A display, celebrating Birmingham’s status as a Proud Host City for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, has earned the city council its tenth consecutive Gold Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show.
Flowers grown at the council’s own nurseries and features linked to the Birmingham 2022 sporting competition and venues made up the eye-catching display, which has an interpretation of the official Games logo as its centerpiece.
After its appearance at Chelsea, the display will be reproduced in the grounds of Birmingham Cathedral between July and September, adding yet another dash of colour to the city during what will a memorable summer of celebrations.
Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Congratulations to everyone from our parks and nurseries team – they have done a fantastic job of promoting the city and our status as Proud Host City for the Commonwealth Games with their bold and brilliant entry.
“This amazing floral display perfectly combines some of our most iconic landmarks and the various sports that will be contested at venues across Birmingham and the West Midlands during what will be an unforgettable summer.”
During press day for the show (May 23), the council hosted visits by Team England athletes, who expressed their appreciation for the artistic skills behind the display.
Diver Tonia Couch said: “My favourite part of the display has got to be the diving! The diving board with the water coming out is absolutely beautiful.”
Race walker Tom Bosworth added: “It’s absolutely incredible. To learn all about it and see all the little pointers to the different sports is just absolutely amazing and to know there is 3,000 flowers in it is just remarkable..”
A total of 6,500 athletes and officials from 72 nations and territories are set to come to Birmingham for the Games, which run from July 28-August 8.
Participants will be competing in 280 events covering 19 sports and 8 para sports over 11 days, with an estimated global television audience of 1.5 billion viewers set to watch the action unfold at venues across Birmingham and beyond.
1. Birmingham City Council’s Gold Medal Garden at Chelsea Flower Show 2022
2. Joanna Lumley drops by to admire Birmingham City Council’s golden display at Chelsea Flower Show 2022
3. Batting ahead to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham at Chelsea Flower Show display
4. Watching the time at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games display at Chelsea Flower Show