The global elite of competitive floristry go head-to-head for glory in Manchester this week and the competitors, along with visitors could not be more excited for what is coming on the weekend.
Two Hundred Thousand Flowers
The Interflora World Cup gets underway with a mammoth delivery of 200,000 flowers. The striking blooms are being stored in climate-controlled conditions at Manchester Central Convention Centre where the competition begins on Thursday. Twenty florists from twenty countries from as far afield as Japan, USA, and Germany have begun sorting through the delivery before being put through their paces in a knockout format over three days.
Interflora’s director of florist services, Nick Priest, said:
“Manchester is a vibrant, multicultural city with the most brilliant energy, which reflects the creativity and diversity of our competitors. We’re excited to bring visitors from all over the globe to discover all the city has to offer.
The 2023 World Cup will be a real spectacle and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see floral designers at the top of their game at work. They will be creating complete works of art on an impressive scale and our tasks will provide the ultimate test of nerve and skill”.
The event culminates in the grand finale on Saturday evening. Competitors will be set creative tasks to complete under strict time conditions— some known about in advance and others given as a surprise to test their speed of thought and design skills.
A rigorous judging process will be run by a team of fourteen international judges and adjudicators managed by the International Florist Organization, Florint. Competitors will be required to demonstrate their interpretation and respect for the planet, focusing on a sustainable ethos and utilizing natural elements.
Judging Will Be Based on the Four Key Aspects of Floristry Design
The competitors will be tested on the four key aspects of good floristry design; idea, color, composition, and technique, with the winner walking away with a £15,000 grand prize. The nation’s hopes rest with UK entrant Lizzie Newcombe, 26, from Guildford, Surrey. Read all about her in the article 'Elizabeth Newcombe Represents the UK and Ireland at the Interflora World Cup 2023'.
At the event, Lizzie Newcombe said:
“I’m so excited to be representing the UK in the Interflora World Cup this weekend. It’s the world’s most prestigious floristry competition — exceptional florists from around the globe will be battling it out for the title of world champion all while making the most jaw-dropping floral creations. It’s the pinnacle of competitive floristry and I can’t wait to experience it for the first time alongside the public”.
The flagship event in competitive floristry happens every four years. This is the first year that it is being held in Britain and the first time it has been open to members of the public who can also enjoy a fun day out with shopping, live music, entertainment, and floristry workshops.
Buy your tickets today and don't miss out on this spectacular event!
