2024 at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Release date: 7 December 2024
Throughout the year ahead at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, at both Kew Gardens in London and at Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, visitors can enjoy a range of exciting new festivals, exhibitions, and stunning horticultural highlights.
Returning favourites include the much-loved annual Orchid festival, Christmas at Kew and Glow Wild, as well as a celebration of spring with Kew’s new Blossom Festival.
Kew’s Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art hosts acclaimed contemporary artist Mat Collishaw until April and welcomes ceramic artist Felicity Aylieff from October. Across the summer, visitors can also enjoy a spectacular garden and gallery-wide takeover from Marc Quinn, who brings his Light into Life exhibition to Kew Gardens from early May. At Wakehurst, visitors can immerse themselves in innovative art with Meadowland, bringing installations to the incredible Sussex countryside in summer-long celebration of these stunning habitats.
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is dedicated to harnessing the power of plants and fungi to end the extinction crisis and secure a future for all life on Earth. With Kew’s world-leading research, global partnerships, and beloved gardens – home to the world’s most diverse collections of plants and fungi – Kew is using its trusted voice to shape policy and practice worldwide. As a charity Kew relies on the critical support of its visitors, not only to sustain the gardens, but to protect global plant and fungal biodiversity for the benefit of our planet and humanity.
January
Running until 7 April in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art is Petrichor, an evocative experience from acclaimed contemporary artist Mat Collishaw. Showcasing new commissions alongside a plethora of existing works, this critically acclaimed exhibition, rated 5 stars in The Guardian, and recommended by The Sunday Times and Financial Times, draws on an array of evocative imagery from the natural world, exploring how representations of nature in art impact the way we see the world around us. The exhibition includes 2 UK premieres; Alluvion, a series of new AI artworks inspired by Dutch Old Masters, and Even to the End, a video installation created in collaboration with video artists in Ukraine.
Elsewhere at Kew, visitors can enjoy the spectacle of the Temperate House, the world’s largest Victorian glasshouse, and the Palm House, a remarkable indoor rainforest which is home to stunning tropical plants from some of the world’s most threatened environments.
Until 7 April 2024
January 2024 marks the fifth anniversary of the Winter Garden at Wakehurst, a space which has become a seasonal highlight in Sussex. Located on the west side of Wakehurst’s Elizabethan Mansion, the garden draws inspiration from a range of wild winter landscapes – from Himalayan rhododendron glades and the Siberian tundra to the heathland in nearby Ashdown Forest and the spectacular South Downs. From the dramatic white trunks of mature Himalayan silver birch trees to delicate pops of colour from purple cyclamen and white snowdrops to the delicious perfume of witch hazel, the Winter Garden forms a magnificent sensory experience. Visitors can find unexpected colour and life in the depths of winter and enjoy a full spectrum of scents, barks and blooms to brighten the dreariest of days.
Throughout January
February
Returning for 2024 is Kew Gardens’ much-loved Orchid festival. Drawing inspiration from the unique flora and fauna of Madagascar, 2024’s orchid extravaganza will reflect the island’s lush rainforests, tropical dry forests and over 3,000 miles of coastline. One of the most iconic symbols of the island, the Lovers Baobab, will be recreated in a breathtaking display on the waterlily pond, and visitors will also encounter floral sculptures recreating some of Madagascar’s most iconic wildlife, including ring-tailed lemurs, radiated tortoises and the enigmatic aye-aye, the world’s largest nocturnal primate. Visitors will also be able to see a small selection of Madagascan orchids on display as part of the festival, including Angraecum sesquipedale, also known as Darwin’s orchid.
Orchids After Hours will also return on select evenings during the festival.
Saturday 3 February – Sunday 3 March
Every half term and school holiday at Wakehurst, young adventurers have the opportunity to become planet-saving Nature Heroes with a new mission to complete and unique badge to collect. For February half-term, aspiring superheroes can experience life in the slow lane as they learn all about sloths, their rainforest home, and why they need protecting. The bespoke trail, Nature Heroes: Sloth Saver, will also feature handmade sloths designed by artist Fernando Laposse.
To finish off the Nature Hero look, superhero capes are available to purchase from the Visitor Centre – the perfect accessory to show off badges collected throughout the year.
Saturday 10 – Sunday 18 February
Continuing at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art until is a new exhibition celebrating the winners of the inaugural Young Botanical Artist Competition. Created by The Shirley Sherwood Collection in collaboration with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the competition was open exclusively to entrants aged 16-25, and offers a unique opportunity for the next generation of botanical artists to showcase their work in a gallery setting. The competition proved enormously popular around the world, with over 1,000 entries from 77 countries. The final selection of 50 artworks were submitted by artists from 17 countries, including Brazil, India, Japan, Uzbekistan, and Indonesia. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to vote for their favourite artwork and a People’s Choice award will be announced in April.
