The Orchids Festival at Kew's Royal Botanic Gardens in south-west London opens on Saturday (4 February 2017), and features more than 36,000 different orchids from across the world. Inspired by the vibrant colours, culture and magnificent plant life of India, this years festival includes giant floral displays created using exotic orchids, decorative rickshaws, Indian soundscapes and films.

Orchids Festival
Orchids Festival
Orchids Festival
Orchids Festival
Orchids Festival

The displays took the team of 45 volunteers and horticulturalists more than 1,600 hours to create, and includes a giant peacock made from orchids and a giant Indian flag cut from the flowers. Visitors can also attend sessions with volunteer guides and enjoy Indian-inspired dishes in The Orangery restaurant.

The Orchids Festival runs from 4 February until 5 March at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. IBTimes UK takes a look at this year's event:

Orchids Festival
An employee completing an orchid display in the Princess of Wales Conservatory Dan Kitwood/Getty
Orchids Festival
An orchid display of a peacock standing in the Princess of Wales Conservatory Dan Kitwood/Getty
Orchids Festival
A volunteer completing an orchid display in the Princess of Wales Conservatory Dan Kitwood/Getty
Orchids Festival
An employee completing an Orchid display in the Princess of Wales Conservatory Dan Kitwood/Getty
Orchids Festival
An employee next to a rickshaw displaying different kind of orchids Daniel Leal-Olivas/Getty
Orchids Festival
Employees next to a traditional Indian Tulsi Holy basil Daniel Leal-Olivas/Getty
Orchids Festival
Employees alongside an elephant display of orchids in an Indian-themed section Daniel Leal-Olivas/Getty
Orchids Festival
Employees working on flower-made Indian flag created from 900 chrysanthemums Daniel Leal-Olivas/Getty
Orchids Festival
A Kew Diplomatic Student completing an orchid display in the Princess of Wales Conservatory Dan Kitwood/Getty
Orchids Festival
An employee carrying orchids though a pond Daniel Leal-Olivas/Getty
Orchids Festival
An employee next to an elevated orchid display Daniel Leal-Olivas/AFP
Orchids Festival
A volunteer completing an orchid display in the Princess of Wales Conservatory Dan Kitwood/Getty

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