This autumn, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) is gearing up for the return of its vibrant Festival of Flavours, set to take place from 7th September to 13th October 2024.
With a rich array of activities celebrating the relationship between growing and cooking, the festival promises to attract both gardening enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Now in its third year, the event will span all five RHS gardens, offering a diverse programme of events that cater to families, chefs, gardeners, and food producers.
Festival highlights: from edible garden tours to celebrity chefs
This year’s Festival of Flavours will bring together a range of live cookery demonstrations, appearances from well-known chefs, bustling food markets, and tours of edible gardens. Each of the five RHS gardens will host unique events, creating a distinctive experience at every venue. The festival aims to inspire visitors to explore the possibilities of growing their own food, offering both practical advice and culinary inspiration.
One of the standout features will be the live cookery sessions, where visitors can watch and learn from experts in the field. These demonstrations will showcase the use of freshly grown produce, with the focus on healthy, sustainable cooking. Alongside these sessions, celebrity chefs will share their insights, cooking techniques, and food philosophies, giving attendees a chance to learn from some of the best in the industry.
Additionally, the festival will feature food markets offering locally sourced produce, artisan products, and seasonal ingredients. The emphasis on sustainability and local produce reflects the RHS’s commitment to promoting eco-friendly practices in both gardening and cooking.
The significance of the RHS Festival of Flavours
The RHS Festival of Flavours is not just about celebrating the joy of growing and cooking food. It is a reflection of the RHS’s broader goals to foster an appreciation for sustainable living and to demonstrate the positive impact that gardening can have on both individuals and communities. The festival aims to bring people closer to the food they eat, encouraging them to think about where their food comes from and how they can play a role in growing it.
The festival offers families and individuals an opportunity to engage with the world of horticulture in an accessible, fun, and educational way. Through interactive workshops, garden tours, and family-friendly activities, the RHS hopes to inspire future generations to take up gardening and develop a deeper understanding of the natural world.
A community-focused approach to gardening and sustainability
In addition to its commitment to sustainability, the RHS has made strides towards becoming a truly inclusive organisation. The Festival of Flavours aligns with the charity’s goals of promoting gardening across the UK’s diverse communities, ensuring that everyone feels welcome in the world of horticulture.
Events like the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and partnerships such as Britain in Bloom continue to engage communities on a national level, spreading the joy and benefits of gardening. By highlighting the importance of locally grown food, sustainable gardening practices, and community involvement, the festival reinforces the RHS’s mission of improving the science, art, and practice of horticulture.
What to expect across the five RHS gardens
The Festival of Flavours will take place across the RHS’s five main gardens:
- RHS Garden Harlow Carr (Harrogate)
- RHS Garden Wisley (Surrey)
- RHS Garden Hyde Hall (Essex)
- RHS Garden Rosemoor (Devon)
- RHS Garden Bridgewater (Greater Manchester)
Each garden will feature its own tailored programme of events, including edible garden tours, talks by horticultural experts, and demonstrations showcasing how to grow and cook with seasonal produce. These activities aim to provide inspiration for visitors to create their own edible gardens at home, regardless of space or experience.
Additionally, families can expect a variety of child-friendly activities, such as treasure hunts, interactive workshops, and storytelling sessions that focus on the importance of nature, gardening, and food.
The RHS’s wider mission
The RHS has long been at the forefront of the gardening community in the UK. Since its formation in 1804, the charity has grown into one of the most influential gardening organisations in the country. The opening of RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford and the development of RHS Hilltop – The Home of Gardening Science demonstrate the society’s ongoing commitment to expanding both its outreach and its research efforts.
The RHS has set an ambitious goal of becoming net positive for nature and people by 2030, working towards making a meaningful difference in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. The Festival of Flavours plays a key role in this mission, as it encourages sustainable gardening and food practices, promoting a greener, healthier future for all.
Join the celebration
For those keen to experience the RHS Festival of Flavours, tickets are available to the public across all five gardens. With a packed programme of exciting events, hands-on demonstrations, and mouth-watering food, this festival is set to be one of the highlights of the autumn season.
Don’t miss out on the chance to explore the wonderful world of edible gardening, learn from some of the UK’s top chefs, and enjoy the beauty of the RHS gardens in full autumn bloom.
About the RHS: The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity, welcoming millions of visitors to its gardens each year and engaging with a wide range of communities through its events, educational programmes, and charitable initiatives.
For more details, visit the official RHS website at www.rhs.org.uk.
