Some of the gardening world’s most popular faces – including national treasure Alan Titchmarsh – have today been unveiled as special guests at this year’s RHS Malvern Spring Festival.
Making a welcome return to the festival after last appearing in 2018, Alan will be joined by a stellar horticultural line up including Gardeners’ World stars Carol Klein and Joe Swift, alongside RHS Malvern show ambassador Chris Beardshaw, plantswoman and author Sarah Raven and celebrity florist, writer and broadcaster, Jonathan Moseley.
BBC Radio 2’s resident gardening guru, Terry Walton, will also make a comeback, as well as former Blue Peter gardener, Lee Connelly- better known as the Skinny Jean Gardener.
The line-up will be complete with appearances from radio DJ Jo Whiley and singer Lesley Garrett.
The four-day festival, which runs from 7-10 May in association with boutique travel company Great Little Breaks at Three Counties Showground, Malvern, attracts over 100,000 people annually and is seen as the official start of Spring.
As the largest RHS show outside of London, visitors flock to see its inspirational show gardens and beautiful Floral Marquee, get top tips from the experts and enjoy the best food and drink that Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire has to offer.
Gardening legend Alan Titchmarsh said he was looking forward to returning to Malvern.
“I’m delighted to be returning to RHS Malvern Spring Festival,” he said. “It’s held at such an exciting time of the year when gardens are really starting to come to life, and the show itself is the perfect place for people to come and be inspired, regardless of their level of gardening knowledge.
“Being at the foot of the Malvern Hills, it’s also a truly wonderful setting which shows the Great British countryside off at its very best.”
As well as talking openly about her love of gardening and music during the festival, Jo Whiley will also DJ a curated set of music chosen by the show’s special guests and exhibitors as part of the ‘Music at Malvern’ feature. Music at Malvern – new to the festival for its 35th anniversary celebrations – will also feature a special concert from Lesley Garrett and the English Symphony Orchestra to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
Jo Whiley’s Garden Party will take place on the evening of Saturday 9 May, while Lesley Garrett will appear on Friday May 8.
Jo Whiley said: “I’m thrilled to be coming back to RHS Malvern Spring Festival for its 35th anniversary celebrations, especially as I’ve been asked to provide an evening music set as part of its new ‘Music at Malvern’ feature. Music and gardening are two of my favourite things – both are very therapeutic and are known for being extremely beneficial to our wellbeing.”
Di Walton, Head of Shows at Three Counties Showground, said they were delighted to announce such a knowledgeable lineup of special guests, who will be sharing their expertise, meeting visitors and enjoying the show themselves.
“RHS Malvern Spring Festival is a hugely popular event on the gardening calendar having a particularly unique character all of its own,” she added.
“We are thrilled that it attracts big names from the gardening world and our special guests this year are no exception. It speaks volumes that we have so many popular regulars who love being at Malvern and we’re honoured to welcome them back each year.”