For four weeks next year, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London will welcome visitors to its 23rd annual Orchid Festival which will be Thai-inspired for the first time.
Due to run from 10th February until 11th March in The Princess of Wales Conservatory, the festival will celebrate ‘tranquillity, culture and heritage’, with a big nod to Thailand’s 1,100 species of orchids.
What will you see at the festival?
On arrival, visitors will be welcomed by colourful floral displays at both entrances to the tropical glasshouse. A bright tunnel bedecked with orchid flowers of all colours and three arches covered with hanging orchid bouquets and handcrafted floating Thai umbrellas will lead to a Bang Pa-In inspired orchid palace.
There will also be a recreated rice paddy alongside the floral displays, with a special Thai cart on loan from Thailand’s embassy in London.
As well as the flower displays, Kew will put on a programme of evening events, with traditional dance performances, Thai cooking tips, Kew orchid expert talks, cocktail making and spa treatments. Visitors will also be able to try different flavours of Thai cuisine.
Nick Johnson, public glasshouse manager, RBG Kew said: “I’m so excited to be creating this year’s Thai inspired Orchids festival which I think is going to be rare and beautiful. It will immerse visitors in the sights, senses and sounds of Thailand’s tranquil and unique culture, creating an explosion of colourful beauty.
“We hope this journey will highlight the significance of plants in all walks of life, from the traditional and spiritual to the cultural and religious, all the while showing the importance of plant diversity and Kew’s work to protect, conserve and study plants.”
Group visiting information
Entrance to the Orchid Festival will be free and included in the daily entrance ticket. Groups visiting Kew can take advantage of discounted rates for parties of 15 or more, plus book private guided walking tours of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For further information group travel organisers should visit www.kew.org
(Photo credit: RBG Kew).
