Sugarcraft and cake decorating competitions are always a good way to hone your cake covering and cake decorating skills, as they challenge you, helping you push the boundaries of your knowledge and skills. I always encourage my students to enter competitions as it is an excellent way to learn and pick up tips both from fellow decorators and the judges. This years Ideal cake decorator of the year competition takes the theme of the London Underground, which I think should produce some exciting and original cakes. Perhaps my own London landmark mini cake will inspire you and get you thinking!
The competition is split into two classes. The amateur class takes place on the 22nd March, all you need to do is turn up with your cake – you’ll be given free entry to the show. For the professional class you need to register by the 1st March and submit your entry on Friday 15th March, more detail below:
Ideal Home Show to mark 150 Years of the London Underground in this year’s Cake Decorating competition
For the fourth year running, this year’s Ideal Home Show is inviting professional and amateur cake decorators from across the UK to show off their decorating skills by entering the ‘ideal Cake Decorator of the Year’ competition, this year in the theme of the London Underground, to mark its 150th Birthday.
With a desire to promote the art of cake decorating and celebrate a true symbol of London life, this year’s competition is looking to find the most creative interpretations of the London Underground, in cake craft.
Since 1863 the London Underground has provided a service for millions of people worldwide passing through the capital city. It has also been a fundamental mode of transport for visitors to the Ideal Home Show in London since it began in 1908, seeing tens of thousands of visitors arriving via the tube each year.
So to mark 150 years of our most iconic transport system, and for its part in making the Ideal Home Show accessible to all of London, we are calling upon all bakers and cake decorators out there to enter our ‘London Underground’ ‘Ideal Cake Decorator of the Year’ Competition 2013.
Split into a Professional and Amateur competition, the Ideal Home Show wants you to create a cake inspired by the London Underground. This can be anything from a realistic representation, such as a tube carriage itself, to an interpretation of its nostalgic charm or a station name, such as an Angel, a Bank or a Tower bridge to name a few. With 270 stations, the possibilities are endless!
Be sure to head down to the show to check out the amazing display of professional cakes which will be showcased throughout the 18 days of the show and vote for your favourite design. For amateur cake bakers, the judging will take place on the Seasonal Cookery Theatre at 2pm on Friday 22nd March, hosted by a panel of expert judges including Charlotte White, cake Designer and Dreamer of Restoration Cake.
Charlotte commented; “I am so excited to be judging the Ideal Amateur Cake Decorating competition for 2013! Our 2012 winner was crowned because of her obvious passion for cake decorating, a passion that I share completely! I will be looking for entries which reflect the love that goes into creating an edible work of art as well as a true representation of the London Underground. I hope that lots of aspiring cake designers will bring their work along to join in with the 150 year celebrations!”
The competition will be judged on creativity so don’t worry if your icing skills are not top notch – give it a go and let your imagination run wild! It’s so easy to take part in the competition and it’s open to everyone. Anyone bringing a home-decorated cake to the show with this theme will receive FREE tickets on the door* and gain automatic entry to the competition by taking their cakes to the display and judging area in the Ideal Food section.
Thanks to our resident judge Charlotte White, the winner as well as being laden with a trophy and prizes from the Ideal Home Show team, will also be offered a place on one of her cake decorating master classes. This is for all anyone who is keen to learn the art of wedding cake decorating. With a little knowledge of the ‘structural engineering’ required, Charlotte will share her tricks and tips as well as the benefit of 5 years of professional experience to show you how to make a simple but chic tiered cake, which will look of professional quality. This class is also an excellent entry level for anyone looking to start a career in Wedding Cake design
Entry Details:
• Bring your home-decorated cake to the show; you’ll be directed to the display with your cake (22nd March Amateur competition)
• Make sure you label your cake with your details: name, phone number and email address! (Professional entries can bring business cards to display)
• Come to the amateur prize-giving on the Seasonal Cookery Theatre at 2pm 22nd March, where the judging will take place.
• All cakes must be at the Seasonal Cookery Theatre before 1pm prior to the judging commences, to set up.
• You can take your cake home with you if you wish.
• Professional competition entries must be submitted on Friday 15th March by 11am – contact james.maloney@media-ten to register your entry by 1st March
Prizes:
The winner will receive:
*Ideal Cake Decorator of the Year 2013 Trophy
*Kenwood Citrus kMix stand mixer KMX58, RRP £379.99
*Dinner for 2 in the Gregg Wallace Seasonal Restaurant
*Copy of the Ideal Home Show Cookbook
* Charlotte White Wedding Cake Decorating session (worth £90.00 for a 3hr class)
*2 Free Tickets to the Ideal Home Show at Christmas 2013
Plus more prizes to be announced With special thanks to…Kenwood
If you decide to enter, enjoy the process and please let us know how you get on….
Happy Baking
Lindy