Manchester welcomes the world as Interflora floristry ‘World Cup’ kicks off

The Interflora World Cup, a prestigious global competition in the world of floristry, has kicked off today at Manchester Central.

Written by Thom Bamford
Last updated 8 months ago
Art & Design, Attractions, Exhibitions, Festivals

This year’s event marks a historic moment as it opens its doors to the public for the very first time.

Florists hailing from 20 countries, including Japan, the USA, and Germany, are converging in Manchester Central to showcase their skills in a thrilling knockout format spanning three days.

The grand finale, set to take place on Saturday evening, promises to be a culmination of creativity, skill, and sustainability.

So, what’s it all about?

We’ll give you the low down on this floral extravaganza that combines artistry and environmental consciousness.

The Competition

Competitors at the Interflora World Cup face a series of creative challenges designed to test their floristry prowess under tight time constraints.

Some tasks are pre-planned, while others are sprung as surprises, demanding quick thinking and design skills.

A panel of 14 international judges and adjudicators, managed by the International Florist Organisation, Florint, oversees the rigorous judging process.

A unique focus of this competition is the emphasis on sustainability and the utilisation of natural elements.

Participants are evaluated on four key aspects of floristry design: idea, colour, composition, and technique.

The ultimate prize at stake is an impressive £15,000.

Meet the UK Hopeful: Lizzie Newcombe

Representing the United Kingdom in this global showdown is 26-year-old Lizzie Newcombe from Guildford, Surrey.

Lizzie expresses her excitement, saying, “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.”

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Event

The Interflora World Cup is the flagship event in the competitive floristry calendar, occurring once every four years.

What makes this year particularly special is that it’s the first time the event is being held in Britain.

In addition to the thrilling competition, visitors can immerse themselves in a fun-filled day featuring shopping, live music, entertainment, and engaging floristry workshops.

Manchester: The Perfect Host

Nick Priest, Interflora’s director of florist services, highlights the significance of choosing Manchester as the host city, saying, “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 Spectacle of Creativity

The Interflora World Cup promises to be a visual spectacle, showcasing floral designers at the pinnacle of their craft.

These artisans will be creating breathtaking works of art on an impressive scale, and the competition tasks will provide the ultimate test of nerve and skill.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the Interflora World Cup are available at various price points, ranging from £10 to £28.

You can get your tickets by clicking here.

Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this captivating event and experience the magic of floristry on a global stage.

Full List of Competitors

Canada: Lea Romanowski
Columbia: Ivan Moreno
Denmark: Katharina Albrechtsen
Finland: Saija Sitolahti
France: Stéphane Chanteloube
Germany: Nicolaus Peters
Hong Kong: Leong Solomon
Hungary: Attila Nemeth
Italy: Daniela Pighetti
Japan: Hironori Komatsu
Norway: Elisabeth Pålsson
Peru: Monica Patricia and Garcia Villegas
Portugal: Emanuela Araújo
Republic of Korea: Hyunghak Kim
Spain: Patricia Aguin
The Netherlands: Melissa Smedes
United Kingdom: Elizabeth Newcombe
USA: Jennifer Thomasson
Venezuela: Alejandro Figueira
Vietnam: Thanh Tran

Conclusion

The Interflora World Cup 2023 in Manchester is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of floral artistry, sustainability, and global creativity.

With participants from around the world vying for the title of world champion and the chance to win the £15,000 grand prize, this event promises to be a feast for the senses.

Don’t miss your chance to witness the world’s top florists in action and experience the magic of floristry like never before.

Get your tickets now and be part of this historic floral extravaganza in the heart of Manchester.

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