A three day event showcasing the amazing skills and talents of the worlds best designer florists from 20 countries, all competing to be crowned the Interflora World Champion.
The Interflora World Cup was a creative consumer facing event based in the expansive Central Hall. As a well as a floristry competition, attendees also had the opportunity to experience a showcase of stunning floral displays, get imaginative in the Creation Zone, and enjoy an artisanal market with over 40 independent crafts traders from the Greater Manchester area.
With Central Hall offering a huge amount of flexible space, the organisers were able to create a range of zones for visitors to explore, including presentations with guest speakers in the Inspiration Zone, music on the bandstand from the Royal Northern College of Music, and floral demonstrations on a quintessential British Village green complete with picnic tables and park benches.
On the final evening, the organisers also hosted a gala dinner for 750 guests and competitors.
In the 50 year history of the Interflora World Cup, the three day event which is held in international cities every four years, had never before been held in the UK. The location of Manchester Central was an important factor when selecting a venue.
“The architecture of the venue is stunning, and to be in the centre of Manchester surrounded by similarly outstanding architecture, both old and new, especially with the backdrop of the Midland Hotel was a joy.”
“Visitors and competitors proclaimed, without doubt, that it was the best World Cup ever with highlights being the venue, logistics, organization and overall experience.”Nick Priest
Organiser
The organisers developed a pre-event floral cocktail trail in partnership with Manchester Gin supported by nine other cocktail bars around the city.
Following the event, they also partnered with St Ann's Hospice and set up a pop up shop outside the entrance of Manchester Central selling flowers to raise funds.
