THERE was a moment last Friday afternoon when I felt like I'd stepped into an alternate reality: the one known as 'The World Made Of Cake'. I was gazing at a running waterfall made of cake, listening to cake birds singing, and marvelling at a cake crocodile.
The only rule in this alternative universe was Do Not Touch. I had to leave and return to this reality because I was about to break it and take a big, greedy bite.
The jungle made of cake was one of the exhibits at last weekend's Cake and Bake Show at Manchester Central, and although you weren't allowed to eat that particular feature, there was plenty of edible treats nearby.
While my attention was focused on consuming cake, others were more interested in creating it
Piles of doughnuts, breads, pies, puddings, scones, brownies, macaroons, cupcakes, all vying for your attention and your pennies. It was the cream of the UK's bakeries and patisseries, all brought together into one place. I could have eaten my way round the whole hall.
While my attention was focused on consuming cake, others were more interested in creating it. For people who bake for a hobby, the show was a must-go.
There were all manner of accessories, equipment, and ingredients for the home-baker – from chilli and lime-flavoured icing sugar, to super-stretchy lids that fit any container, to 'the most powerful hand whisk in the world'. With deals on every stall, visitors were fast filling their show bags with purchases.
After checking out the stands, I headed to the Cake Theatre where Mich Turner and Peter Sidwell from Britain's Best Bakery were entertaining visitors with a live bake-off.
It was one of several stages where TV and celebrity bakers were demonstrating their techniques. The weekend's line-up included Eric Lanlard, Frances Quinn, Simon Rimmer and many more familiar faces.
I visited the show early on the Friday afternoon and it was already buzzing, suggesting a successful weekend lay ahead. With our nation's insatiable appetite all things baking-related, I think it's safe to say it'll be back again next year.
