Since it started back in 1963, Britain in Bloom has grown into the largest horticultural campaign in Europe. Every year, hundreds of communities are involved, from tiny rural villages to the largest cities, all bringing a great deal of horticultural skill and huge enthusiasm to one common aim: to regenerate local environments, both locally and nationally by the imaginative planting of trees and shrubs, flowers and landscaping and by dealing with local environmental issues, such as litter, graffiti and vandalism.

The first stage of judging is the local competition. Entries are received by Local Authorities, Town or Parish Councils or by voluntary local 'Bloom' Committees depending upon the area. Judging of the first stage takes place in June/July and winners announced during local presentations between August and November. Barlborough Parish Council has entered Barlborough into the Largest Village category for the East Midlands region over the last 4 years. In 2003 and 2004 Barlborough was awarded 2nd Best Large Village, The David Hakes Award for the Most Improved Village and a Special Judges Award for Park View Gardens Sheltered Housing, the Resource Centre and garden.