It may be called the Interflora Florist of the Year but as a result of the ground-making move to open it to EVERY florist in the UK there are actually just two Interflora member competing in the semi-finals later this month!
Because the conscious move on the part of Interflora to open the doors to as many florists as possible saw a record number of entries from throughout the UK industry with the winner of the UK FOY going on to represent the UK in the 2023 World competition being held in Manchester UK to tie in with Interflora’s 100th Birthday.
Not much pressure then on these 10 florists who are just days away from competing in the semi-finals being held on April 23/24 at the gorgeous RHS Bridgewater Gardens just outside Manchester.
Meet the finalists
Working to the core theme Growing Together, contestants will make three designs, the first a wired bridal Bouquet suitable for a wedding to be held in Bridgewater’s appropriately named Paradise Garden.
The second piece – a Hand Tied design using the contestant’s own choice of flower - will be made within the contestant’s booth area whilst the third design - the scary but oh so exciting Surprise Design - will be made from exactly the same flowers and accessories, generously sponsored by FleuraMetz, but nobody will know what they have until the session starts!!
The whole competition kicks off on Saturday 23rd April when the 10 semi-finalists place their Bouquet for judging and then meet for a meet for a welcome dinner.
On Sunday 24th April the real pressure starts as they assemble in front of visitors to Bridgewater to start their other designs culminating in the announcement of the five finalists who will go through to the Grand Final on July 2/3 where the person who will represent the UK in the World Champion will be declared.
Visitors – both the public and from the industry are more than welcome to attend the semi-finals. If you are an RHS member it’s free to access both the gorgeous Bridgewater Gardens** as well as the competition area. Otherwise, you will need to book online here – tickets cost £12.65 including Gift Aid or you can get family passes if you want to make a day out of it.
** RHS Garden Bridgewater is the horticultural charity’s newest garden and their first to be located in an urban area. The 154-acre garden in Salford, Greater Manchester, features cutting-edge design by RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medal winners alongside numerous dedicated community spaces and is a beacon of gardening inspiration, education and engagement in the heart of the northwest of England.
