“The Interflora World Cup is a mix between the Olympics and the Chelsea flower show.. with added drama”

We’re in full festival season now, but how about considering something different from the usual tunes, mayhem and portaloos and instead head to a festival of beautiful floral creations?

The Interflora World Cup

This September, beautiful blooms as you have never seen them before are coming to Manchester as Interflora’s prestigious World Cup is set to take over.

And one thing’s for sure, it’s going to be bold and  beautiful.

The Chelsea Flower Show crossed with the Olympics

Imagine the Olympics crossed with the Chelsea Flower Show, then add extra drama.

The best of the best of the world’s florists will be gathered under one roof, ready to battle it out with an arsenal of petals, stems and unrivalled creativity in several, cut-throat rounds of heats across three days culminating in the grand final.

But that’s not all, as ticket holders will be treated to exclusive presentations and talks with some of the floral and agricultural world’s brightest stars.

Visitors to the World Cup can head straight into the vibrant Village Green, where they can catch the high-stakes heats that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Lizzie Newcombe

There are florists from 20 countries competing and the UK’s young hopeful Lizzie Newcombe will be ready to take on her contemporaries from around the globe as they craft gorgeous, gravity-defying arrangements that fit in with the tournament’s theme of ‘Our Natural World’, guaranteed to leave you awestruck.

With the eagle-eyed judges marking them on the fundamentals of competitive floristry, contestants will be working hard in a bid to win a massive £15,000 grand prize.

The Creative Zone

The Creative Zone is the place to be if you’re looking to get your hands dirty and make your own stunning floral creations.

Ticket holders can head over to the bustling stalls and join the Interflora experts for countless lessons and how-to’s from flower arranging to making your own floral accessories there’s guaranteed to be a fun class for everyone.

The Inspiration Zone

And if visitors are looking for a place to sit and be inspired, they can head over to the Inspiration Zone where immersive talks and presentations from the industry’s best will be sure to ignite a passion for all things floral.

The Garden Ninja and the Bumblebee Conservation Society

The stage will be packed full of industry experts ready to spill their top tips; from Lee Burkhill aka The Garden Ninja to the Bumblebee Conservation Society, there’s something to captivate every green thumb and flower aficionado.

The Royal Northern College of Music

But if you just fancy relaxing with a bite to eat and soaking up the atmosphere, the Royal Northern College of Music will be taking to the stage throughout the day to play their favourite medleys.

Perfect for listening to as you take in the countless, delicious local food and drink stalls.

If retail therapy is more your thing, you’re in luck as the Interflora World Cup has over 25 local vendors on hand.

Bloom Candle Company and Manchester Gin

From the blissful scents of Botanical and Bloom Candle Company to the tasty tipples available from Manchester Gin, you will be spoilt for choice.

It’s the perfect chance to snag a little memento of the day.

This year’s event is set to take place at Manchester Central on 7th – 9th September 2023 and tickets are now on sale priced at £28 for adult day entry and £10 for young adults (age 13-17). Children 12 and under go free.

Streaming tickets are £15.

Speaking about the host city, 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 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”.

You can buy your tickets by clicking here.