If you’re in London this week, run, don’t walk to Chelsea! The annual free floral event, Chelsea in Bloom, has returned. Whilst the famous Chelsea Flower Show is taking place in an enclosed space, with tickets costing an arm and a leg, the general public gets to enjoy a free version on the streets of Chelsea and Belgravia. This year’s theme of Chelsea in Bloom is ‘Out of this World’. Nearby, there’s a sister event: Belgravia in Bloom. Both festivals run from May 18th to May 24th. Here’s all you need to know, and some photos of this year’s displays.

Where is Chelsea in Bloom 2026 taking place?

Chelsea in Bloom takes place on Sloane Street between Knightsbridge station and Sloane Square, and on King’s Road from Sloane Square westbound. You can find an official map of the event on its official website: https://www.chelseainbloom.co.uk/.

Where is Belgravia in Bloom 2026 taking place?

There’s actually a sister event taking place nearby, in Belgravia, too! The main displays can be found on Elizabeth Street, Motcomb Street, and Eccleston Yards. You can find the official map of the event on its website: https://www.belgraviavillage.com/news/belgravia-in-bloom-map.

When is Chelsea in Bloom and Belgravia in Bloom in 2026?

Both events take place between may 18th and May 24th 2026. The displays are located outdoors, on the streets, and there aren’t official opening hours. Technically, they should all be out 24/7 for the duration of the event. I highly recommend avoiding rush hours in the afternoon, as the events attract large crowds.

The theme of Chelsea in Bloom 2026

This year’s Chelsea in Bloom has a main theme ‘Out of this World’. There are usually a few official, large-scale displays spread across the area. Other than that, stores along the main streets of the festival area put out their own floral displays, participating in a competition for the best arrangement.

The official, large displays of Chelsea in Bloom 2026 included a large, mythical dragon breathing fire, an astronaut during moon landing, and a huge globe surrounded with exotic animals. On Sloane Square, there’s a display featuring all zodiac signs. Cute, but it’s virtually impossible to take a good picture of it – there were so many people in that area!

Some of the stores in the area go above and beyond every year. For example, Whole Foods Market put out a really clever display featuring vegetables turned into space-themed items, including an apple turned into a planet, and a carrot turned into a spaceship! Not all stores stick to the theme, but that’s okay. Generic floral displays look great as well! My favourite displays included colourful parrots, and a huge arrangement depicting ice cones made out of flowers.

The theme of Belgravia in Bloom 2026

Belgravia in Bloom has its own theme every year, despite the fact that it’s located just next to its sister event. This year’s Belgravia in Bloom follows the theme ‘Fairy tales of Belgravia’. How cute! The official displays include a floral Tinkerbell and a Peter Rabbit.

Some stores and restaurants in the area also adorn their displays with impressive floral displays, though the concentration of flowers isn’t as high as on King’s Road during Chelsea in Bloom, where nearly every shop has a stunning display.

Chelsea in Bloom and Belgravia in Bloom in previous years

I first learnt about Chelsea in Bloom and Belgravia in Bloom back in 2024, so I had a chance to see the previous two editions. Here are some throwback photos from past events. And if you’re curious, you can read about Chelsea in Bloom 2025 in this post, and about Chelsea in Bloom 2024 in this post. The caterpillar display, inspired by a famous children’s book, was the first ever Chelsea in Bloom display I got to see, and it was probably one of the most stunning ones to date.

Final thoughts

I didn’t want to completely spoil the fun, and only included a few photos from this year’s Chelsea in Bloom and Belgravia in Bloom events. But, there are dozens of stores and restaurants participating in the fun. I highly recommend visiting Chelsea and Belgravia this week. Have a stroll, explore, and pick your favourite displays! You have until May 24th to visit the free floral events in London this year.

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