Marlborough Town Council is launching a festival of flowers as part of the celebrations to mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – and it is calling on every resident to take part in showing off the town, even if it means just cleaning their windows.

The council is aiming to turn the town into a huge display of thousands of flowers and is tying-in the event with the time when judges from the Royal Horticultural Society will be in Marlborough to judge for the South West In Bloom competition.

A council spokesman said: “Any gardeners among will know that this is a very busy time of year to plan and plant for the summer, so we’re taking the opportunity to let residents know about the festival. It will form part of the town’s Platinum Jubilee activities throughout the year and it will keep the Jubilee theme going beyond the June bank holiday.”

He added: “The festival of flowers will take place in July to tie in with the month when the judges for the South West in Bloom competition would traditionally pay us a visit with their clipboards. We’re inviting everyone to get involved in activities to festoon Marlborough with flowers during July 2022.

“How you choose to get involved is up to you: residents, businesses, pubs, community groups and schools are all invited. There are no rules: the only limit is your imagination and creativity and what you do may include, but not be limited to: front gardens, window boxes, hanging baskets, window displays, a royal or jubilee theme is optional.

“Whatever you decide to do, please let us know: send us a photo, or ask us to come and take one. It would be perfect if your creation could be easily seen from the street so people can come and admire your work.

“If this is the case, for example a front garden, then let us know and we’ll create a walking trail map so that we can all take a stroll to admire each other’s efforts. If not, a photo for our online gallery will be great too.

“Remember that simple things like litter-picking your street or cleaning windows will add to the overall effect.

“We will create a lasting gallery of photos of the displays and creations and publish them on our website and social media. The festival is just for fun, so no rules, judging or prizes. We really hope everyone will join us to make Marlborough beautiful with flowers this year. Start planning and, more importantly, start planting.”