Going Dutch

Perhaps that may change this year when, in April, the Floriade World Horticultural Expo officially opens its doors.

The event has been held in a different part of the Netherlands once each decade since 1960 and always at a different location.

For 2012 – from April 5 until October 7 – the sixth Floriade will be organised in Venlo in the central-eastern Netherlands.

It is expected to attract more than two million visitors, and the organisers are hoping that many Britons will pop across the North Sea to enjoy the event .

They add that the central theme of Floriade 2012 – Be part of the theatre in nature, get closer to the quality of life – has been translated into five core sub-themes around the park.

This year they will portray different aspects of the relationship between consumers and the horticultural sector.

“Green engine” portrays horticulture as the green engine of the economy. “Education & Innovation” relate the story of horticulture over the years while exploring the future of the sector at the same time. For “Environment”, the key element is the importance of greenery at home, on the streets and in the working environment. “Relax & Heal” focuses on health, movement and physical wellbeing, food and enjoying the true flavour of products.

A show stage will host events showing how international art, culture and entertainment inspire the horticultural sector and vice versa.

Each day will also feature music, dance, literature, theatre and visual art from all over the world.

www.floriade.nl.

For details about trips to Floriade 2012, visit www.yorkshirepost.reader.travel or phone 01524 37500 and quote YPN.