Staffordshire's Best Kept Village and Community Competition 2024 now open!

Staffordshire's Best Kept Village and Community Competition 2024 now open!

STAFFORDSHIRE'S Best Kept Village and Community Competition is now open for 2024 and is once again being sponsored by Richard Winterton Auctioneers.

The competition, which comes under the umbrella of the Community Foundation, celebrates the charm and vibrancy of Staffordshire's villages and communities and to help during the cost-of-living crisis the event will be free to enter this year.

There has already been an increase in interest from communities across the county eager to showcase their unique character and community spirit.

While the competition has historically celebrated the aesthetic charm of Staffordshire's villages, the judges in 2024 want entrants to showcase their community spirit, with community cohesion and unity now accounting for 25 per cent of overall marks.

"The Best Kept Village and Community Competition is a fantastic platform for communities to come together and highlight what makes them truly special," said Jo Cooper, the Community Foundation’s BKVC Manager.

"We've witnessed a remarkable surge in interest this year with people keen to showcase the enthusiasm of Staffordshire's diverse communities."

Gnosall won the BKVC 2023 Large Village Community Award. Members of the community are pictured with county sponsor Richard Winterton and Jo Cooper, BKVC manager at the Community Foundation.

Thanks to increased sponsorship, the Community Foundation has been able to waive the entry fee for any Staffordshire or Stoke-on-Trent based community or village wishing to enter.

Jo added: "By waiving the entry fee for 2024, we hope to make the competition more accessible and inclusive and encourage people to enter that wouldn’t normally consider it.

“The competition promises to be an inspiring celebration of Staffordshire’s rich tapestry of communities, all keen to make sure that their community is crowned Staffordshire’s Best.

"We want more people than ever to join the journey, showcase their neighbourhood spirit and be part of this year’s unforgettable competition”.

There are multiple categories including large village and small village, sustainable and green awards plus competitions for children to celebrate their writing and art skills.

The deadline for free entry is March 31 and communities interested in participating can find more information and entry guidelines on the official BKVC website.

Pictured at top of page: BKVC 2023 triple winners Edingale with Richard Winterton and Jo Cooper, BKVC Manager at the Community Foundation.