Even the weather seemed to be backing Holbeach when the East Midlands in Bloom judges came to town.
And they were also serenaded by the town’s own Pavanotti who gave a free concert during last Thursday morning.
The operatic performer was outside the Aurora cafe to entertain visitors and residents alike.
It will be at least a month before the results of the In Bloom competition are known but it is hoped a gold medal to match last year’s is on the way.
Holbeach In Bloom chairman Graham Rudkin said he thought the judges, who gave nothing away, were quietly impressed with the town’s displays.
“I think Holbeach churchyard made them say ‘wow’ and they spent a long time at Boston Road School,” said Mr Rudkin.
He added that the party even took the time to stop and take a picture or two of Pavanotti.
“The committee has worked really hard to make the town nice for everyone.
“Tesco had a team out on Tuesday sweeping the pavements and we had permission from Lincolnshire County Council to paint the railings and the street furniture,” he said.
But the committee is in need of extra help as Mr Rudkin said some members were now in their 80s.
“It would be nice to have some more young people involved. There is a lot of hard work and many hours, but it is worth it,” he said.
The results will be known in September as will the town’s position in the Council for the Protection of Rural England’s competition. It won the best kept town in the county accolade last year.
In the meantime, judges from the Holbeach committee will be casting a critical eye over entries into this year’s Best Garden Competition.
Run in conjunction with The Voice, entries closed at the end of June for residents in and around Holbeach.
The judging team of Terry and Jill Harrington are deliberating and visiting during this month.
There are prizes of £50, £30 and £20 with £25 for the best community effort.
Long Sutton also welcomed judges from East Midlands in Bloom on Thursday.
With 30 volunteers and more than 50 traders all taking part, the blooms were at their best.
“Our team has worked so hard this year and we are pleased with how everything is looking. The visit went well and the judges were interested and complimentary, but we have to wait until early September for the result,” said Long Sutton in Bloom committee member Kay Jenkinson.
The judging team of John Constable and Peter Benham were shown the colourful town by Kay and Marion Rowlands.
“Highlights were seeing the gardens and meeting the children at the primary school; admiring the centuries old trees in The Shrubberies Nature Reserve and talking to local, private garden owners,” said Kay.
Last year the town was awarded a Silver Gilt – missing Gold by just one mark.
