Chelsea Flower Show 2024
One of the most prestigious flower shows globally, the Chelsea Flower Show, attracts visitors from all corners of the world.
But before the cameras capture its final flourish, let’s rewind the clock two weeks. The venue, usually a serene park, bustles with activity. The grand pavilion stands ready, and a flurry of workers transform the green space into breathtaking garden displays. Each plot is already well underway, a testament to the meticulous planning and effort that goes into crafting these floral masterpieces.
Due to the limited space at the Chelsea Flower Show venue, our team utilised a designated offloading zone called “Barrick Walk” for unloading equipment from large lorries. This hidden area also served as back-of-house storage for spare parts and empty equipment during the event for all structure companies. A forklift and our trailer facilitated efficient movement of the tents within the venue for assembly.
We were there to install a variety of stretch tents and pagodas throughout the site, mainly for Colicci who were providing a variety of catering throughout the site.
Theare areas we were working in were:
The Courtyard Stretch Tent:
- Located in the public catering area “The Courtyard”
- This 9x18m tent was three 6x9m stretch tents cleverly linked together and being sited on a scaffold base.
- Due to it being on a scaffold base the location for fixings was established first, which entailed laying the tent out then through the floor. We then created fixings for securing the tent to the scaffold base which was then covered with composite decking.
The Potting Shed Stretch Tent:
- Situated at the “Potting Shed” catering outlet and seating area.
- This 15x21m tent presented a unique challenge. It required partial attachment to trees, a section secured to the ground, and a weight for an unfixed corner.
Pagoda Parade by the Grandstand:
- A row of seven 4x4m pagodas catered to different offerings: coffee, a bar, fish & chips, all sectioned for distinct service areas.
- Two additional pagodas formed a dedicated champagne bar.
- Two smaller 3x3m pagodas served Pimm’s, strategically positioned near the stage and seating area for a delightful experience for guests.
We did also build another 5 pagodas 3 for a Pimm’s bar and another two for back of house allocated in different areas.
The team strategically divided, with half tackling the 9x18m stretch tent and the other half focusing on the pagodas to start.
The heart of the Chelsea Flower Show, where grand gardens take centre stage, pulsates with a logistical ballet. A single, one-way road encircles the site, channelling a constant stream of deliveries – a sight that rivals the M25 Motorway.
Imagine this: massive trucks (arctics) brimming with colossal rocks or even full-grown trees navigating this narrow path. Forklifts become the careful dance partners, unloading these giants and manoeuvring them into their designated garden plots. It’s a logistical marvel, requiring not just meticulously planned routes but also incredibly patient and skilled drivers.
The tight space often leads to a game of vehicle Tetris. You might find yourself shuffling your own truck around, occasionally borrowing a forklift when needed. But here’s the beauty – everyone’s in the same boat, united by a common goal. This shared mission fosters a remarkable team spirit behind the scenes.
The sheer scale of infrastructure, meticulous planning, and logistical mastery required to pull off this event is truly awe-inspiring. To get a deeper glimpse into this hidden world, head over to our YouTube channel and see the Chelsea Flower Show from a whole new perspective!
Returning to the Chelsea Flower Show a week later was a revelation. The once-empty space was buzzing with feverish activity. Racks brimming with plants and flowers flooded the site, alongside furniture, catering equipment, and the tantalizing aroma of food prep. With just two days until opening day, it was a hive of dedicated workers putting the finishing touches on a floral extravaganza.
The Final Stretch: A New Tent and Logistical Manoeuvres
Our team joined the fray to install a new 6x18m stretch tent, offering much-needed shelter for visitors come rain or shine (and as the show proved, it would be needed for both!). The late addition was due to the RHS gaining access to this specific ground from the Royal Chelsea Hospital for the first time. This meant a tighter installation window, and we secured the tent using weighted concrete blocks instead of ground fixings.
A Celebration of Talent and Design
The heart of the Chelsea Flower Show lies undoubtedly in the show gardens. These meticulously crafted landscapes are a testament to the time, effort, and dedication poured in by designers, landscapers, and everyone involved. Whether they receive a medal or not, their passion and artistry deserve immense recognition. So realistic are these creations, it’s hard to believe they haven’t existed all along.
Beyond the Gardens: A Feast for the Senses
Catering by Colicci, including their own delightful ice cream trucks, dotted the site, offering culinary delights. Grand, double-decker marquees housed hospitality restaurants, including The Newt, the main sponsor, all luxuriously dressed and finished to a high standard.
The avenue of stallholders added another layer of vibrancy. Their meticulously designed stands showcased an array of wares related to the world of gardening, offering a treasure trove for enthusiasts.
Balcony and Container Gardens: A World of Design
Further afield, the balcony and container gardens offered a separate realm of creative expression. From tropical havens to urban retreats, these miniature masterpieces transported visitors to diverse landscapes within a compact space. The design ingenuity required to create such stunning worlds in limited areas was truly inspiring.
The Show Must End: Farewell and Until Next Time
As quickly as it arrived, the show drew to a close. Dismantling began, and the once-bustling site prepared to return to its pre-show state. The previously calm access route resembled a scene straight out of the M25 motorway, with everyone jockeying to get out in record time. But with the echoes of a successful show and the anticipation of next year’s spectacle, the farewell was bittersweet. See you again, Chelsea Flower Show, until 2025!
Photographic credit goes to https://www.adamluszniak.com/ Adam Luszniak
