Kew Gardens gets a much-needed splash of colour in February, as the Orchid Festival returns.
While most of London shivers in the wintry cold, the steamy environs of the tropical Princess of Wales Conservatory once again become (a temporary) home to over 3,000 exotic species of orchid.
Peru is the country whose flora and fauna is represented this year, with alpacas, parihuanas (flamingoes) and a cornucopia created in floral form, large-scale photography by Peruvian photographer Mariano Vivanco celebrating the history and heritage of his homeland, and bespoke murals and hand-painted pottery by Lima-born artist Gisella Stapleton.
Surrounding all the above are thousands of colourful flowers, making for a very Instagram-friendly day out.
Orchids After Hours returns on selected Friday and Saturday evenings in February, allowing adults to experience Orchids after dark. The flowers are atmospherically backlit, with DJ sets and live dance performances inspired by Peru, and a chance to hear from Kew scientists about their research trips to the South American country. Plus pisco sours and warming Peruvian dishes are available to tuck into.
Take a look at our video from a previous year of the Orchid Festival:
Orchid Festival at Kew Gardens runs Saturday 1 February-Sunday 2 March 2025 in the Princess of Wales Conservatory. Entry is included with a standard admission ticket to Kew Gardens. £1 entry is available for recipients of Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Legacy Benefits and asylum applicants.
