Floristry fans will be flocking to this year’s RHS Tatton Park show in July in order to catch a glimpse of a very special Interflora competition to be staged at the event. The Interflora Florist of the Future and Florist of the Year 2013 grand finals are to take place at the prestigious show, and with this year being the 90th anniversary of Interflora, to win will be an unforgettable honour. Competition is set to be fierce, with finalists predicted to produce the best of cutting edge creative floristry.
The 16 finalists (8 in each competition) made it through tough regional heats last year to secure their places. They will be asked to demonstrate every element of their skills – their inspirations, their design ideas and their creativity.
A selection of some of the exquisite designs created during the qualifying heats
Under the pressure of timed conditions, and in front of show visitors, each competitor will have to create 3 key pieces. A free standing Floral Screen that celebrates floristry from the past 90 years, a Celebration Floral Cake designed to wow guests at Interflora’s 90th Anniversary Gala Ball, and then a surprise item only to be revealed on the day!
A final and fourth piece, that will be pre-made and brought to the show for judging, is a Floral Handbag, the ultimate designer accessory for the Interflora 90th Anniversary Gala Ball.
Nick Priest, Director of Interflora Services, said: “This is a very special year for Interflora and we are thrilled that the RHS Tatton Show will be hosting our most important floristry competition. For visitors that come to watch the finalists in action it will be like taking in a floristry masterclass. These guys are the top of their profession and inspirational to watch in action, and will show people just how exceptional our florists are. It is exactly what sets Interflora apart from our competitors.”
Around 90,000 people visit this spectacular Cheshire venue during the renowned RHS show, dubbed the ‘great garden party of the North’. Friday 26th July will also be Ladies Day – a chance to make a real occasion of a day out.
Interflora is the UK and Ireland’s most recognised and trusted flower delivery service. A network of over 1,800 expert florists are highly skilled craftsmen and craftswomen, creating magnificent products day in day out.
Florist of the Year has been running for over 50 years, and is seen as the premier accolade for Interflora florists working in the UK and Ireland. The coveted title has been clinched in the past by internationally acclaimed florists including, David Ragg, David Denyer and Neil Whittaker (who between them have won multiple gold medals and Best in Show awards at The RHS Chelsea Flower Show). David Denyer is also an Interflora World Champion, and Neil Whittaker represented the UK in the Interflora World Cup 2010 in Shanghai.
Now in its 13th year, the Florist of the Future Competition nurtures new potential, offering up and coming florists the chance to learn different skills and gain competitive experience. Year on year, these less experienced finalists have shown real flair, creativity and innovation, putting their mark on the industry before going on to achieve great things in their careers.
Visit the British Florist Association marquee at the RHS Tatton Park Flower Show in Knutsford, Cheshire, on Thursday 25th July and Friday 26th July 2013 to see the Interflora competitors in action.
Source: Interflora – Interflora takes Floristry Contest to RHS Tatton Park
