Be sure to head to Manchester Central Convention Centre, UK on 7th-9th September 2023 for three days of fabulous floral fun at the Interflora World Cup. There’s so much to experience and enjoy at the event, but the hero is undoubtedly the floristry competition itself. It’s the world’s biggest, bringing together exceptional florists from across the globe to compete to be the world champion.
They’re all the best in the business but it’ll take one competitor to create six absolutely flawless pieces of floral art to take home the trophy. There are six heats altogether across the three days, including the Semi-Final evening on Friday 8th September, and the Grand Final evening on Saturday 9th September. Each task has a different theme and a quote to convey with the design, and three of them are kept completely under wraps until just before the timer starts! Get ready for flowers as you’ve never seen them before…
Overall Competition Theme of the Interflora World Cup 2023
The overall theme of this year’s competition is ‘Our Natural World’. Each task has been created to show love and respect for the beautiful planet we live on as well as to capture the imagination of the competitors and show visitors how florists cherish nature and the environment.
All competitors are asked to concentrate on sustainability and natural materials in their designs.
Here’s an overview of what the incredible floral designers will be creating:
Thursday 7th September
Task 1: Our Forest Canopies – Suspended Design (11 am to 1 pm)
Kicking off the competition, this task invites the florists to create a suspended design inspired by the enchanting world of forest canopies, guided by the words of Joan Maloof, author, and activist, who beautifully stated, "To really feel a forest canopy, we must use different senses and often the most useful one is the sense of imagination."
Expect to witness breathtaking designs that transport you to a magical woodland realm.
Task 2: Surprise (3 pm to 4.30 pm)
Adding an element of excitement, the competitors face a surprise design challenge under timed conditions in the afternoon. Within just 15 minutes, they must review the brief, flowers, and materials before creating a stunning masterpiece. Brace yourself for an incredible showcase of spontaneity, creativity, and rapid decision-making as these talented maestros bring their visions to life.
Friday 8th September
Task 3: Our Ocean Waves – Table for Two (10.45 am to 12.45 pm)
On Friday morning, the focus shifts to the captivating world of ocean waves. Inspired by the words of Christy Ann Martine, poet, and author, who beautifully said, "Dance with the waves, move with the sea, let the rhythm of the water set your soul free," the florists will craft mesmerizing table designs that capture the essence of the ocean's beauty. Marvel at the elegance and grace expressed through floral artistry.
Task 4: Our Clouds – Bridal Design (3.30 pm to 5 pm)
In the afternoon, the competitors will create enchanting bridal designs, as eloquently described by Terri Guillemets, a quotation anthologist: "Clouds are the imagination of the sky." Delicate and ethereal, these designs will embody the romantic spirit and the ephemeral nature of clouds. Witness the transformation of flowers into symbols of love and dreams.
Task 5: Semi-Final – Surprise (7.30 pm to 8.15 pm)
Friday evening sets the stage for the top ten semi-finalists to battle it out in a live, high-stakes competition. While visitors enjoy cocktails and canapes, each of these florists will create a surprise design that showcases their exceptional skills, artistry, and ability to perform under pressure. Join the anticipation as the semi-finalists strive to secure their place in Saturday's Grand Final.
Design by Laura Leong. Photo by Michelle Smith (@ginchigoo)
Design by Tamas Mezoffy. Photo by Michelle Smith (@ginchigoo)Saturday 9th September
If you’re visiting the event on Saturday’s exhibition day, you’ll have the chance to see over 100 mind-blowing floral designs created throughout the competition so far. Witness the evolution of floral artistry and gain a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship and passion behind each masterpiece. You’ll also get an exclusive opportunity to speak to all contestants in their booths and ask them any questions you may have about their floral art.
Task 6: Grand Final – Surprise (7.30 pm to 8.15 pm)
As evening falls on Saturday, the Interflora World Cup reaches its climactic finale. If you have secured your Grand Final and Gala Dinner ticket, prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience. The evening commences with a fabulous 3-course gala dinner, where you can savor delectable cuisine while surrounded by fellow floral enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Photo by Michelle Smith (@ginchigoo)
The focal point of the evening is the Grand Final competition. Five extraordinary finalists will take center stage, pouring their hearts and souls into their designs, all vying for the prestigious title of Interflora World Champion. Witness the intensity and precision as these floral virtuosos create astonishing arrangements in a live showcase that will leave you breathless. The atmosphere will be charged with anticipation and excitement, as the competitors push the boundaries of creativity to emerge victorious.
Following the announcement of the new Interflora World Champion, the celebration continues with live music and captivating artistic acts. Immerse yourself in a world of entertainment and revel in the joyous atmosphere that permeates the venue. It's an evening where talent, passion, and the love for floral art come together in a grand spectacle that will leave an indelible mark on your memory.
Photo by Michelle Smith (@ginchigoo)
Get Your Tickets Now
Hurry – tickets to the Grand Final & Gala Dinner evening are almost sold out so get your tickets now before they’re gone!
Join the buzz! Get your tickets to the Interflora World Cup here: https://www.eventarena.co.uk/interflora/interflora-world-cup-1/main-hub.
You can find out more about the competitors and the range of design styles that’ll be on show here: https://www.interflora.co.uk/world-cup/countries-and-competitors.
Header image (design by Pirjo Koppi at the 2019 Interflora World Cup) and feature image (design by Bart Hassam at the 2019 Interflora World Cup) by Michelle Smith (@ginchigoo).
