Lindy’s magical experience – Demonstrating cake decorating at Windsor Castle’s festival weekend

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world and has to be the most fabulous venue where I’ve ever worked. I was thrilled to be asked and felt really privileged to be given this opportunity to work in such a stunning and historic setting. I had an amazing time over the festival weekend and I describe my experience as truly magical.

For me, the highlight was experiencing the Alice in Wonderland effect of this royal palace. Entering the palace felt like going down the rabbit hole, where everything seemed larger than life. From doorknobs that you have to stretch up to turn to giant flower vases as tall as normal rooms. From Christmas baubles the size of footballs to tables as long as the eye can see. Windsor castle, I also discovered, is a palace full of hidden passageways and staircases that open up as if by magic, to those that know. I didn’t meet the Cheshire cat, which is a shame! However, I did spot a corgi under an enormous Christmas tree.

Christmas tree cake design for Windsor Castle demos

In preparation for this festival event, I was sent a very small fuzzy photo of the grand reception room. The room where I would be demonstrating. None of the details on this photo were very clear.  I, therefore, concentrated on Christmas as the theme and the predominant colours in the room, namely gold, red, cream plus touches of royal blue. Here is the design that I was inspired to create:

My tree design features many details, including gilded stencilled peacocks on sugar stars. So image my delight at discovering a gorgeous peacock perched on top of a large ornate barometer, on the mantelpiece just behind me. How fabulous, I couldn’t resist mentioning this beautiful peacock during my demonstration…magical.

The height and proportions of this grand reception room were staggering. For me, however, what made it so special was that I got to spend two whole days in this beautiful ornate room, not just a few minutes like most visitors. When the sun shone, the light reflected off the gilding making the room come alive. So magical, as if I was indeed inside a storybook. Certainly, it will be hard to top this as a demonstration venue.

Audiences from around the world

I demonstrated to packed audiences throughout both days, all fascinated and interested in what I was showing. Even the young children in the audience were delighted, asking questions and looking enthralled. In each thirty-minute slot I demonstrated different elements from my Christmas tree cake, but always the edible baubles – everyone seems to love them.

Visitors to the festivities came from all corners of the globe. It was truly delightful speaking to everyone, including fellow sugarcrafters from countries as far apart as South Africa and Japan.

Where next?

How will I top designing a cake and demonstrating in such an awe-inspiring settling? Only time will tell…

If I can interest you in booking me to demonstrate in your venue or at your special event, do get in touch.

Sweet wishes
Lindy Smith

Inspiring, Creating, Sharing