Press Release
Kew prepares a feast of events for the year ahead
Every season is a different experience
at Kew Gardens and the year-round programme of special festivals enhances
the atmosphere for each visit.
The glasshouses of Kew provide protected environments in which plants
from around the world can be explored in their natural surroundings even
in the coldest and wettest weather. Visitors can join Kew’s volunteer
guides and tour the world without leaving London.
In Search of Paradise 15 February - 16 March 2003
In association with Swan Hellenic Discovery Cruises
Of all the plants which fired the imagination of Victoria society, perhaps
the most exciting and dramatic were the orchids. Alongside the allure
of the exotic, sensuous flowers were the daring tales of botanical expeditions
which went with them.
In Search of Paradise, Kew’s ninth orchid festival is inspired by
the adventurous world of the Victorian plant hunters. The Princess of
Wales Conservatory becomes a steamy orchid paradise. Half a million flowers
embellish every space, hanging from trees, grouped around rock pools,
brilliant amid the tropical foliage. A new exhibition in White Peaks,
Kew’s contemporary exhibition space, brings to life the journeys
of the orchid hunters and links it to the story of orchid cultivation
and conservation today.
This year’s festival features three Orchid Evenings (on 19, 26 February
and 5 March. Tickets are £15 and can be booked on 0870 1600 539).
For the first time, visitors to the evenings will be able to dine afterwards
in the elegantly refurbished Orangery restaurant.
The Crocus Carpet February 2003
In February Kew’s magnificent crocus carpet floods across the lawns
in a glorious spring tide of purple and white. The stunning display, enhanced
by a further 3/4 million crocuses for 2003, is a major attraction and
an early signal of spring for countless visitors. The carpet, sponsored
by Readers Digest, was planted in 1988.
Spring to Life at Kew 29 March - 11 May 2003
Spring at Kew brings three months of flowering splendour, including special
events for Easter and May Day Bank Holiday weekend.
Easter Bank Holiday 12 - 27 April 2003
Kew is the perfect setting for family outings during the Easter break
with an Easter egg hunt around the Gardens and a lively programme of family
events. The dramatic display of daffodils along the Broad Walk reaches
its flowering splendour.
Bluebell time at Kew: Woodland Wonders 3 - 5 May 2003
May Day Bank Holiday weekend at Kew centres around the sensational bluebells
which bloom in the woodland. Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, the beautiful
18th century folly built for one of Kew’s Royal ladies, is the setting
for the bluebell display and annual woodland events. Traditional woodland
skills including woodworking, basket and broom-making, coracle-making,
willow weaving and charcoal burning will be demonstrated by skilled craftspeople.
Go Wild 24 May - 28 September 2003
Go Wild, Kew’s summer festival for 2003, focuses on the splendour
of Britain’s varied native wildlife. Go Wild highlights the species
of British trees, plants, mammals, birds and invertebrates which can be
found in the Gardens, and explores the diversity of wildlife habitats
across the UK. As well as focussing on wild plants and animals, Go Wild
also looks at sustainable practices in traditional agricultural and land
management.
Visitors can discover their little bit of local countryside, climb into
the canopy of a magnificent oak tree, explore the tracks of small mammals
living in the wilder areas of Kew, or listen to the rustling of a wheat
field. Go Wild demonstrates the interdependence of plants, animals and
humans upon one another, and shows the irreplaceable beauty of Britain’s
unique wildlife. Through special features, exhibitions and art installations,
Go Wild shows the conservation message at the heart of Kew’s work.
Autumn at Kew 11 October - 2 November 2003
Kew’s majestic trees come into their own in October when the leaves
change to vivid hues of oranges, reds and yellows. Around the gardens,
autumnal fruits and fungi abound, and the season is complemented by colourful
displays of harvest produce, identification sessions and autumn walks.
Christmas at Kew 27 November 2003 – 4 January 2004
In wintertime, Kew Gardens is transformed into a magical landscape of
glittering lights and festive decorations. Seasonal musical sounds foster
Christmas spirits and create an atmospheric setting for invigorating walks
to discover delicate winter flowers and scented plants. Evening openings
provide a wonderful alternative to high street Christmas shopping chaos
and a carol evening in front of the illuminated Palm House provides an
extra special festive treat.
Kew Gardens is just 25 minutes from Charing Cross by District line tube
and 20 minutes by overland train from Waterloo. Free parking is available
on Kew Road and Kew Green after 10am. Kew Gardens is open daily from 9.30am.
Closing times vary with each season. For details about visiting Kew phone
020 8332 5655 or check out Kew’s website at www.kew.org.
Entry is £6.50 for adults, £4.50 concessions, children 16
and under- free. Please note that prices will change in January 2003.
Check visitor information line (020 8332 5655) or website for details.
For further information and images please contact Hannah Rogers or Claire
Hyde at Kew Press Office: tel 020 8322 5607/5619 (please note: not for
publication).
For further Press information please contact:
|
Kew: Public Relations Tel: +44 (0)20 8332 5607/5619 |
Wakehurst Place: Public Relations Tel: +44 (0)1444 894018 |
