Chestnut Sunday becomes biennial

Chestnut Sunday has been an important event in of the local calendar for centuries. The tradition centres on Chestnut Avenue in Bushy Park, designed by Christopher Wren and planted in 1699 as a mile‑long approach to Hampton Court Palace. Nearly 300 chestnut trees, bordered by lime avenues, create a spectacular display of “candle” blossoms each spring.

The custom of walking down the Avenue on the Sunday closest to 11 May grew during the 19th century, when thousands travelled from London and surrounding areas to enjoy the blossoms and to picnic in the Park.

By the early 20th century, the event had become fashionable, drawing notable visitors including Edward VII and the future George V. Although World War I interrupted the tradition, it did return, but World War II and the establishment of an American army base in the Park brought Chestnut Sunday to an end.

However, in 1979, the Hampton Wick Association revived Chestnut Sunday!

Colin Pain gathered around 40 people for a walk along the Avenue, followed by a picnic at the Diana Fountain. In the years that followed, the HWA continued to publicise the walk and invited everyone to join in. Numbers grew, and so did the event. By the turn of the 21st century, Chestnut Sunday was being organised by the Royal Parks Agency, with involvement from the FBHP and the Teddington Society as well as the HWA. Chestnut Sunday once again drew thousands with attractions including vintage vehicles, horses, community stalls, live music, and a small fairground.

COVID‑19 caused the cancellation of the 2020 event. It was 2024 before any attempt was made to revive it again, when the FBHP invited people to bring their picnics and enjoy the blossoms.

In 2025, the Royal Parks charity (formerly the Royal Parks Agency) staged a comeback on a grander scale, complete with a parade, music, and community stalls. The HWA stall featured mini‑fairground games that proved immensely popular.

Sadly, the Royal Parks charity has now announced that Chestnut Sunday will become a biennial event due to resource limitations, so the next event will be in 2027.

In the meantime, why not take a picnic and walk along the Avenue on Sunday 10th May this year?

(Sources: Surrey Comet, Kingston Guardian, Richmond & Twickenham Times)