It's now springtime, and the days are getting longer, the sun is getting hotter and the gardens are just coming into life. In the following destinations though, the streets are already brimming with brightly coloured blooms! HolidayCheck has been far and wide, and picked out the most impressive flower festivals of this year.
London, England
It's nearly time for the world's most famous flower show. The Chelsea Flower Show, also known as, 'the Great Spring Show' opens its doors on the 25 May for four days jam-packed with everything to do with gardens. There are tips on how to grow beautiful flowers, award-winning gardens to look around, which are created by some of the best landscape designers. It is the horticultural equivalent of a fashion show for flowers.
Haarlem, The Netherlands
Famous for its its fields of tulips, the Netherlands plays host to the Bloemencurso, or Flower Parade. Bollenstreek has its 63rd this year on the 24th April. Floats and cars covered in flowers and decorated in unbelievable designs travel down the streets. But if the 24th April is just too far away, then the Keukenhof just south of Amsterdam displays wonderful exhibits of more than 7 million flowers from now until mid-May, along with bike rides and boat trips within the stunning grounds.
Madeira, Portugal
The Madeira Flower Festival celebrates the arrival of spring between the 15th and 18th April this year. They have huge displays of tropical plants at their very best, flower carpets lining the streets. On the morning of Saturday 17th, there is the Childrens' Parade during which the children can bring their own blooms and build 'The Wall of Hope', a perfumed wall made entirely out of flowers. The climax of the festival is a procession of floats and hundreds of dancers, all decked out in their floral glory, who go through the main streets of Funchal.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
In early spring, the town of Chiang Mai in Thailand transforms into a botanic paradise as it has done for decades, deserving the nickname of 'The Rose of the North'. There are stalls from which to sample the delicious local cuisine, and also many shows to watch and enjoy. The star of this festival is the orchid, which thrives in the local climate. There is also a spectacular parade, sponsored by the local businesses, which shows off the beauty of flowers.
Japan
From January to June, you can enjoy the wonder of the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japan, as you can follow the blossoming of the trees through the different regions. The most popular time to go is between March and May. There are cherry blossom forecasts on the television, so you know the best time to take part in a 'hanami', or a cherry blossom party, and traditional meals called 'Bento' are cooked to honour the festival.
Contact person for the press
Zoë Loveday
HolidayCheck AG