The Anniversary Garden Party FAQs

General

Why are is the National Trust hosting a garden party?

In celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the National Trust, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, President of the National Trust, has offered the opportunity to hold a garden party at Buckingham Palace. Although they cannot invite everyone to the party, they wish to use this opportunity to recognize the contribution of as many members, volunteers, supporters and our people as possible.

Spaces at the party are limited, however in order to give as many of our members, volunteers and supporters a fair and equal chance to take part in the day, the vast majority of invitations will be allocated at random, to those that enter a ballot. A small number of donors, partners, advocates and stakeholders will receive a separate invitation. Please see below for further information about the ballot and other invitees.

Who will be invited to the garden party?

The total capacity of the garden party is 8,000. The spaces will be allocated to supporters from across all corners of the organization, from members, volunteers, staff, donors, through to experts, advocates and those who fundraise for us.

The ballot

Why are we running a ballot?

We couldn’t possibly do what we do without the support of our six million members, 65,000 volunteers and our employees; this is one way of saying thank you. It is vital to make sure that we are offering as many people as possible the chance to attend this celebration. In order to make sure that we have a fair system, we have decided to operate a ballot which we are promoting through various channels so volunteers, members and staff can enter if they are interested in attending the garden party.

How can I enter the ballot?

Email Jan Lizza at jlizza@royal-oak.org by 3pm EST on March 4th.

Ballot eligibility

Can people who aren’t members, volunteers or a member of staff enter the ballot?

No. As part of the registration process, we are asking for key information which will enable us to validate the winners.

Can I enter the ballot more than once?

Only one entry per person will be counted.

What about joint members?

If you have a joint membership, then both members are eligible to enter the ballot.

Ballot selection

What happens once I have entered the ballot?

Once you have entered the ballot, if you have provided an email address you will receive an electronic automated response to confirm that your registration has been received.

After the ballot closing date, the successful entrants will be notified by email to let them know and confirm the next steps. Winners will receive a special link to a registration form which will need to be completed by 5pm on Friday 17 April 2020. This form requests information, which will be required by the Buckingham Palace security team.

How will the successful entrants be selected?

After the closing date the ballot will be conducted by an independent company who will draw names at random and successful individuals will be notified via the contact details they have provided.

What about those that are unsuccessful in the ballot?

If you haven’t heard by Friday 27 March 2020, then your ballot application has been unsuccessful.

I have been successful in the ballot but I’m unable to attend. What do I do?

Please let us know by contacting gardenparty2020@nationaltrust.org.uk. Please note, that invitations are strictly non-transferable and cannot be given to friends or family for them to attend in your place.

I am a member / volunteer. Why wasn’t I notified about the ballot?

We have done our upmost to ensure that as many people as possible know about the garden party and have an opportunity to enter the ballot, with communications sent via post and email.

We are only able to contact people where we have their permission to do so.

Guests

Am I able to bring a guest to the garden party?

Volunteers and members will be able to bring a guest with them to the garden party. Those that are successful in the ballot will be asked to provide information on behalf of their guest via an online form. Please note that anyone in attendance must be over the age of 16. Those that are successful in securing a place in the ballot that are aged 16-17 must be accompanied by someone who is over the age of 18.

My guest can no longer attend. Am I able to bring someone else in their place?

Unfortunately, names submitted for our guest list are strictly non-transferable.

Event day

Please can you provide further information about the garden party?

The garden party will take place on Thursday May 14, 2020.

Guests will be invited to join us at Buckingham Palace from 3.00pm. Upon arrival, guests will undergo mandatory security checks and will be asked to provide a minimum of two forms of identification.

Once through the gates, guests will enjoy tea in the beautiful Palace gardens and will depart from 6.00pm.

Further information and detailed instructions about all of the above, including security procedures, will be provided for confirmed attendees, closer to the time of the event.

Will there be members of royalty in attendance?

This is subject to the diary schedules of the Royal family and will be announced closer to the time.

What is the dress code?

The dress code for the day will be confirmed closer to the time but formal attire will be expected.

What do I need to bring on the day?

On the day of the garden party, upon arrival at the gates, guests will be asked to present a special admittance card and a minimum of two forms of identification, which between them will confirm their:

• Full Name (e.g. driver’s licence, birth certificate or passport)
• Date of birth (e.g. driver’s licence, birth certificate or passport)
• Current address (e.g. driver’s licence, utility bill or bank statement)

One of these forms of identification must be photographic. The following documents will be accepted:

• Passport (any nationality)
• Driving Licence (photocard)
• EU Identity Card
• Armed Forces Identity Card
• Firearms / Shot Gun Certificate

Please note, that the Buckingham Palace security team reserve the right to turn away anyone that is not on the guest list, as well as those that fail to present the correct identification.

All guests may be subject to search by police on arrival and are therefore we request that guests refrain from bringing hand luggage such as rucksacks or holdalls. Handbags and rainwear will be permitted.

Further information about the above will be provided to confirmed attendees, closer to the time of the event.

Is the garden party suitable for those with accessibility needs?

The event is suitable for those with accessibility needs, including wheelchair users and assistance dogs. There will be some seating available on the day for those who may find it difficult to stand for long periods of time. Those successful in the ballot will have an opportunity to make us aware of any specific requirements.

Will there be parking available on the day?

There are a limited number of accessible parking spaces available for blue badge holders only.

Will I get to go inside Buckingham Palace?

The party is restricted to the gardens outside the Palace.

What if it is raining on the day of the party?

The party will go ahead, come rain or shine! Please note, that due to the number of guests that will be in attendance, there is extremely limited shelter available. Guests should come prepared with coats and umbrellas in case of inclement weather and suitable clothing if the weather is particularly hot.

I have dietary restrictions. Will I be catered for?

Yes, most dietary requirements will be catered for.

Will there be a photographer at the garden party?

Yes, there will be a National Trust photographer at the event to capture the highlights of the day.

Guests can bring their own, small, personal cameras with them, including using mobile phone cameras. Use of large cameras will not be permitted.

Privacy and enquiries

How are you using my personal information?

The privacy and security of your personal information is extremely important to us. For further information on how we look after your data, please refer to the National Trust Privacy Policy:

nationaltrust.org.uk/features/privacy-policy

Enquiries

If you have any further questions about the garden party, please contact Jan Lizza at jlizza@royal-oak.org