The Community Foundation’s Best Kept Village and Community Competition is now open for 2024 and is being sponsored by famous TV auctioneer Richard Winterton. The competition will celebrate 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% 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.”
In an exciting development, 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 Cooper said, “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 villages and small villages. There are sustainable and green awards plus for children competitions to celebrate their writing and art skills.
The deadline for free entry is 31st March 2024 and communities interested in participating can find more information and entry guidelines on the official website at www.bestkept.community.
