Eden Project Marks 25th Anniversary with 300-Voice Dawn Chorus

300 Voices Mark Eden Project’s 25th Birthday

The Eden Project celebrated its 25th birthday on Tuesday 17th March with a powerful performance from a 300-strong choir made up of singers from 16 community groups across Cornwall.

The choir gathered early in the morning for a dawn chorus performance that launched the anniversary celebrations at the world-renowned environmental education charity, which first opened its doors on 17th March 2001.

Their uplifting set included a specially written song created by Eden people past and present. The performance ended with Cornwall My Home, performed alongside its original writer, Cornish folk musician Harry Glasson.

A Cake and a Celebration

As part of the morning’s celebrations, a five-tier hand-painted birthday cake featuring designs inspired by Eden’s 25-year history was presented and cut by Eden co-founder Sir Tim Smit and chief executive Andy Jasper.

The cake was created by award-winning local cake artist Emily Hankins.

The celebrations coincided with the release of new Impact Report findings highlighting Eden’s reach over the past quarter century.

According to the report, the attraction has welcomed more than 25 million visitors and generated £6.8 billion in total economic impact for the South West. On average, around 700 jobs have been created and sustained each year during that time. More than one million schoolchildren have also experienced nature-based learning through Eden.

Sir Tim Smit KBE said:

“Eden has always been a people story and the support we’ve had from so many institutions, organisations, individuals, communities and volunteers who backed this wild dream – gives me goosebumps even now and I hope they feel proud of their part in its creation. What you see here today is the power of collective imagination, made real. To see it makes you dream about what else we could achieve.

“The world today feels a more dangerous place than 25 years ago, and our duty is to commit to spreading the message of possibility far and wide. Eden is a living theatre of plants and people, as well as a shop window into the exciting world coming towards us. Eden is different because we take action and demonstrate rather than just talk. Our ultimate aim is to tell a moving and wonderful story filled with jeopardy and hope. We are of nature made and to harm it wheresoever it is, is to harm ourselves. The great pleasure of today is that in bringing together so many who were responsible for Eden’s creation and being, we remember what moved our younger selves, and it stirs us still!”

Remembering Key Figures

The anniversary event also included a moment of reflection for two important figures linked to Eden’s creation.

Sir Ronnie Hampel, Eden’s early Chairman, who passed away two weeks ago, was remembered alongside architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, whose vision shaped the attraction’s iconic design.

From Clay Pit to Global Landmark

Since opening in 2001, Eden has become known for transforming a former industrial clay pit into thriving ecosystems housed within its famous Biomes. These structures were built using pioneering engineering methods and Guinness record-breaking scaffolding structures.

The attraction expanded its educational reach in 2005 with the opening of the Core building by HM Queen Elizabeth II. Two years later, the 70-tonne seed-shaped sculpture Seed, created by Peter Randall-Page, was installed at the centre of the building.

In 2023, Eden reached another milestone when the UK’s first operational deep geothermal well since 1986 began operating at the site.

Andy Jasper said:

“Through world class horticulture, immersive learning programmes, cultural events and a commitment to reconnecting people with the natural world, Eden exists to show how powerful environmental storytelling can inspire real change.

“Over 25 years we have welcomed more than 25 million visitors, supported hundreds of local jobs and introduced over a million schoolchildren to nature based learning.

“We’ve weathered landslips, flooding and even a global pandemic, proving our resilience and with communities we continue to thrive and grow.”

Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter

Eden has also grown into one of the UK’s most distinctive live music venues through its Eden Sessions. In 2026, the venue will celebrate its 150th Eden Session with what organisers say will be its biggest line-up yet.

To mark the anniversary, visitors attending between 17th and 24th March have the chance to win daily prizes, including tickets to selected Eden Sessions. One prize bundle includes annual passes, dinner at the Mediterranean Terrace restaurant and premium Biome experiences.

Andy added:

“Marking 25 years is a proud moment to celebrate everything we have done – but it’s also a moment to look forward. Eden was created to show the power of optimism and collective action. We’re more determined than ever with new exciting projects yet to come!

“Our international efforts – including Oriental Eden in Qingdao, China, which opened in 2025, Eden Project Costa Rica, Eden Project Morecambe and Eden Project Scotland – represent the next chapter in sharing our regenerative vision with the world.

“We’ll continue to lead with knowledge and expand our educational reach by working closely with universities, businesses and research partners to empower and inspire more people to imagine a better future for our planet.”

What’s Coming in 2026

The anniversary year will also see new experiences introduced across the site. These include a new Japanese tree exhibit and the planting of 130,000 bulbs expected to bloom across the estate this spring.

A new permanent play installation called the Giant Marble Runs will launch on 28th March as part of the celebrations.

Eden will also continue to focus on nature-based wellbeing activities, including yoga, parkrun and dance events.

Andy said:

“Come and be part of our next chapter. Whether you’re exploring our gardens, seeing your favourite artist play at an Eden Session, taking part in a wellbeing or creative event or simply discovering what we’re all about, there’s something here for everyone. By visiting or getting involved with our mission, you’re helping to shape the future we’re building together.”

More information about the anniversary celebrations can be found on the Eden Project website.