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 night in style.
Watch this space for the details of the 2009 entertainment.
Opening times
Exhibitors are asked to remain open until 9.30pm*. The Floral Marquees 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 garden design consultancy, accommodation and dinner at a luxury hotel, ballet tickets, and an iPod. 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 one 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 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, 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.
