Down’s Syndrome Scotland’s ‘Choir 21’ and Scottish band, The Bluebells officially unveil their RHS Chelsea Flower Show Garden with a debut performance of ‘Our Chelsea Anthem’
Today at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, members of Down’s Syndrome Scotland’s ‘Choir 21’ officially unveiled their charity Show Garden – the ‘Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden’ sponsored by Project Giving Back – by performing three joyful songs, including their debut performance of ‘Our Chelsea Anthem’, which has been written in collaboration with their charity members and Ken McCluskey and Douglas MacIntyre of No.1 hit Scottish band, The Bluebells.
Picture shows: Choir 21 from Down’s Syndrome Scotland officially unveiled the RHS Chelsea Flower Show ‘Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden’ alongside Scottish band, The Bluebells. The garden, designed by Burton Hall Garden Design, has been designed for the Scottish charity and is sponsored by Project Giving Back. Photo credit: Ginger Horticulture
Accompanied by Makaton sign language, their uplifting performance celebrates the positive qualities of people in their community. Their choir reflects the work of Down’s Syndrome Scotland, who provide support and opportunities for people with Down’s syndrome living in Scotland, whilst breaking down societal barriers so individuals can reach their full potential.
Chief Executive of Down’s Syndrome Scotland, Eddie McConnell, said today, “It’s wonderful to see our charity choir here in the heart of Chelsea to perform at the world’s most prestigious flower show. Many of our members haven’t travelled to London before, and although excited and nervous at the invitation to officially open our garden at RHS Chelsea, they have excelled and made their community proud as they fly the flag for inclusion, opportunity and challenging stigma.”
Katy Lironi, Choir 21’s Songwriter and Choir Lead, said today, “I am so proud of the members of Down’s Syndrome Scotland Choir performing today in front of so many press and RHS guests to officially unveil our charity show garden. Our debut performance of ‘Our Chelsea Anthem’ is a song written by members of our choir with input from our wider charity members. We’re also grateful for the help provided by The Bluebells, who brought our lyrics to life. Our choir was also delighted to sing “Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden,” our very own take on the folk song “English Country Garden” with lyrics supplied by Choir 21 members and the wider Down’s Syndrome Scotland community, describing many features of the garden– and of course – we couldn’t come to Chelsea with The Bluebells without singing their 1993 No.1 hit ‘Young at Heart.’”
The ‘Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden’ designers, Nick Burton and Duncan Hall of Burton Hall Garden Design, had also invited Liam Hall-Romay, aged 8 – the inspiration behind the garden – to attend the performance with his brother Oscar, aged 10 and his parents Laura Romay Castiñeira and Davie Hall. Liam has Down’s syndrome and is the nephew of the garden’s co-designer, Duncan Hall.
The ‘Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden’ is an immersive, semi-wooded space celebrating and reflecting the unique qualities that people with Down’s syndrome bring to society. Visitors enter on a meandering path that leads them through two distinct planting areas that convey contrasting mood experiences: one of calmness and the other of playfulness. A water pool that initially appears to be a barrier to progress symbolises the daily challenges faced by people with Down’s syndrome who – despite huge progress in recent years – still experience stigma, often resulting in reduced opportunities and life expectancy. A submerged bridge within the water pool allows the ‘barrier’ to be overcome and visitors arrive at a welcoming garden building designed to look and feel like a warm and comforting ‘hug’.’
The ‘Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden’ has been made possible by sponsorship from Project Giving Back, a unique grant-making charity that supports cause-driven gardens at RHS Chelsea, ensuring their legacy continues by relocating them to community sites across the UK.
The Show Garden can be seen this week at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show until Saturday 24th May 2025. After the show, it will relocate to its permanent home at Watch US Grow in Palacerigg Country Park in North Lanarkshire, Scotland, so it can make long-term, positive changes to the lives of adults with additional support needs.
For more information or images please contact: Joy Baker, Baker PR
joy@bakerpr.co.uk 07810 442659
Down’s Syndrome Scotland supports families and people with Down’s syndrome all over Scotland and is dedicated to helping them achieve their fullest potential in life. Membership of Down’s Syndrome Scotland is free to everyone who wants to help the charity grow and reach everyone living with Down’s syndrome in Scotland today.