East Durham College students set to showcase talent at RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Floristry students from East Durham College’s Houghall Campus are preparing to take their skills to one of the most prestigious horticultural events in the world – the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Twelve students from Levels 1, 2 and 3 will represent the College at the internationally renowned event, working alongside staff to design, install and present a floral showcase that demonstrates their creativity, technical expertise and innovation.
Widely regarded as the pinnacle of horticulture and floral design, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year, including members of the Royal Family and leading figures from across the industry. Being selected to exhibit is a significant achievement and reflects the exceptional standard of teaching and talent within the College’s Floristry department.
In preparation for the show, students will also benefit from mentoring by renowned floral designer Simon Lycett, whose distinguished career includes work with royalty and major national events. His guidance will provide students with invaluable professional insight as they prepare for the global stage.
The Chelsea showcase has been a collaborative effort involving around 20 students in the design and planning stages, with the final group attending the event selected by their peers. The project has also been supported by local organisations including Jewson, MKM Durham, Durham Parish Council, the National Trust and Bon Bloemen.
The milestone comes at an exciting time for East Durham College, following the recent start of work on the redevelopment of its Houghall Campus, which will further strengthen its position as a regional centre of excellence for land-based education.
