Chelsea in Bloom is the perfect occasion for those among us who can't swing a spot at the Chelsea Flower Show, or simply can't get enough of spring florals. The festival will return 18-24 May 2026, giving already-beautiful Chelsea a temporary floral facelift.
The RHS-partnered event, which is free to all visitors, will see more than 125 shops, restaurants, hotels and pubs turn into a bit of a floral dreamscape – this year, with an intergalactic twist – including Jessica McCormack's jewellery shop, Smythson, RIXO, Lululemon, The Trafalgar pub and Space NK. Here's everything you need to know.
What is Chelsea in Bloom?
In many respects, Chelsea in Bloom is a free alternative to the Chelsea Flower Show. While tickets to the latter start at £97 (arguably reasonable for the world's most famous flower show), Chelsea in Bloom is not ticketed. Instead, it runs as something of a local flower festival, encouraging many of Chelsea's retailers, restaurants and hotels to adorn themselves with creative floral displays.
Awards are also given to some of the best and most innovative designs on day two of the week-long Bloom, in association with the Royal Horticultural Society.
What is this year’s theme?
For 2026, the theme for Chelsea in Bloom is ‘Out of this World’. Literally. Tasked to create installations inspired by the allure of space travel, astrology and spiritual symbolism, one-hundred-and-twenty-five of SW3 and SW10's businesses will be decorated in other-worldly florals come May 18th.
Cadogan Estates, the property development firm that produces Chelsea in Bloom, has commissioned six large-scale installations across Chelsea to commemorate the theme, including a Zodiac-inspired floral constellation in Sloane Square, a UFO installation hovering above Pavilion Road, a 4 meter-tall mythical dragon and Pegasus on Sloane Street, and a giant floral globe on the King’s Road celebrating David Attenborough’s 100th birthday.
Chelsea in Bloom map: Where can I see the displays?
There are few spots in Chelsea you can't see displays come Chelsea in Bloom. While the locations of Cadogan's commissions are sure to be hotspots (Sloane Square, Pavilion Road, et al), a wander down the King's Road will be more than enough to see a large proportion of the hundred-plus floral displays. In previous years everywhere from The Cadogan pub to branches of Zara and Aesop have been involved, making for a brilliant stay-and-shop stroll-about, but complimentary walking tours and rickshaw rides will be available for those who prefer more of a structured visit via the Chelsea in Bloom Information Point on Sloane Square (these book up quickly so make sure you plan ahead).
How are awards given out?
Chelsea in Bloom's coveted Gold, Silver, Bronze and Merit awards are handed out on the second day of the event, Tuesday May 19, including top awards for the ‘Best Floral Display’, ‘Highly Commended’ display, and the ‘Innovation Award’.
The award for ‘People’s Champion’ is announced separately after online voting (in which every visitor is encouraged to participate) closes at midnight on Thursday May 21.
