Head to Manchester Central Convention Centre 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 will undoubtedly be the floristry competition itself. It’s the world’s biggest, bringing together exceptional florists from across the globe to compete to become World Champion.
Overall Competition Theme
The overall theme of the 2023 World Cup competition is ‘Our Natural World’. Every task that the competitors will have to complete has been devised to show love and respect for our beautiful planet, as well as to capture the imagination of the competitors and show visitors how florists cherish nature and the environment. All competitors have been asked to concentrate on sustainability and natural materials in their designs.
Competition Schedule
The World Cup competition consists of six separate tasks, to be completed across 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, accompanied by an inspirational quote that each competitor must attempt to convey within their design. While three of the tasks have now been revealed to the florist competitors, the remaining three will be kept completely under wraps until just before the timer starts!
The florists competing at the Interflora World Cup are arguably the best in the business, all capable of creating incredible floral works of art. So, it will require one competitor to create six absolutely flawless pieces of floral art to take home the trophy.
Here’s an overview of what the incredible floral designers will be creating:
Thursday 7th September
The competition kicks off Thursday 7th September, with all 20 competitors creating a show-stopping suspended design inspired by Our Forest Canopies.
Task 1: Our forest canopies – suspended design. 11am – 1pm
“To really feel a forest canopy, we must use different senses and often the most useful one is the sense of imagination.” Joan Maloof, Author and Activist.
Task 2: Surprise. 3pm – 4.30pm
Later that afternoon, their skills, creativity and imagination will be put to the test with a surprise design under timed conditions. Competitors will have just 15 minutes to review the brief, flowers and materials before getting to work.
Friday 8th September
On Friday all competitors are welcomed back to create two more designs. In the morning, a table for two representing Our Ocean Waves and in the afternoon, a bridal design around the theme Our Clouds which marks the end of the preliminary heats.
Task 3: Our ocean waves – table for two. 10.45am – 12.45pm
“Dance with the waves, move with the sea, let the rhythm of the water set your soul free.” Christy Ann Martine, Poet and Author
Task 4: Our clouds – bridal design. 3.30pm – 5pm
“Clouds are the imagination of the sky.” Terri Guillemets, Quotation Anthologist
Task 5: Semi-Final – Surprise. 7.30pm - 8.15pm
On Friday evening, while visitors enjoy cocktails and canapes in the stunning venue, the top ten semi-finalists will battle it out live on stage and create a surprise design in a bid to secure their place in Saturday’s final.
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. 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. 7.15pm – 8pm
As evening falls on Saturday, Grand Final ticket holders will enjoy a fabulous 3-course gala dinner as the five finalists compete live on stage in an exciting climax to the competition. The new Interflora World Champion will be crowned followed by an evening of live music and artistic acts.
Hurry – tickets to the Grand Final & Gala Dinner evening are almost sold out so get your tickets now before they’re gone! 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
