Orchid Festival: Inside Kew Gardens' Yearly Themed Extravaganza

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 is stepping in early with a festival of their own. Prettier than Field Day, more fragrant than All Points East, Kew’s annual Orchid Festival will bring even more colour to an already colourful slice of London when it arrives on February 9th. Just take a peek at these beauties!

As in previous years, the 2019 Orchid Festival takes inspiration from overseas. Previous displays paid homage to countries including Brazil, India, and last year, Thailand. This year, Colombia gets the Kew Gardens treatment – which is rather apt, given that it’s one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, boasting 4270 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 Colombian theme includes a “carnival of animals” made of orchids, including eye-catching depictions of toucans, sloths, turtles, and life-sized jaguars. The festival will also bring to life Colombian landmarks, including its rainforests and the stunning ‘rainbow river’ of Caño Cristales – along with a golden display meant to evoke the mythical El Dorado.

Adding to the atmosphere are Colombian smells (read: street food) and sounds, as carnival music fills the conservatory. You’ll also spot colourful street art murals designed by Colombian artist Vanessa Moncayo Gonzalez on your wander, and even the Colombian embassy have had a hand in festival prep. Really, the only Colombian thing missing from the experience is Shakira.

Kew’s popular After Hours programme has also been extended to the Orchid Festival, with evening viewings available to book now (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 9th February until Sunday 10th March. Kew Gardens can be found in Richmond, TW9 3AB, and the nearest station is Kew Gardens.