High standard of winning entries in Derry Floral Competition praised

The Mayor Councillor Ruairí McHugh who hosted the annual City Centre Initiative Floral Competition and sponsor, Ian Peilow.from Altnagelvin Garden and Pet Centre pictured with prizewinners and guests following the presentations in the Guildhall. (Photos: Martin McKeown)

Derry has been bursting with colour this summer thanks to the 2025 Floral Competition - and now the winners have been revealed.

Organised by City Centre Initiative, the annual contest saw businesses, residents, and community groups transform streets and gardens with creative, eye-catching displays.

City Centre Initiative Chief Executive, Jim Roddy, praised the high standard of entries: “This competition celebrates the best of summer in Derry. Our city centre is looking more welcoming than ever thanks to the teamwork between traders, residents, and the council’s grounds staff. The judges had a tough job this year - the quality was outstanding.

I know some entrants will be disappointed not to have made the top three, but the standard this year was exceptional, making the judges’ job a difficult one. The real win is the pride everyone has shown in their properties and in our city. Congratulations to our winners, and a special thank you to Altnagelvin Garden Centre for their ongoing support of the competition."

IN PICTURES: Winners of Derry Floral Competition revealed

Residential:- Gold - J.&M. Nelis; Silver - M. Gorman; Bronze - M. Chambers

City Centre Business:- Gold - The Cottage Café, Craft Village; Silver - The Sacred Tree, Craft Village; Bronze - Garden of Reflection, Bishop Street

Large Garden:- Gold - St Augustine’s Church; Silver - St Eugene’s Cathedral.

Jim and Maureen Nelis received a Special Recognition Award for their outstanding success in the Floral Competition - having won the Gold Award five times - and in appreciation of their ongoing contributions to their neighbourhood.

For further details on the City Centre Initiative Floral Competition and their other initiatives, visit www.cciderry.com or visit the CCI Facebook or Instagram pages.