Kew Gardens gets a much-needed splash of colour, as its annual Orchids festival returns in 2027.
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 exotic species of orchid for the festival, which is now in its 31st year.
The Amazon is the region whose flora and fauna is represented this year, with giant floral anacondas brightening up the glasshouse. Expect to see a psychedelic rainbow made from colourful orchids, alongside sculptures of animals threatened by rainforest logging.
The 2027 centrepiece is a large mother tree representing the interconnectedness of life within the Amazon, which spans nine countries across South America and contains about 60% of the world’s remaining tropical rainforests. Kew's scientific work within the region will also be showcased, including saving the Brazil nut from extinction, and saving the knowledge of the Ye’kwana Indigenous people before it's lost.
China, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Indonesia and Costa Rica have been represented at Kew's Orchids festival in previous years.
Orchids After Hours returns on selected Friday and Saturday evenings in February 2027 too, allowing adults to experience Orchids after dark. Here, flowers are atmospherically backlit, with live DJ sets, and a carnival parade taking the action beyond the glasshouse for the first time.
Orchids 2027 at Kew Gardens runs Saturday 6 February-Sunday 14 March 2027 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.
