Those with green fingers will be glad to know that Manchester is playing host to this year’s Interflora World Cup.

Interflora is, of course, the renowned flower delivery network, associated with over 58,000 flower shops in over 140 countries. Back in 1972 the company decided to host the very first Interflora World Cup. It’s been held every four to six years since.

We’re excited to bring visitors from all over the globe to discover all the city has to offer.

2023 08 02 Interflora Crafting — **The competition is fierce to become the number one florist** Image: Interflora

This year’s edition is particularly special for us, as it’s the first time that Manchester has been chosen to host the competition, and it is also the first time the World Cup has opened to the public. This means that flower fans can join in the excitement, whether they work in floristry or not.

Speaking about their decision to choose Manchester for this year’s competition, Interflora’s director of florist services Nick Priest said: “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 flower-forming festival will be held in September at Manchester Central Convention Complex (the GMEX, if you’re of a certain age) and will bring the world’s best florists together under one roof for the ultimate floral showdown.

2023 08 02 Interflora Set Up — **Expect bold and beautiful floral designs** Image: Interflora

Described as ‘the Olympics crossed with the Chelsea Flower Show with added drama’, florists will be on hand with an arsenal of petals and pruning tools to show off their imaginative skills. The competition will run as a series of heats across the three days, all leading up to the grand final on the evening of Saturday 9 September.

This year’s theme is ‘Our Natural World’, focusing on sustainability and being kind to our environment. No surprises there. Twenty florists from twenty countries will be battling it out to hit the brief, amaze the judges and take home the title of Interflora World Cup 2023 Champion (and a £15,000 cash prize). This year’s UK hopeful is Lizzie Newcombe, a young florist from The Botanical Company in Bramley, Surrey.

“The World Cup will be a real spectacle and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see floral designers at the top of their game at work. They will be creating complete works of art on an impressive scale and our tasks will provide the ultimate test of nerve and skill,” said Nick Priest.

2023 08 02 Interflora Finals — **Every petal counts** Image: Interflora

But it’s not just florists fighting for their floral crowns. Ticket holders can head over to the ‘Inspiration Zone’ where they will have access to exclusive presentations and talks with some of the floral and agricultural world’s most respected artists including Lee Burkill, known as ‘The Garden Ninja’.

2023 08 02 Interflora Previous Winners — **Previous Interflora World Cup competitions; where they were held, and their winners** Image: Interflora

Expect jaw-dropping displays, food and drink, hands-on workshops for adults and children and thousands upon thousands of flowers contorted in ways you could have never imagined.

The ‘Creative Zone’ allows visitors to get their hands dirty and have a go at making their own floral arrangements, whilst the bustling stalls will have avid gardeners in their element. There’ll be 25 local vendors on site covering everything from candles by Botanical and Bloom to tipples distilled by Manchester Gin. The Royal Northern College of Music will also be taking to the stage to perform their favourite medleys.

2023 08 02 Interflora Bouquet — **Guests can learn how to create their own floral masterpieces** Image: Interflora

To pay homage to Manchester, there will be a competition between UK college students to create a floral Manchester bee. This will take place on the Saturday and be judged by an ex-IWC judge.

Tickets are priced at £28 per day for adults Children aged 13-17 can attend for £10 per day and those under 12 can go free. Can’t make it? Stream the competition from the comfort of your own home for £15.

Gather your best buds…it’s going to be blooming marvellous.

In a nutshell

What? Watch the best florists from around the world compete for glory.
When? 7-9 September 2023
Where? Manchester Central Convention Complex, Windmill St, Manchester M2 3GX
Tickets: Interflora.co.uk

Follow Harley Young on Twitter @Harley__Young

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