Chelsea Flower Show to go ahead in 2021 with reduced number of visitors, say RHS

The Chelsea Flower Show is to go ahead in 2021 but with a reduced number of visitors, organisers at the Royal Horticultural Society said today.

The world’s most famous gardening event, which was cancelled this year because of the pandemic, will be spread out over six days rather than five for the first time to prevent dangerous crowding.

The gala, one of the highlights of London’s summer season and always attended by The Queen, will start on Tuesday 18 May and run until Sunday 23 May. A total of 140,000 tickets will go on sale at the end of October, compared to 168,500 in 2019.

Visitors will have to wear masks in indoor areas and check in with track and trace on arrival.

Measures will also include socially distanced queueing, cashless transactions where possible and extra checks to ensure safe distancing among visitors. Restaurants will also be made more open with spaced seating and table service.

RHS Director General Sue Biggs said: “We plan our shows 18 months in advance and have been planning and researching how to open the 2021 RHS Chelsea safely and securely for our visitors, partners and exhibitors since April this year.

“As the world’s most famous gardening event, RHS Chelsea is vital for the horticultural industry, as well as having a huge impact on inspiring people to garden and grow, which is so important for everyone’s health and for the environment.

“Whilst we continue to live in uncertain times, and May is a long way off, we believe these measures will mean we can safely run the show, although we will of course be ready to react to any Government advice and if we sadly need to, will offer anyone who has booked a ticket a full refund.”

Helena Pettit, director of RHS Shows and Gardens said: “We’ve consulted with the emergency services and all safety stakeholders involved with Chelsea Flower Show and everyone is confident in our plans and happy with the work we have done."