Kew Gardens' Orchid Festival 2024 explores the magic of Madagascar

In its 28th year, Kew Gardens’ Orchid Festival returns to celebrate the beauty and biodiversity of Madagascar.

Avenue of Baobabs in Madagascar. © RBG Kew.

Kew Gardens' 2024 Orchid Festival will transport visitors to the world of Madagascar in the Princess of Wales Conservatory from 3 February to 3 March. Marking its 28th year, the festival will pay tribute to Madagascar's remarkable flora and fauna. Inspired by the island's rainforests, dry forests, and extensive coastline, the Conservatory will showcase impressive floral displays and installations curated by Kew's horticultural experts.

Horticultural displays as part of the Orchid festival. © RBG Kew.

Central to this year's narrative is Kew's Madagascar Conservation Centre, a testament to their commitment since 1986 to protect the island's unique biodiversity. With 40 researchers dedicated to safeguarding rare species and preserving habitats, the festival not only showcases Madagascar's beauty but also highlights the vital conservation efforts underway. Expect mesmerising recreations of iconic features like the Lovers Baobab and floral sculptures depicting Madagascar's renowned wildlife, alongside a display of the famed Angraecum sesquipedale, known as Darwin's orchid.

Kew horticulturists creating the Orchid festival. © RBG Kew.

Throughout the Princess of Wales Conservatory, visitors will experience uplifting Malagasy music and a soundscape celebrating Madagascar's ambient sounds. Authentic Malagasy cuisine will be available for purchase, allowing guests to explore the flavours of traditional recipes. Additionally, a replica field camp in the Arid Zone will exhibit tools and techniques used by Kew scientists during essential fieldwork.

Orchid After Hours will also return, with exclusive after-hours sessions offering an opportunity to preview the festival at night, accompanied by music, dance, talks, and culinary demonstrations.

Kew horticulturist Michael Antonetti creating the Orchid festival. © RBG Kew.

Solene Dequiret, Supervisor of the Princess of Wales Conservatory at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, expresses the team's excitement, sharing, "Planning, designing, and installing the Orchid festival annually is truly rewarding. Drawing inspiration from Madagascar's incredible plant and animal life for 2024 is a wonderful opportunity—an ecosystem unlike any other on Earth." The Orchid Festival promises to be a multifaceted tribute to Madagascar's ecological marvels and Kew's steadfast commitment to conserving biodiversity.

Date: 3 February  – 3 March 2024. Location: Princess of Wales Conservatory, Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE. Price: Entry to Orchids is included when purchasing a ticket to Kew Gardens. From £22 /£5.50 adult/child. Concessions available. Book now.