Notice: Guildford in Bloom’s Free Blooming Picnic, Castle Grounds, Saturday, June 3

Published on: 30 Apr, 2023
Updated on: 30 Apr, 2023

Guildford in Bloom’s free Blooming Picnic is back in the Castle Grounds on June 3, from noon to 4pm.

Guildford in Bloom’s Blooming Picnic 2022. Music, family, a picnic and bowling. What more could you want?

Guildford in Bloom says it wants people to come with friends and family, bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon’s entertainment from the bandstand organised by Guildford Fringe Festival.

It event is being sponsored by the Guildford Fringe Festival, Experience Guildford and Tunsgate Quarter.

A spokesperson said: “Without their generous support, and the support of the premium sponsors; Chapters Financial Ltd and Unigold 2000 Ltd, as well as the University of Surrey, Guildford Financial and Guildford Pubwatch, the event could not happen.”

As well as live music, there will be bowling on the green with the Castle Green Bowling Club as it celebrate its centenary.

Guildford in Bloom’s Blooming Picnic 2022. The good weather helps as well.

There will also be a Pimms tent, a Gin tent with Silent Pool gin, cocktails from Fallen Angel and lots of stalls with activities for the children.

Guildford in Bloom will be joined by The Fountain Centre, Canterbury Care Centre, halow Project, Headway Surrey, Surrey Wildlife Trust, BBC Surrey, Experience Guildford, Guildford Twinning Association, Guildford Beekeepers Association and Guildford Pranksters.

And of course facepainting for the children and lots of games.

The event takes place three weeks before the deadline to enter Guildford in Bloom 2023. On its stand visitors can find out about this year’s theme, For King and Countryside, and ways to create pollinator pit stops in your garden.

Bring chairs and picnic rugs but no tables or gazebos. Well behaved dogs are welcome, but owners need to be aware that it gets crowded and loud.

Paul Spooner, chair of Guildford in Bloom.

Guildford in Bloom chair, Paul Spooner said: “Blooming Picnic is a highlight of the Guildford calendar – it’s a super afternoon with lots of families enjoying a free afternoon.

“From our perspective, it’s a good opportunity to get our partners together to share the day and our last big opportunity to persuade people, community groups and businesses to enter the competition.

“Its also an opportunity for us to get our valued sponsors together.

“In order to run Blooming Picnic again next year we are currently crowdfunding to ensure it and our competition remain free and happen in 2024 – full details of how you can support us with a pledge can be found on our website.”

Charlotte Wyschna, Guildford Fringe managing director.

Charlotte Wyschna, managing director of Guildford Fringe said: “We are very pleased to be helping organise the picnic once again after setting the event up with Guildford in Bloom all those year ago.

“It has grown into a wonderful event which is always so well attended. A true community event for the people of Guildford. ”

You can find out more information on Blooming Picnic, pledge support to the Guildford in Bloom crowdfunding appeal and to download an entry form for the competition at www.guildfordinbloom.com or follow Guildford in Bloom on social media for updates.

The school competition is also under way and children across the borough will be designing and creating their gardens with the For King and Countryside theme, and keeping a journal, diary or scrapbook to record their progress.

Entries for the Schools in Bloom Competition, sponsored by Edwins Garden Centre, need to be in by May 21 and judging will take place between June 5 to 16. Entry forms for this competition can also be downloaded from www.guildfordinbloom.com