A Rotherhithe man known for his nature photography and being Kew Gardens’ ‘biggest fan’ will feature in a Channel 4 Christmas documentary.
Kam Hong Leung has lived in Rotherhithe since 1989, after growing up in Hong Kong. He regularly pays tribute to the area through his enthusiasm for nature and photography, which he described as his “meditation and salvation.”
“I love my beautiful natural neighbourhood in Rotherhithe. There’s extraordinary community spirit here, as well as so many public green spaces for all to enjoy!” he said.
But when Kam was recently interviewed for a Channel 4 documentary, it looks like Rotherhithe is vying with Kew Gardens as the place he spends most of his time with his camera.
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Kew Gardens – the Royal Botanic Gardens in Richmond – are famous for their Christmas display and have been named as one of the top places in the UK to see festive lights. They will feature in a one-off Channel 4 special called ‘Lighting up Christmas’.
A spokesperson from Channel 4 said: “This year, more than any other, the best lighting companies are pulling out all the stops to make Christmas 2022 brighter than ever.
“We will follow the top teams as they work to design, decorate and unveil Britain’s most iconic and magnificent displays.
“It’s a chance to see what it really takes to light up Christmas, behind the scenes of the UK’s most celebrated streets, shops, estates and attractions.”
Kam was approached by producers on social media and interviewed for the upcoming special featuring Kew. “I was truly honoured that Channel 4 wanted to feature me in the documentary,” he said.
“They wanted to interview a loyal member of Kew – I’ve been for the last eight years at Christmas and I go there regularly to take photos! I’m a huge fan.”
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This isn’t the first time Kam has been recognised for one of his passions. He’s won many awards for his nature photography, including this year when he won an award for a photo taken at Kew’s Waterlily House in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Photographic Competition.
The special will air on Channel 4 but the date is not yet confirmed.
To book tickets to Christmas at Kew click here.