Interflora World Cup 2023: A Floral Spectacle Like No Other Hosted in the UK

Manchester, UK - The Manchester Central Convention Centre has never smelt so sweet. This year, the United Kingdom played host to the most prestigious floral competition in the world: The Interflora World Cup 2023. Thursday, September 7th marked the first day of the breathtaking event, which saw 20 incredibly talented designers from across the globe convene in Manchester to put their floristry skills to the test.

A Showcase of International Talent

Representing the United Kingdom was Lizzie Newcombe, who captured the judges' eyes and hearts, ultimately finishing in third place. Over the course of the semi-finals, the initial pool of 20 designers was narrowed down to just 10, with each contestant crafting a surprise hand-tied design. By the grand final, only five remained to battle for the crown of World Floral Champion.

A Journey Through Nature’s Marvels

Task 1: Our Forest Canopies – Suspended Design

The first task kicked off on Thursday, challenging florists to create a suspended design inspired by forest canopies. Joan Maloof, an author and activist, stated, "To really feel a forest canopy, we must use different senses and often the most useful one is the sense of imagination." This guidance led to creations that not only captivated the eye but also transported the audience to ethereal woodland realms.

Task 3: Our Ocean Waves – Table for Two

Friday morning's task shifted the focus to the mesmerising world of ocean waves. The task was to craft table designs that encapsulated the essence of the ocean, guided by the poetic words of Christy Ann Martine: "Dance with the waves, move with the sea, let the rhythm of the water set your soul free." Designers brought the majesty of the ocean to life, right on the competition stage.

Task 4: Our Clouds – Bridal Design

Later on Friday, competitors took on the ethereal challenge of creating bridal designs inspired by clouds. "Clouds are the imagination of the sky," said Terri Guillemets, a quotation anthologist, inspiring creations that embodied the romantic and ephemeral nature of clouds. These designs showcased flowers transformed into potent symbols of love and dreams.

A Floral Affair to Remember

Months of preparation, brainstorming, and fine-tuning led to this spectacular event. From forest canopies to ocean waves and cloud-like bridal bouquets, the Interflora World Cup 2023 showcased the boundless creativity and skill found in the world of floristry.

For those interested in a comprehensive rundown of the event, a full report is available on Thursd.