Houghton Regis is celebrating after being named Anglia in Bloom Bedfordshire Champion 2026, becoming the first community ever to receive the new county title.

The award places Houghton Regis at the top of all Bedfordshire Anglia in Bloom entries and recognises the town's commitment to horticultural excellence, environmental improvement, biodiversity and community engagement.

The Bedfordshire Champion title formed part of the newly introduced Anglia in Bloom County Championships, a major new award recognising the highest-performing community in each of the six counties across the Anglia region.

The Bedfordshire Champion title capped a remarkable day for Houghton Regis, which secured wins across several categories.

Houghton Regis in Bloom was founded in 2024, and this is only its third time taking part in Anglia in Bloom

placeholder image — Houghton Regis in Bloom was founded in 2024, and this is only its third time taking part in Anglia in Bloom

Best Cemetery

Houghton Regis Cemetery was crowned Best Cemetery 2026, winning the overall trophy in a highly competitive category featuring entries from across the region. The award recognises the cemetery's horticultural standards, maintenance, biodiversity and importance as a place of remembrance.

Best Grow Your Own Project

The town's popular Kitchen Garden project in Houghton Hall Park won the regional award for Best Grow Your Own Project, celebrating the value of community food growing, education and healthy living.

The town won the 1st Gold Award, in the Large Town category

Special Centenary Award

Houghton Regis also topped a unique special category marking 100 Years Since the First Publication of Winnie the Pooh, with its imaginative and engaging 100 Aker Wood project receiving the judges' highest vote.

Gold Award in the Large Town Category

In addition to its category victories, Houghton Regis achieved its first-ever Gold Award in the highly competitive Large Town category, competing alongside some of the region's strongest Bloom entries.

Judges highlighted the town's rapid growth and praised the attention given to horticulture, wildlife and environmental quality.

The awards reflect year-round efforts across Houghton Regis with judges recognising projects ranging from community growing spaces and biodiversity initiatives to public open spaces, volunteer-led improvements and horticultural displays.

The town also featured strongly in other special award categories, with nominations recognising initiatives such as the Never Ending Dead Hedge wildlife project, the Art Project, All Saints View and Bedford Square.

Together, these projects demonstrate the breadth of environmental and community activity taking place throughout the town and the contribution made by residents, volunteers, schools, community organisations and the town council.

Judges also highlighted the town's rapid growth and praised attention being given to horticulture, wildlife and environmental quality as the community continues to develop.

The awards reflected year-round efforts taking place across Houghton Regis.

Councillor David Jones, chairman of Houghton Regis Town Council, said: “This is an outstanding achievement for Houghton Regis and reflects the commitment of everyone who works so hard to improve our town. To become the first Bedfordshire Champion is something the whole community can be proud of."

Ian Haynes, head of environmental & community services, added: “These awards belong to our volunteers, community groups, residents, businesses, councillors and staff. From the Kitchen Garden and Cemetery to our wildlife projects and public green spaces, this success reflects a shared ambition to make Houghton Regis a greener, healthier and more welcoming place for everyone.”