GREEN-fingered Winsford residents should get planning their hanging baskets for a chance to win a unique piece of the town's civic heritage.

Winsford Town Council’s Conoration Cup will be awarded once again this year to the winner of the town’s newly revived annual hanging basket competition, which organisers promises will be ‘a celebration of creativity and colour’.

The Coronation Cup was awarded last year after a 70-year break, to celebrate King Charles III’s coronation.

As far as we know, the last time it was awarded previosuly was in 1953, the year the king’s mother, Queen Elizabeth, took to the throne.

Northwich Guardian: Hanging basket competition 2023 winner, Jennifer BirkettHanging basket competition 2023 winner, Jennifer Birkett (Image: Winsford Town Council)

Residents, care homes, churches, businesses and schools are all invited to take part in the competition to decide which is the best hanging basket, or group of baskets, displayed at a Winsford address.

Judges will assess entries based on creativity, overall aesthetic, and horticultural skill, and the top three will be announced at the Over Allotments Open Day on Saturday, July 27.

Northwich Guardian: Another of Winsford's hanging basket competition winners in 2023, Frances JohnsonAnother of Winsford's hanging basket competition winners in 2023, Frances Johnson (Image: Winsford Town Council)

Winsford town mayor, Cllr Ernie Welch, said: “The hanging basket competition is a great community event for Winsford.

“All sorts of different people participate and display their talent and expertise in horticulture.

“The competition is great as it allows for people who may struggle to get out and about to take part, as their baskets will be on display at their own homes.  

“I’m sure we’ll have many different baskets to choose between. It's going to be a fine display the great local talent we have right on our own doorstep.”

Prizes will be awarded to three winners, and the overall winner will receive the Coronation Cup.

Residents who want to enter the competition should register on the town council’s website. Deadline for all entries Friday, July 12, at 17:00.

For more information on how to participate, please email the town council, or call them on 01606 593582.

Cllr Wayne Fletcher, chairman of the town council’s events working group, said: “In the second year since the competition was revived, it will be great to see what the residents of Winsford can furnish us with.

“I truly can’t wait to see the town in full bloom once again.”