Until 7 April
March
As spring starts to come to life across Kew Gardens, visitors can immerse themselves in new seasonal event celebrating Spring. Sounds of Blossom will take the form of a self-led trail around the gardens, taking in some of Kew’s most spectacular flowering trees, from magnificent magnolias to charming cherry blossom. Accompanied by a newly commissioned soundtrack, Sounds of Blossom will also feature live musical recitals at weekends and feature a series of talks around the theme of blossom.
Friday 22 March – Sunday 14 April
May
For summer 2024 contemporary artist Marc Quinn will present a major exhibition at Kew Gardens exploring the relationship between people and plants. Building on the artist’s long-standing interest in nature and the human experience,
Marc Quinn: Light into Life will encompass sculptures and installations across the Gardens alongside a dedicated presentation of works from the 1990s until today in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art. Offering moments of reflection and interaction throughout the gardens, the exhibition examines our complex relationship with the natural world and represents one of the largest art projects at Kew to date.
Saturday 4 May – Sunday 29 September 2024
It’s time to stretch muscles and minds as the latest mission for young adventurers at Wakehurst calls upon the mightiest heroes to enter the Nature Olympics. The warmer and longer days of May half-term form the perfect opportunity to take on the new Nature Heroes challenge, with the most-prized trophy to be won – a Nature Olympics badge.
Saturday 25 May – Sunday 2 June
June
This summer, Wakehurst transforms into Meadowland! Visitors are invited to dive deep into the grasses and wildflowers of breathtaking meadows and discover spectacular thought-provoking art installations inspired by the beautiful and powerful yet threatened habitats.
From seeing life through a bee’s eyes, to listening to voices from nature, or simply bathing in the evocative sounds of waving grasses and humming insects, Meadowland is the perfect place to soak up the best of the summer, discover something new, and reconnect with nature.
Friday 14 June – Tuesday 10 September
This spring, visitors to Wakehurst can discover a new corner of the 535-acre garden for the very first time. By extending the existing Children's Walled Garden, a new, inclusive, and accessible space will be unveiled for all to enjoy.
The area is designed with the community in mind, ensuring everyone has access to green spaces, to learn more about nature and the role that different plants play in health and wellbeing.
The Mud Kitchen, a Wakehurst family favourite, is undergoing a redesign to expand and improve the area for even more messy play, whilst existing shady spots will be enhanced to become tranquil seated areas, sensory corners, and learning zones for workshops and school groups.
Throughout June
William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream finds a wild home at Wakehurst as The Archway Theatre Company present this much-loved comedy. Designed for young audiences, this retelling of four young lovers encountering fairies of the forest is set outdoors with the beautiful American Prairie and the Pinetum (Wakehurst’s very own magical woodland) surrounding the natural stage. Audiences can become fairies themselves with face-painting artists ready to transform with a flick of a brush, whilst storytellers will get visitors primed for the theatrical experience. And with Midsummer celebrated on the 21 June, these performances couldn’t be better timed.
Saturday 15, Sunday 16, Saturday 22, Sunday 23, Saturday 29, Sunday 30 June
July
Kew the Music returns to Kew Gardens for 2024 with a variety of headline acts, including MIKA, Passenger and JLS taking to the stage for what promises to be a special series of outdoor concerts. Kew the Music offers a unique opportunity to experience this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site as the sun goes down, in the company of some of the world’s most popular music acts. More acts will be announced soon.
Tuesday 9 – Sunday 14 July 2024
Wakehurst’s Elizabethan Mansion has been undergoing an extensive roof restoration to ensure the Grade I listed building is preserved for years to come. Whilst in hibernation, Catherine Nelson’s bespoke photo montage,
Planet Wakehurst, has encased the site, forming one of the UK’s largest outdoor art installations, in a joyful and colourful celebration of Wakehurst’s biodiversity.
As the roof work comes to an end, visitors are encouraged to come and enjoy the artwork for the last time. It also forms the closing weeks of Canopy Walk, the 33ft rooftop walkway affording views both fascinating architectural structure of the Mansion’s roof, plus expansive scenes of the gardens and the South Downs beyond. Once deconstructed, Planet Wakehurst will be repurposed into special products available to purchase that ensures the installation a life beyond Wakehurst.
Until autumn
Wakehurst basks in a golden glow during the long balmy evenings of late-summer. With a botanical cocktail in-hand and music lilting on the breeze, visitors can drift from the glistening waters of Mansion Pond, through the open lawns, to the gently waving grasses and wildflowers of the American Prairie and at each spot enjoy beautiful performances from dancers, musicians and more. Rounded off with mouth-watering dishes freshly cooked to order, it’s hard to imagine a more sumptuous experience than Wakehurst’s Wanderwild.
18, 19 and 20 July
August
A unique summer experience, Kew Gardens’ Summer Cycle returns on 1 August. Offering visitors, the opportunity to soak up the splendour of Kew’s UNESCO World Heritage Site on two weeks, Summer Cycle will also feature an array of entertainment alongside fabulous food and drink. Theatre on Kew and Kew the Movies will also return during August.
Elsewhere in the gardens, visitors can enjoy extended summer opening, exploring all that Kew has to offer into the early evening. Whether seeking out the fragrant florals of the Rose Garden, exploring the redeveloped Mediterranean Garden or strolling around the Arboretum, there’s much to enjoy throughout the late summer months.
