Britain's cemeteries are becoming increasingly unconventional, with unique headstone designs inspired by the lives of those interred now being recognized at the annual 'Cemetery of the Year' awards. Masons are crafting custom memorials that move beyond traditional gravestones to include representations of hobbies and passions.

Joseph Richmond & Son Memorials, a firm based in Newcastle, has created stone tributes including a double-decker bus, a motorbike, elephants, and even life-sized DJ decks. Joe Richmond of the family firm explained that one family commissioned a double-decker bus memorial for a relative who frequently traveled a specific bus route. Another distinctive tribute was a twin DJ decks design for Jamie 'Roy' Grierson, a DJ and producer who passed away in 2022 at the age of 33. Grierson had gained recognition in Glasgow clubs before performing internationally, including at venues in Ibiza.

The company has received recognition for its innovative headstones, earning silver and bronze awards from the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM).

A twin DJ decks design was made for Jamie 'Roy' Grierson, who made his name in clubs in Glasgow before performing at venues around the world An animal lover is remembered with a beautiful elephant design tombstone This quirky gravestone includes a guitar design Pictured: a model of Sydney Harbour Bridge on one headstone A football lover is remembered in style with a gravestone of a Newcastle FC shirt

The 'Cemetery of the Year' awards aim to highlight the achievements of burial grounds and encourage high standards in maintenance and relevance to the bereaved. Awards spokesperson Janet Walker emphasized that cemeteries are often underappreciated public spaces that can serve as 'green oases' in urban environments.

Finalists for the prestigious 'Best Large Burial Ground' category included Canterbury City Council, Fallings Heath Cemetery in Sandwell, and Thornhill Cemetery in Cardiff, the latter having secured multiple awards in previous years. Canterbury City Council was also recognized as the Best New Entry in the Large Burial Ground category.

The competition, co-hosted by BRAMM, evaluates burial grounds across three size categories based on 50 different criteria. These criteria encompass aspects such as weather management, water supply, opening hours, measures against anti-social behavior, and the types of memorials permitted. Winners are slated to be announced on September 29 at the annual conference of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management.