Bromyard's backwards D project is up for Civic Trust award

Destination Bromyard, described by the team behind it as an "innovative project highlighting the visitor experience, local artwork and history of Bromyard", has been honoured as a regional finalist in the prestigious Civic Trust Awards 2024.

The project uses public art, events, place marketing and more to "enhance Bromyard's town centre and visitor experience", a spokesperson said, with branding and street art inspired by the town's history.

The historic Bromyard bushel (Image: Destination Bromyard)

Some of the artwork includes a giant bee buzzing around bright yellow gorse flower and a mural which was a collaborative project with students from the Queen Elizabeth High School highlighting language inspired by the reverse Ds found on the ancient Bromyard bushel relic in St Peter's Church.

The infamous backwards D saw Bromyard feature in national newspapers, with the story also picked up by Jeremy Vine. It was later dropped from primary branding.

ALSO READ:

• Five stunning Herefordshire buildings named on Historic England at risk list
• Herefordshire hits back over closure rumours
• Inside Bulmers: how world-famous Hereford cider is made

On top of this were "innovative" new and replacement wayfinding signs and posts, costing more than £40,000, which include the many walks around the area and the Herefordshire Trail.

One of the new signs in Bromyard (Image: Destination Bromyard)

It also includes a busy market returning to the traditional market square.

The project was selected from over 300 after judges visited the town, where they were welcomed by the Mayor of Bromyard, Councillor Dr Dee Dunne Thomas.

Coun Dunne Thomas said she was delighted that Bromyard has been recognised in this way. 

This mural in an alley beside one of Bromyard's pubs is among the art installations (Image: Destination Bromyard)

“I am thrilled the judges have been to visit and seen for themselves what Bromyard is all about and very proud that the Destination Bromyard Project is now a finalist," she said.

What are your thoughts?

You can send a letter to the editor to have your say by clicking here.

Letters should not exceed 250 words and local issues take precedence.

"As an early adopter of the town branding and a frequent visitor to the Sunday monthly market, this project has given our town a boost and deserves the recognition.”

As a regional finalist, Destination Bromyard will now be considered by the national judging panel for the Civic Trust Awards. The project has the opportunity to be recognised nationally and internationally as one of the 2024 award winners or receive a highly commended status.

The final results will be announced in January.