UCR florists buzzing after World Cup award

Higher level florists from UCR were runners up in a student competition at the prestigious Interflora World Cup, a prominent international event being held in the UK for the first time since its inception in 1972.

UCR Floristry students with second place Interflora award

The team of three, who narrowly missed being crowned Interflora’s Student Team of the Year, showcased their skills against four other colleges at the Manchester Central Exhibition Complex.

Shiona Fosh, Felicity Toogood and Helen Allison, who are studying for their Level 4 Higher Diploma in Floristry, had 50 minutes to create a huge worker bee – the symbol of Manchester – in flowers and foliage. The task was designed to test skills and demonstrate creativity, innovation and the sustainable use of materials.

As well as competing at the event, the students were privileged to watch and learn from elite florists from around the globe as they created their floral designs for other categories.

Course Manager Fiona Davies said: “We were delighted to have the chance to show off the skills of our brilliant students at such a prestigious competition and we were thrilled with the result. The judges were particularly impressed with our design and with the techniques we used. Our team were also fantastic ambassadors, both for Reaseheath and for the floristry industry as a whole.”

Shiona Fosh, who is Chair of the NAFAS Sale Flower Club, said: “It was a privilege to represent Reaseheath at the Interflora World Cup. The whole event was an amazing and very enjoyable experience which has given me more confidence in my design skills.

“Working creatively together as a team while remaining true to the brief, using the correct materials and delivering a final design which pleased all was hard work but very valuable experience. It was also exciting to watch floral artists from around the world create their designs in person.

“I’d like to thank Fiona and Reaseheath’s Floral Technician Robyn Longden plus other staff members who supported us and helped with the setting up of the exhibit.

The event, which also formed part of Interflora’s 100th birthday celebrations, attracted thousands of visitors.

Study Floristry at UCR

Floral art is creative, innovative, fun – and lucrative too. As we’re one of very few Higher Education institutes to offer professional courses at the highest level, we’re the best place to study!

Giant floral bee created for Interflora World Cup

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