Perennial is reviving its traditional Festival Dinner, a fantastic evening of fundraising, with the help of partners and supporters from across the UK horticulture industry.

Taking place on 12 October at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, one of London’s most celebrated 5 star hotels overlooking Hyde Park, the event will be a glittering evening beginning with a champagne reception in the Carlyle Suite, followed by a delicious three-course dinner and entertainment in the Ballroom.

The annual festival dinner was a prestigious event dating right back to Perennial’s origins. On 17 January 1839, the Gardeners’ Benevolent Institution was founded at the inaugural dinner, which was attended by gardeners, nurserymen and wealthy estate owners. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the dinners drew the attention and support of high society. In 1852, Charles Dickens presided over the ninth festival dinner and in 1867 it was the turn of Sir Robert Peel, founder of the modern police force. Chris Crooker, Events Manager at Perennial, says:

“Continuing the tradition of supporting those who look after Britain’s gardens and green spaces, this year’s festival dinner will raise funds to help make sure Perennial can continue to offer its essential welfare services, which are needed by horticulturists of every profession today more than ever. And in keeping with the tradition of illustrious hosts of these fundraising events, James Alexander Sinclair will be the speaker at our new look festival dinner this autumn.”

An auction will take place, presided over by Andrew Fisher Tomlin and Jeremy Storey Walker, with a host of fabulous lots to bid for on the night. Already confirmed are a spa break at Barnsley House, a package for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2019 and a holiday cottage stay at Easton Walled Gardens. Support for the event is growing with two headline sponsors already on board – The Landscape Show and the London College of Garden Design – with further sponsorship opportunities still available. Contact Laura Garnett (01372 384033 lgarnett@perennial.org.uk) for information.

The 2018 Perennial Festival Dinner tickets cost £150 each and are available individually or in tables of ten.

www.perennial.org.uk