Celebrities call for permanent end to gnome ban at Chelsea flower show
Celebrities are advocating for the permanent lifting of the gnome ban at the Chelsea Flower Show. This year, a one-off exception allows gnomes to be displayed and auctioned to support a school gardening initiative. Prominent figures like Bill Bailey and Alan Titchmarsh are leading the call for gnomes to be embraced in future events.
- ▪The Chelsea Flower Show has banned garden gnomes since 1927.
- ▪Celebrities painted gnomes for auction to raise funds for the RHS's school gardening campaign.
- ▪King Charles has expressed support for lifting the gnome ban, having co-designed a garden featuring them.
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Gnomes painted for Chelsea flower show by the celebrities Floella Benjamin, Alan Titchmarsh, Angellica Bell, Joanna Lumley, Brian May, Frances Tophill and Kelly Hoppen. Photograph: Oliver Dixon/RHS/PAView image in fullscreenGnomes painted for Chelsea flower show by the celebrities Floella Benjamin, Alan Titchmarsh, Angellica Bell, Joanna Lumley, Brian May, Frances Tophill and Kelly Hoppen. Photograph: Oliver Dixon/RHS/PAChelsea flower showCelebrities call for permanent end to gnome ban at Chelsea flower showBill Bailey and Alan Titchmarsh paint gnomes for king’s garden at event in one-off to raise funds for RHS campaignHelena HortonMon 18 May 2026 07.55 EDTLast modified on Mon 18 May 2026 08.09 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleGarden gnomes should make a permanent return to the…
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