‘This is the people's show'

Joe Swift and Rachel de Tham e tell TV Times why their floral celebration at Hampton Court Palace is more important than ever...

- REBECCA FLETCHER

RHS HAMPTON COURT PALACE GARDEN FESTIVAL

NEW WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY / BBC2 / 9PM / EPS 1-2 of 3 / FACTUAL

Joe Swift sums up perfectly how many of the greenfingered among us are feeling about the return of the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival this year.

‘I’m just so glad it’s going ahead,’ grins the popular Gardeners’ World star, who, alongside Rachel de Thame, Adam Frost and Arit Anderson, will present BBC2’s coverage of the event.

‘I was gutted when it was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, but that’s why this year’s is going to be so exciting – everyone missed the buzz, so we’re planning to make up for it.’

‘Agreed,’ says Rachel. ‘It’s going to feel extra special because we’re so desperate to get back and see all the wonderful Show Gardens and beautiful plants and flowers. Hampton Court allows so many people to come together and connect, be it watching at home or at the show. I can’t wait!’

In an exclusive interview, Joe, 56, and Rachel, 59, give TV Times a preview of the highlights to come…

What makes this festival so special?

JOE It’s the big one, with an enormous site. The grandeur of Hampton Court Palace gives it a sense of history and the setting is stunning, with the show spanning either side of the Long Water – which people dip their toes into on a hot day!

RACHEL There’s a real festival atmosphere and I love the fact that, unlike RHS Chelsea Flower Show, you can buy plants and take them home. It’s accessible and, despite the royal backdrop, feels very much the people’s show.