Entertainment
At the Charity Gala Preview there is something for everyone. To enhance your enjoyment of the gardening delights on show, we are pleased to offer a range of live musical entertainment throughout the evening, leading up to a dazzling firework finale to round off the evening in style.
In 2007 the entertainment included Fred Gardener with a Frank Sinatra tribute, The Brasshoppers, Paseo Malanga and even our very own Elvis Presley. The 2006 entertainment was made up of The Fab Beatles, The Fascinating Rhythm Kings, The Brasshoppers and The Band of the Coldstream Guards.
For 2008, we are pleased to annouce that the entertainment will be Tony Charles Steel Band, Silk Street Hot Seven, The Fab Beatles, Agnus Murray and his Five Piece Band and The Big Man Band. A timetable of the entertainment is sent with all tickets, allowing you to plan your evening to perfection!
See the map of the showground, with further entertainment information and locations. (PDF - 2 MB)
Opening Times
Exhibitors are asked to remain open until 9.30pm*. The Floral Marquees, Daily Mail Pavilion, Festival of the Roses, International Language of Flowers Marquee, Plant Heritage Marquee, Growing Taste Marquee and the Country Living Magazine Pavilion will therefore close at this time. To make the most of your evening we recommend that you view the exhibits and gardens early on, before settling down to your picnic/meal.
* Although the majority of exhibitors are pleased to remain open until 9.30pm as requested, we regret that we cannot guarantee that all exhibitors will man their exhibits on the Gala evening.
Raffle
If you would like to help us raise further funds for the supporting charities on the evening, and have the chance to win some fantastic prizes, please look out for the raffle sellers. Volunteers will be selling raffle tickets throughout the showground and in the Kings Food Court until 9pm. Last year prizes included a Chanel No.5 luxury gift set, a Champagne Capsule on the London Eye, and VIP theatre tickets. Prizes will be available to collect from the Kings Food Court until 9.30pm.
Tickets
Once we have received payment, your guest names, dietary requirements and table plans (if applicable), we will send your ticket(s), (in the form of a swing tag) by Royal Mail first class post a month prior to the event. Enclosed with your ticket(s) will be a map of the showground, which will list the timings and locations of the entertainment, car park pass(es) and, if applicable, Show Catalogue and Souvenir Brochure voucher(s), Champagne voucher(s) and Private Picnic Enclosure voucher(s).
All tickets are sold subject to our terms and conditions.
The Showground
Please note that this is a temporary outdoor event on open parkland and is subject to varying weather and ground conditions. Although some temporary trackway is laid, the event is on open ground and care must be taken. We therefore advise that you check the weather forecast for the day of your visit, consider the nature of the event and the effects of any inclement weather on ground conditions, and wear suitable clothing and footwear. In extreme weather conditions, access may be restricted in the interest of safety.
Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather, the entertainment will be relocated to the Floral Marquees, International Language of Flowers Marquee, and the Growing Taste Cooking Theatre. Complimentary ponchos will be distributed from the Kings Food Court, Floral Marquees will stay open until 10pm and an extra facility will be opened to provide additional undercover seating.
Under 18s
Please note that no under 18s are admitted to the Charity Gala Preview
Animals
Please note that no animals are admitted to the Charity Gala Preview except for registered guide and assistance dogs.
