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Tips from the RHS press team

Before press day ensure the media form is accurate, up to date and filled out on time. Include as much information as possible. Information that you may think is unnecessary may prove to be interesting to someone else. Make sure contact information is up to date, especially towards press day – media forms can be updated after they are submitted

Photocalls

Ideas and suggestions on how to get press attention

A photocall at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023
A photocall at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023

What are photocalls?

  • Photocalls are an opportunity to stand out to the press and appear in national media outlets

  • The best photocalls are unique, unusual and demonstrate ‘outside of the box thinking’, with a strong connection to the themes of the garden

  • Ensure photocall applications are completed and detailed ahead of the deadline

​Ideas for photocalls

  • Invite celebrities associated with the charity or ambassadors. It’s a great chance for new ambassadors to network or connect with new VIPs, by inviting them to appear at a photocall in your garden

  • Have models dressed in costumes associated with the garden, e.g. uniforms or traditional regional outfits

  • Put on an eyecatching show with choirs, bands or dance groups

  • Create pieces of art or performance art on your garden

  • Host traditional ceremonies such as weddings or commemorative displays of anniversaries

Joanna Lumley at RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Put on a show for photocalls to grab attention

Press day

  • Be contactable in the lead up to press day – key journalist contacts visit the site days before opening to the public and may want to speak either in person or over the phone
  • Presence on press day is important as this is the main point of connection to journalists and photographers during press week
  • Sharing stories ahead and during the Show week connects with your audience and helps drive excitement
  • The press team is available on [email protected] and welcomes questions or queries around press at the Show. The social media team can be reached on [email protected]
A photocall at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025
Mary Berry at a photocall on The Glasshouse Garden, designed by Jo Thompson, RHS Chelsea 2025

Joanna Lumley at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023
Joanna Lumley at RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023

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¶¶ÒõÊÓƵ is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.