Kew Gardens‘ Stunning Orchid Festival Is Back In Town

Kew‘s Orchid Festival is lean, green, with every colour you’ve ever seen.

Although London’s festival season is a while off, Kew Gardens has stepped in early with a festival of their own. Prettier than All Points East, more fragrant than Field Day, Kew’s annual Orchid Festival is currently bringing even more colour to an already colourful slice of London, as it’s at Kew Gardens right now – and in fact, it’s proved so popular that they’ve extended the festival’s run until March 15th. Just take a peek at these beauties!

As in previous years, the 2020 Orchid Festival takes inspiration from overseas. Previous displays paid homage to countries including Brazil, India, Thailand and last year, Colombia. This year, Indonesia gets the Kew Gardens treatment — which is rather apt, given that it’s one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, boasting over 4000 species of orchids alone. The eye-catching plants will fill every corner of the Princess of Wales Conservatory. [See more things to do in London in February]

The Indonesian theme includes a “an entrancing paradise evoking some of the sights, smells and sounds of Indonesia”, including an erupting volcano made with orchids and other tropical flowers, as well as eye-catching depictions of orangutangs, a crouching tiger, and many other life-sized animals.

Adding to the atmosphere are Indonesian smells (read: street food) and sounds, as traditional music fills the conservatory. There’ll also be a series of engaging talks from Kew’s orchid experts.

Kew’s popular After Hours programme has also been extended to the Orchid Festival, with evening viewings available (they went rapidly last year though, so you’ll need to be quick). It’s set to be a delight for the senses whenever you head along – and remember, what’s good for the ‘gram is good for the soul!

The Orchid Festival runs from Saturday 8th February until Sunday 15th March. Kew Gardens can be found in Richmond, TW9 3AB, and the nearest station is Kew Gardens. Tickets are available here. 

Planning a trip to Kew Gardens? Here’s our guide to what you need to see!

Featured image: @berneeberry

Also published on Medium.