Throughout August
Inspired by the colours and textures of Wakehurst’s meadows and the wonders nestled across the gardens in Meadowland, the summer edition of Nature Heroes invites budding botanists to discover more about wildflowers and the important role they play for the planet. The specially-designed trail will weave through the ancient parkland of South Park – a beautiful space that will be open to visitors for the first time in 2024. Plus, there’s the all-important badge to collect for superhero capes!
Tuesday 23 July – Thursday 1 September
In summer 2024, Wakehurst’s American Prairie will be extended, with the creation of two new beds from to further enhance this beautiful landscape. These new beds will give visitors one further chance to see how a prairie is established, with the bright sea of yellow Rudbeckia to return once again.
In 2019, Wakehurst horticulturists embarked on their most ambitious landscape innovation to date, the American Prairie. Over the following two years, the six-acre plot became home to 12 million seeds, 110 different species and over 50,000 live plants, all hand sown or planted by the expert team. After flourishing in 2022 in a dazzling display of tickseed (Coreopsis) and black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia), the prairie has begun to show the true biodiversity of its ecosystem, with new layers of plants evolving in a dynamic mix of native and non-native species.
Throughout August
October
Wakehurst is home to the Millennium Seed Bank, the ultimate safehouse for the world’s wild plants where over 2.4 billion seeds are stored in bomb, flood and radiation-proof underground vaults. For planet-protectors, the latest Nature Hero mission will require the ultimate effort to learn more about the precious seeds where all plants and flowers originate. With a special badge at stake, it’s a challenge only the most-dedicated superheroes can tackle. Presented in collaboration with Nat Geo Kids.
Saturday 19 October – Sunday 3 November
From October 2024, acclaimed ceramic artist Felicity Aylieff brings a major solo exhibition of porcelain vessels, architectural in scale, many over 4 metres, to the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art at Kew Gardens. Created in her studio in Jingdezhen China, her breathtaking art showcases her passion for material and process through its use of colour, pattern, and historically informed decorative techniques. This new exhibition at Kew Gardens promises to provoke an immediate sense of awe, taking an in-depth view of her 18-year collaboration with the factories and artisan craftspeople of Jingdezhen to achieve work in porcelain clay, monumental in scale.
October 2024
November and December
From November, Christmas at Kew will be back for another season of stunning illuminations in the gardens after dark. 2024’s trail will feature a range of new installations and the return of much-loved favourites including the Christmas Cathedral, Fire Garden and stunning lightshows projected onto Kew’s iconic buildings.
Christmas at Wakehurst means one thing, the return of the South East’s unmissable winter lantern trail, Glow Wild. The award-winning event heralds the arrival of the festive season, inviting winter wanderers to delve into the depths of Wakehurst’s atmospheric landscape and dwell amidst twinkling handcrafted lanterns and striking installations.
For 2024, Glow Wild takes inspiration from the magnificent trees upon which the planet and all life depends. New and returning artists will create bespoke pieces to dazzle and inspire visitors journeying through the gardens, whilst the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree will stand proudly at the trail’s heart, shining its 1800 energy-saving bulbs from a staggering 37m height.
Christmas at Kew: selected evenings throughout November - January
Glow Wild: Selected evenings 22 November 2024 – Wednesday 1 January 2025
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information and images please contact pr@kew.org
About Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a world-famous scientific organisation, internationally respected for its outstanding collections as well as its scientific expertise in plant diversity, conservation and sustainable development in the UK and around the world. Kew Gardens is a major international and a top London visitor attraction. Kew Gardens’ 132 hectares of landscaped gardens, and Wakehurst, Kew’s Wild Botanic Garden, attract over 2.5 million visits every year. Kew Gardens was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2003 and celebrated its 260th anniversary in 2019. Wakehurst is home to Kew's Millennium Seed Bank, the largest wild plant seed bank in the world. RBG Kew receives approximately one third of its funding from Government through the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and research councils. Further funding needed to support RBG Kew’s vital work comes from donors, membership and commercial activity including ticket sales. In the first six months since implementing a new accessibility scheme for those in receipt of Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Legacy Benefits, Kew has welcomed over 45,000 visitors with £1 tickets.
About Wakehurst
Please note that Wakehurst is referred to just as Wakehurst, not Wakehurst Place. It is not a National Trust property.
The National Trust bequeathed the Mansion and grounds of Wakehurst in 1963. It was then entrusted to us here at Kew in 1965, and we now work in partnership with the National Trust to care for our collections and heritage areas.
Wakehurst is Kew’s wild botanic garden in the Sussex High Weald. Its ancient and beautiful landscapes span 535 acres and are a place for escape, exploration, tranquillity, and wonder. Its diverse collection of plants from Britain and around the globe thrive within a tapestry of innovative gardens, temperate woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Wakehurst is a centre for UK biodiversity and global conservation, seed research and ecosystem science. At its heart is Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, the world’s largest store of seeds from wild plant species.