Chelsea In Bloom 2025 Highlights

Did you know that Chelsea in Bloom is London’s largest free flower festival? Each May, it transforms Chelsea’s streets into a vibrant display of floral artistry.

This year marks its 20th anniversary, celebrating with the theme ‘Flowers in Fashion’, a nod to Chelsea’s stylish heritage.

It’s now the city’s largest free flower festival. For one week, Chelsea’s streets, shops, and restaurants are transformed by fresh flower displays, all inspired by a new creative theme each year.

What Makes Chelsea in Bloom Special

Unlike the ticketed RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Chelsea in Bloom offers a free, open-air experience.

It’s a community-driven event where local businesses adorn their storefronts with imaginative floral displays.

Over 130 local boutiques, hotels, and restaurants join in, each hoping to win the top prize for their floral displays.

The event is produced by Cadogan, in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society, so you know the standards are high. What makes it special for me is how it brings everyone together.

Locals, visitors, and even people just passing through stop to admire the work and snap photos. There’s a real buzz in the air, and the summer feels are strong.

Exploring the Festival in 2025

Wandering through Chelsea during the festival is a delightful experience.

You’ll encounter over 100 floral installations, each interpreting the ‘Flowers in Fashion’ theme in its own way.

From giant floral handbags to mannequins dressed in petal couture, the creativity is boundless.

There’s plenty to see and do, and you don’t need a ticket.

Just wander the streets, King’s Road, Sloane Street, and all the little corners in between.

Each shopfront and restaurant is a new surprise, with everything from floral handbags to full-on dresses made of blooms. 

If you want to dig deeper, there are free walking tours and rickshaw rides that give you a fresh perspective on the displays. 

Don’t forget to vote for your favorite installation online, the People’s Champion Award is decided by the public, and it’s always fun to have your say.

This year, I loved seeing people stop for a coffee or lunch outside, surrounded by flowers.

Some displays are playful, like a giant pair of Elton John-inspired glasses on Sloane Street, while others are more classic, like a couture gown made entirely of petals. 

It’s a great excuse to explore the area, discover new shops, and maybe treat yourself to a Chelsea bun along the way.

Interesting Facts About Chelsea in Bloom

Chelsea has a rich history beyond its floral fame. The name comes from Old English, meaning “landing place on the river for chalk or limestone.”

King Henry VIII once owned the manor here, and the area played a big part in London’s swinging sixties, especially along King’s Road. 

And yes, Chelsea buns and Chelsea porcelain both have their roots here too

• The festival is organized by Cadogan in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society.
• It’s a competition, with awards given for the best floral displays, including a ‘People’s Champion’ voted by the public.
• The event coincides with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, creating a city-wide celebration of horticulture.

2025 Highlights

This year’s ‘Flowers in Fashion’ theme brought a stylish flair to the festival.

Notable displays included a towering floral stiletto and a catwalk of mannequins in petal dresses.

The 2025 theme, “Flowers in Fashion,” celebrates Chelsea’s style legacy.

The whole neighborhood has become a floral runway, with displays inspired by fashion icons, legendary designers, and bold trends. 

Some of my favorites this year:

• A towering punk mohawk made of real grass and fresh flowers on King’s Road—a nod to Chelsea’s rebellious fashion history3.
• A giant pair of wellies in Sloane Square, perfect for those classic London showers.
• An enormous Ascot-worthy hat and a couture gown, both crafted from blooms, on Sloane Street.
• Playful Elton John glasses, reminding us of Chelsea’s musical and fashion icons.

Check some of the designs below:

What struck me most was the focus on sustainability this year. Many displays used bee-friendly plants and upcycled materials, showing that style and care for the planet can go hand in hand.

If you’re in London in May, don’t miss Chelsea in Bloom. It’s creative, welcoming, and a great way to see the city in a new light. Just bring your camera—and maybe a friend to share the fun.