Interflora World Cup 2023

DAY TWO

Day 2 and our side of the Central Hall already felt like home. We were beginning to get to know our lovely neighbours a bit better and we were ready for what the day would bring.

I popped outside at 10am to meet my helper for the day Sonia, and it was a wonderful sight to see the supporters arriving, chanting for their countries, in particular France and Spain with a vast array of brightly coloured flags and banners. Being Spanish herself, Sonia was, of course rooting for Patricia Aguin of Spain, and if you heard someone resembling a football supporter shouting at the top of her lungs during that first flag parade, then it was probably her :)

The day was a slightly quieter day trade wise but nevertheless was a day full of awesome opportunities and experiences. 

The first was meeting the adorable Ana from Romania. Ana came and chatted to us at my stall, she watched me knot and videoed the process, we talked flowers, macrame and all things creative and she was so just lovely. Ana came back later that day and purchased a lovely little firefly jar to take home with her.

The moment that actually took my breath away however was the moment I finished my Lily. I had managed to sit and make 5 petals to gather into a full flower over those first two days and before I had finished it, a lovely lady named Rhona had claimed it as hers. Thank you Rhona, you have no idea how much this made my day,

I think most vendors agreed it was a quieter day for shoppers but it meant that we could get out and about to see some of the flowers, Everywhere you looked there was something to feast your eyes on and you could get really close to some of the creations to see the detail and workmanship involved.

I loved the sculptures from Hong Kong's Leong Soloman and Vietnam's Thanh Tran and I was looking forward to seeing them filled with florals the next day. I wasn't disappointed, Here's what they looked like later in the week.

Absolutely Stunning.

Day 2 ended with celebratory drinks watching the sun set over Manchester. Seeing as the final day for us would be followed by packing down, unloading and essentially driving we couldn't have picked a better evening for it. The Alchemist in St Peter's Square was our bar of choice due to the fact that it was within hobbling distance of the tram for me, A thoroughly enjoyable evening with the best people.

    

You can probably tell that the event has made such an impact on me, a truly inspirational week full of creativity and flair and such a proud and exciting part of my journey with Knot Clever.

I have taken a full week to be able to put things into words and have finally caught up on some much needed rest. It's shame that the next Interflora World Cup will be moving on to Australia in 4 years time, I would absolutely jump at the chance to be involved again. Unfortunately it's a long way to travel to sell some macrame.

Thank you and Congratulations to all of the competitors and staff involved in the event, the level of artistry and organisation on display this week was awesome. Special mention to UK's own Elizabeth Newcombe who bagged 3rd place overall and to Spain's Patricia Aguin for winning the people's champion vote. Your creations were astounding.

Thank you for inviting me to be a small cog in a huge machine, I have loved every minute. Thanks to Clare Lorimer from Interflora (I do hope your plant hanger has found a permanent hanging space) and Julie Ellington from EventOwl for helping put together such a fabulous show.

Personal thanks go to Des, of Willow Goat Crafts and Bec, of Black Raven Flowers and Curiosities for everything. As always, you are absolute diamonds and I couldn't do what I do if it wasn't for you two. 

Massive thanks also to Sarah, and Sonia for just being amazing friends and as always the boys at home for putting up with me and my rainbows and for chauffering regularly with almost zero grumbles.... ;)

Now back to reality and all that that entails. Here's to a good long sleep and a speedy recovery from what has turned out to be multiple fractures in my foot. Who knew? 8 more weeks until I'm boot free, hurrah!