20,000 Delegates expected to attend Dublin event. The countdown has started to the 11th World Flower Show, due to take place at the RDS, Dublin, in June 2014. In a major coup, Ireland has been chosen as the host nation for this prestigious international flower show, which is seen as the Olympics of flower arranging. This is the first time Ireland has hosted this spectacular event.
The numbers expected are in the region of 20,000, and the show is expected to generate revenues of €10 million for the local economy.
The World Flower Show is held every three years in one of the member countries of the World Association of Flower Arrangers. Previous host countries have included USA, Japan, UK, New Zealand and South Africa.
The organisers were successful in securing the bid against strong contenders from Barbados, Peru and Russia.
Over the 4 days, 600 leading floral artists from all 31 member countries will compete at the highest level.
Internationally renowned floral designer Jane Godshalk, faculty member of Longwood Gardens, one of the finest botanical gardens in the US, is one of the high-profile demonstrators.
Both the World Flower Show and the post-show tours throughout Ireland are expected to have a very positive impact on the local economy. Delegates will come to Ireland from as far afield as Japan, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Uruguay, Pakistan as well as from Northern Ireland and the UK. Many will avail of the post-show tour packages to visit other areas of the country.
Other attractions will include floral demonstrations by leading Irish and International demonstrators from Barbados, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, UK and USA; lectures including Seamus O’Brien on the famous Irish plantsman Augustine Henry, Prof George Sevastopulo on The Burren, and Dr Jenniferr Goff on Eileen Gray; social evenings at the Preview Party and Gala Banquet, and tours to leading public and private gardens.
The RDS Industries Hall will host a full selection of trade stands of Irish and international exhibitors: these will range from floral art accessories and jewellery to Irish crafts and foods.
So what clinched it for Ireland?
World Flower Show President Kitty Gallagher, says ‘Irish flower arrangers have themselves travelled in large numbers to flower shows around the world, and have built up strong relationships with their international colleagues. Ireland’s superb reputation as a tourism destination definitely was a key factor.’
Online registration is now live: please see http://wafaireland.com/register/ for details. Visitor admission tickets are available from www.ticketmaster.ie.
For further information, interviews, comment or photographs please contact
Gráinne Killeen
Tel. 087 9191557
Email: grainne@killeencommunications.com
