Introducing the Festive Flower & Food Show
If you are local to Blackpool and looking for something to do this weekend, then look no further! It gives me great pleasure to introduce the NAFAS Festive Flower & Food Show, and I for one can’t wait to go!
Flower arranging at its best in a cross-pollination between floristry and contemporary art – forget dusty town halls and an over use of chrysanthemums – floral design is seeing a new surge of creativity and popularity.
At the forefront of this march to take flower art well and truly into the 21st century is The National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS) which is delighted to once again be bringing it’s national flagship flower show to Blackpool’s Winter gardens from the 9th – 11th November.
If you’re wondering if this show caters for children, the answer is a resounding YES!
One of the core remits of NAFAS is to introduce a new generation to the amazing world of floral art – and as part of that goal, this year at the Festive Flower and Food show, specialist kid’s workshops will be held alongside their grownup counterparts
Saturday 11th Nov sees two special children’s classes:
10.30 am – 12pm will see Alison Mount a specialist in floral art and a regular winner of national competitions, will host “Going Crackers” A fascinating class to help kids get creative embrace nature, and take home an innovative seasonal design they can keep for the Festive season; Christmas cracker designs suitable for a table decoration suitable for all ages.
1.30pm – 3pm – Julia Knights has been running flower arranging classes for 28 years ago. She is a keen supporter of her local NAFAS club Bradwell in Norfolk and has been involved with many festivals, and recently a royal event. In 2014 she competed in the World floral art show. At this event Julia will host the Frosty the Snowman workshop. An exciting workshop for children of all ages, this event will produce a design which incorporates craft and flower arranging. The workshop will be full of fun as Frosty comes to life before the children’s eyes. They can take home the finished design with the lyrics of this very popular seasonal song.
Children’s workshop tickets are FREE with ticket to overall event if accompanied by one adult.
Other exciting events include –
Floral Exhibits – Over 300 individual floral exhibits will be created by exceptionally talented flower arrangers, designers and florists across competitive floral art classes.
Design Theatre – Each day the Design Theatre will host six presentations by leading floral art demonstrators.
Afternoon Tea – NAFAS afternoon tea in the Renaissance Room promises sumptuous festive culinary delights.
Shop til you drop – Flowers, jewellery, sumptuous food and more across 50 retail stalls and stands.
Floral Workshops – Expert florists will show audiences how to create their own spectacular bouquet using the freshest flowers that they can take home and keep.
Taste Theatre – Featuring live demonstrations from Peter Sidwell (Channel 4 cookery series, Lakes on a Plate) Nisha Katona (founder of Mowgli Street Food) and Ed Baines (ITV Britain’s Best Dish, ITV Sunday Feast). These top experts are on hand to help with advice on making the most delicious canapés and tips for the perfect turkey – and they’ll be cooking up delicious, mouthwatering treats for the forthcoming festive season.
Taste Zone – Some of the UK’s most exciting food producers will be on hand for visitors to meet, sample their wares and then watch them use the finest ingredients to cook up delicious samples for everyone to try.
Floral Catwalk Show – A special Floral Catwalk Show featuring three talented designers showing three collections of amazing floral fashion all made from floral materials, both fresh and dried, combined with silk.
Live NAFAS Designer of the year competition – Designer of the Year competition returns, with new themes – a chance to watch the experts do what they do best.
KEY INFORMATION
Where: Winter Gardens, Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HL
When: Thursday 9 November 9.30am – 6pm
Friday 10 November 9.30am – 6pm
Saturday 11 November 9.30am – 6pm
TICKETS available at http://festiveflowerfoodshow.co.uk
Telephone: 0844 856 1111
Daily Admission: £18.50
Season Ticket: £40 (3 day show entry)
Floral Catwalk Show – Thursday 6.30pm
Celebrity Chefs – 10.15am 12.30pm and 2.45pm each day.
Thursday 9 Nov – Peter Sidwell
Friday 10 Nov – Nisha Katona
Saturday 11 Nov – Ed Baines
Floral Workshops – call 0844 856 1111 to book
I’m certain it will be an amazing event and I hope to see some of you there!!
Wow! I never knew that these events were out there. I bet it would be so much fun for florists, anyone who’s crafty, or just anyone who wants to have fun and look at creative and beautiful things.
We’ve never before but love food and flowers so it sounds perfect! xx
cute little post. alot of fams would love to read this 🙂
Thanks Selma! xx
Flowers, jewellery & food… what’s not to love here?! This sounds like a really great family friendly show. It’s great that they have activities for the kiddies & the fact that they are free to attend is even better. Enjoy the show, I look forward to hearing how it went. x
Thanks Becky, I’m sure it’s going to be amazing, will let you know! xx
Wow. So many events. Never had heard of some of them to be frank. Would love to check out that special Floral Catwalk Show for sure!
I’m sure its going to be great! xx
This sounds so cool, great that it caters for children too. I love flowers. Su x
Me too Su, it sounds like a great event!
It’s a shame this is so far away, as it sounds like just the kind of thing I’d like to take my mum to 🙂 She loves shows like this! x
Ahh that’s a shame, maybe there will be something local. xx
I love Blackpool – and the Winter Gardens are amazing. This looks like a great event for all the family. Thanks for sharing.
They are, I love Blackpool, lots of fab memories there! xx
AAAA this looks like so much fun!! there are never things like this in my area, it would be so cool to experience this <3 ps. great blog!
