Melksham has taken the top spot in the Town Centre category at the South West in Bloom Main Competition Awards 2026, beating fellow Wiltshire entrant Chippenham.
The award is fantastic recognition of the work taking place across Melksham town centre, bringing together planting and environmental improvements with community involvement and investment.
The 2026 awards were presented on Friday 23 October at the Atlantic Hotel in Newquay. South West in Bloom is part of the wider Britain in Bloom campaign and encourages communities across the region to improve their local environment through planting, landscaping, conservation and recycling projects.
Melksham’s 2026 Town Centre entry showcased the work of the Melksham Bloomers, volunteers, local businesses, and the wider community, with support from Melksham Town Council staff and councillors, in making the town an attractive and welcoming place.
Highlighted improvements included new tree planters throughout the town and hanging baskets purchased by local businesses and watered by the Town Team.
The entry also featured sustainability and biodiversity. Planting at the town centre roundabout provides year-round colour, with sustainable summer and seasonal planting designed to support pollinators and biodiversity. To reduce waste and extend its benefit, the Town Team relocates summer planting to other areas of Melksham in the autumn.
Mayor of Melksham, Councillor Saffi Rabey, said
“I’m absolutely delighted that Melksham has been named South West in Bloom’s Best Town Centre for 2026. This recognition belongs to the whole community.
We have so many people who care deeply about our town, from Council staff and volunteers to local businesses, community groups and residents, and this award reflects the pride they take in making Melksham look its best.
While the flowers and displays certainly help brighten our town centre, it’s the community spirit behind them that really stands out. Thank you to everyone who has contributed throughout the year. This is something we can all be proud of, and it shows what can be achieved when people come together for the good of the town.”