Chelsea in Bloom: What To Expect In 2023
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Chelsea in Bloom: What To Expect In 2023

What to expect from 2023's Chelsea In Bloom

Spring has sprung – or at least that’s what we’re manifesting. One thing we’re excited for as a tinge of warmth enters the air is our annual favourite floral affair, Chelsea in Bloom. Running alongside the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, this free annual festival is produced by Cadogan in association with the Royal Horticultural Society (the RHS), and sees the squares, streets and facades of Chelsea transformed with beautiful flower displays. In 2022, nearly 100 shops, restaurants, hotels and florists took part, and 2023 is expected to be bigger and better than ever before.

Chelsea In Bloom 2023: The Guide

When Is Chelsea In Bloom 2023?

This year, Chelsea in Bloom is taking place from 22–27 May 2023. 

As in previous years, RHS judges will collaborate with a lifestyle judge to award Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merit Awards to participants. Winners will be announced on Tuesday 23 May 2023. The ‘People’s Champion’, however, will be decided by the public via online voting, opening on Monday 22 May and closing on Thursday 26 May.

Chelsea in Bloom 2019

Chelsea in Bloom 2019

What Is The Theme?

The 2023 Chelsea in Bloom theme is ‘Flowers on Film’, encouraging participants to draw inspiration for their displays from characters and storylines that have graced the big screen, as well as cinematic awards and the neighbourhood’s cinematic heritage.

William Friese-Green created the first ever moving picture on the King’s Road, James Bond author Ian Fleming lived on Cheyne Walk, and Dracula author Bram Stoker also lived in the area. Also expect references to the likes of A Clockwork Orange, Withnail and I, A Good Year, and Skyfall, all films with links to Chelsea.

The full 2023 program is about to be revealed, but hinted highlights include an Oscars-themed installation on Pavilion Road (think huge Oscars statue and an interactive red carpet) and a cinematic celebration at Sloane Square (featuring the return of last year’s sell-out rickshaw rides and walking tours), both designed by All for Love London.

Plus, keep your eyes peeled for whimsical installations throughout Chelsea, such as ‘The Carlton Kong’ outside The Carlton Tower Jumeirah hotel, Jo Malone’s collaboration with Ricky Paul Flowers drawing on the Scottish Highlands, or a Parisian inspired display at Diptyque.

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Carlton Kong for Chelsea in Bloom

The Carlton Kong

Jo Malone London Chelsea In Bloom

Jo Malone, Sloane Street

Diptyque decorated for Chelsea in Bloom

Diptyque, Sloane Street

Ralph Lauren decorated for Chelsea in Bloom

Ralph Lauren, Sloane Square

Expect more floral festivities along the King’s Road and Sloane Street, on Dovehouse Green, and at the Royal Avenue and Duke of York Square.

Stay up to date at chelseainbloom.co.uk

Images from previous years at Chelsea in Bloom