Up the garden path

The World Cup is nearing its end, but eyes at Hampton Court Palace are still on the land of the rising sun.

This year's gala preview of the palace's annual flower show, in aid of the British Red Cross and the Royal Horticultural Society, is Japanese themed.

Entertainment at the gala preview includes samurai sword-play, a Japanese tea ceremony, music from the Opera Babes and a spectacular firework finale. Tickets for the gala cost £50 (inc half a bottle of champagne), or £225, which includes champagne and canapes plus a three-course black-tie dinner.

The show (tickets £9.50-£25) boasts more than 20 gardens and the greatest gathering of roses in full bloom in the world. And, as always, there are great shopping opportunities to be had from the huge range of plants, flowers and gardening accessories on sale.

Charity gala preview
Monday 1 Jul, (020-7630 5999)
Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, Tue 2-Sun 7 Jul, East Molesey, Surrey
(0870 906 3791).