• Interflora World Cup is just 8 days away from Manchester Central and it’s set to open to the public for the first time ever

  • From jaw-dropping floral displays to fun, hands-on workshops for all, visitors are guaranteed a fun day out

  • Tickets are available now at www.interflora.co.uk and priced between £10-£28.

Following a very full festival season, how about considering something different from the usual music, mayhem and portaloos and instead head to a festival of flowers?

The countdown is on for the most beautiful blooms you have never seen before at Interflora’s prestigious World Cup, in Manchester 7th – 9th September.

Imagine the Olympics crossed with the Chelsea Flower Show, then add extra drama.

The best of the best of the world’s florists will be gathered under one roof, ready to battle it out with an arsenal of petals, stems and unrivalled creativity in several, cut-throat rounds of heats across three days culminating in the grand final.

But that’s not all, as ticket holders will be treated to exclusive presentations and talks with some of the floral and agricultural world’s brightest stars.

Visitors to the World Cup can head straight into the vibrant Village Green, where they can catch the high-stakes heats that will have you on the edge of your seat. There are florists from 20 countries competing and the UK’s young hopeful Lizzie Newcombe will be ready to take on her contemporaries from around the globe as they craft gorgeous, gravity-defying arrangements that fit in with the tournament’s theme of ‘Our Natural World’, guaranteed to leave you awestruck.

With the eagle-eyed judges marking them on the fundamentals of competitive floristry, contestants will be working hard in a bid to win a massive £15,000 grand prize.

The Creative Zone is the place to be if you’re looking to get your hands dirty, and make your own stunning floral creations. Ticket holders can head over to the bustling stalls and join the Interflora experts for countless lessons and how-to’s from flower arranging to making your own floral accessories there’s guaranteed to be a fun class for everyone.

And if visitors are looking for a place to sit and be inspired, they can head over to the Inspiration Zone where immersive talks and presentations from the industry’s best will be sure to ignite a passion for all things floral. The stage will be packed full of industry-experts ready to spill their top tips; from Lee Burkhill aka The Garden Ninja to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, there’s something to captivate every green thumb and flower aficionado.

If you just fancy relaxing with a bite to eat and soaking up the atmosphere, the Royal Northern College of Music will be taking to the stage throughout the day to play their favourite medleys. Perfect for listening to as you take in the countless, delicious local food and drink stalls.

If retail therapy is more your thing, you’re in luck as the Interflora World Cup has over 25 local vendors on hand. From the blissful scents of Botanical and Bloom Candle Company to the tasty tipples available from Manchester Gin, you will be spoilt for choice. It’s the perfect chance to snag a little memento of the day.

This year’s event is nearly here at Manchester Central on 7th – 9th September 2023, get your last minute tickets here now priced at £28 for adult day entry and £10 for young adults (age 13-17). Children 12 and under go free. Streaming tickets are £15.

Speaking about the host city, 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 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”.

To find out more and to book tickets, visit www.interflora.co.uk/page/world-cup