Your guide to London in bloom this May: from Chelsea to Belgravia
As the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show returns to the city this week, an array of floral celebrations will take place across London, perfectly timed to coincide with this iconic event and the 200th anniversary of the National Gallery. Here is our guide to London’s floral festivals to visit this week.
Chelsea in Bloom
King Kong Chelsea in Bloom 2023. Photo by MTotoe.
#FLODown: Chelsea in Bloom will transform Chelsea's streets with vibrant floral displays. The event, organised by Cadogan in collaboration with the Royal Horticultural Society, features retailers, restaurants, and hotels competing with creative floral designs. This year's theme, 'Floral Feasts', celebrates Chelsea's botanical heritage and culinary culture, drawing inspiration from food-related themes in various media. Winners are chosen by expert judges, with the public voting for the People's Champion Award.
Date: 20 -26 May 2024. Location: Chelsea. Website: chelseainbloom.co.uk.
Belgravia in Bloom
Neill Strain Belgravia in Bloom 2023. Photo by MTotoe.
#FLODown: The Belgravia in Bloom festival returns for its ninth year, celebrating with the theme 'Floral Fun and Games,' inspired by the excitement of summer sports. This year's festival will feature vibrant floral displays and interactive experiences throughout the neighbourhood.
Date: 20 – 27 May 2024. Location: Belgravia. Website: belgravialdn.com.
Sketch in Bloom
In The Glade, JamJar Flowers have created an installation, inspired by the drama of light, colour and movement in JMW Turner’s masterpiece Ulysses Deriding Polyphemus. Photo by Mark Cocksedge.
#FLODown: Sketch in Bloom celebrates the National Gallery's 200th anniversary with a floral takeover of the renowned London restaurant. The Grade ll*-listed features installations inspired by iconic artists like Alfred Sisley and JMW Turner. Floral artists Rebel Rebel, Lucy Vail Floristry, JamJar Flowers, and Yan Skates offer playful interpretations of famous paintings, inviting visitors to become part of the gallery's rich cultural legacy.
Date: 1 – 27 May 2024. Location: Sketch London, 9 Conduit Street, London, W1S 2XG. Click here for more.