Thank you Emma! xx
I have never been to Blackpool even though I just live an hour away. Shame on me. I didn’t know they had all these events. Flowers and food? Just my favorite! Too bad I am away for two weeks coz I would have love to go!
Oh wow really! That’s so funny! Enjoy your time away! xx
This sounds like an amazing event, it’s great that the children’s workshops are free!
I agree, it gets expensive when things are extra! xx
Wow this sounds like a fantastic event, exactly the sort of thing we’d love to do as a family!
Us too, I’m really looking forward to it. xx
This sounds like such a great event. I love when children are included, it makes attending things like this so much easier.
Me too Emma! Less whining from them for a start! xx
Sounds like a wonderful event. I am not sure which part I would visit first, the taste zone or afternoon tea! Wish I was closer so I could attend!
Ahh the afternoon tea always sounds amazing! Shame you’re not local. xx
This looks excellent!! We are not too far from Blackpool either. Love that there are activities for the kids including the Frosty the Snowman workshop! Thanks for sharing.
Oh I know, my kids will really enjoy that I’m sure! xx
This sounds interesting. I’d certainly go if it was closer to me, especially for the festive cooking tips.
It’s a shame they don’t tour the country, luckily I’m local! xx
this is right up my street sounds like great fun
I know, what’s not to love?! xx
Oo this sounds like a great event, just a shame I’m not closer to Blackpool! I love the idea of the Taste Zone!
Me too Jess! I’ll be in there for sure! xx
After doing flower arranging at a retreat earlier this year, I actually really enjoyed it. With flowers and food this is a match made in heaven for me x
Me too! Does that mean you’re making your own Christmas wreath?! I promised I would but not sure I remember where to start, brides and bridesmaids right? xx
Fun, fun events for families and individuals. I love flowers and it would be nice to be able to see their beauty showcased! I wish I lived close so I can witness this and enjoy good food and shopping as well.
Oh I agree, it sounds like a great weekend, flowers and food are two of my favourites! xx
Wow, this sounds like a fantastic event. I have always been in awe of anyone who can arrange flowers so would love to attend something like this. If I lived closer I would be putting my children in those kids’ clubs and enjoying the show and food!
Me too! I did a floristry work shop in the summer and loved it! It’s really therapeutic! xx
This sounds like such an amazing event! I love the sound of the floristry workshop. Blackpool is a long way away from me though, otherwise I’d definitely look into it!
I did a floristry workshop in the Summer and loved it! xx
Sounds like a great event, if only I wasn’t so far away!!
Oh yes a long way for you!! xx
Sounds like a great event. I love Blackpool. Shame I live too far away or I would pay them a visit.
Ahh yes that’s always the case isn’t it! xx
oh ive never been to one before in fact i knew there were harvest vegetable type ones but never a flower one
Nor me! I love a food festival though! xx
I like the idea of encouraging younger generations to get involved with floristry. Sounds like a nice day out for all of the family.
(hubby helping out)
I agree, it’s a really lovely idea, I’m excited to go! xx
I adore these kinds of festivals – here in N.i we have a few of them ourselves and they are always a hit with the public. xx
Sounds like a great festival, I just love flowers and food. I hope they is one near me like this soon
Sounds a great event. All those of my favourite things all in one place! I can imagine the colours!
Oh I know! I’ll take lots of photos! xx
I love, love, love buying flowers! I’m not good at arranging, but I’m always amazed that I can pick what I like and with a few sprigs of this or that and a couple of minutes suddenly it’s turned into this beautiful creation – it’s magic!
I’m useless but then I did a floristry workshop in the summer and loved it! I had no idea I had a creative streak in me when it came to flowers, I hope I learn something this weekend! xx
This sounds lovely! It’s great that they are including the kids with workshops & that they’re included in the price 🙂 x
Yes I’m sure we will really enjoy it! x
I didn’t know events like this existed, shame I don’t live closer. Might have to keep an eye out for next years, have a great time
Thanks Tanya! xx
Sounds like my kind of event! If only I didn’t live so far away!
This sounds like a perfect event, lots to see and eat. I wish it was closer x
Oh I know! All the food! xx
Ah this sounds like an event I would love! Great that the kids workshops are free too!
I’m sure it’s going to be a lot of fun! xx
I’ve never heard of this before, it sounds fab! I love flowers and would love to learn how to arrange them rather thank plonk them in vase like I usually do!! Have a great time lovely x
Me too! Thanks Nat! xx
Wow sounds like there is so much going on at this event!!! It sounds pretty awesome wish I lived closer!
I know, it’s always the way isn’t it? xx
This sounds like a great event I would love. We have a similar flower festival and show and it is one of the most amazing events I have ever been to. Will have to show you some pictures.
Oh yes I would love to see them! xx
This sounds like a fab event. Such a shame it is so far away from me as I know Miss E would adore the cracker making workshop. Mich x
We did it this weekend and it was so much fun Michelle! xx
This must be a very interesting and colorful event for kids to enjoy! There are so many activities to do and i love the fact that the workshop tickets are being offered for free! The floral fashion show sounds really intriguing and would love to see that!
thanks for sharing this with us
Me too, it was a lot of fun! xx
What a great event. I love flowers and have a secret dream to be a florist so this would definitely appeal if it wasn’t so far up the country. I will have to remember this for next week and make a weekend of it! x
Eva loved it Claire, she made some gorgeous Christmas decorations! xx