly makes everyone a winner is the pride shown not only in their own properties but also in our city as a whole. Congratulations to our winners, and special thanks to Altnagelvin Garden Centre for their continued support of the competition.”

The winners are as follows:

Large Garden - GOLD – St Eugene’s Cathedral, Francis Street; SILVER – St Augustine’s Church, Palace Street; BRONZE – Everglades Hotel, Prehen Road

City Centre Business - GOLD – The Sacred Tree, The Craft Village; SILVER – Inner City Trust, Shipquay Street; BRONZE – Translink Bus Depot, Foyle Street

Residential Gardens - GOLD – J&M Nelis, Abercorn Terrace; SILVER – D&S Walker, Sheskin Gardens; BRONZE – S Kennedy, Knightsbridge