Two Cumbrian florists win gold at national competition
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 06:19 · Archive
Two Cumbrian florists won gold medals at Fleurex, the British Florist Association's national floral art event held in Nottingham earlier this month. Macy McMeekin, owner of Bloom Box Flowers North Cumbria, and Val Edgar, owner of Flowers by Valerie Jayne in Penrith, competed in separate categories across the two-day competition and were judged by the UK Floristry Judges Guild.
McMeekin was crowned BFA Newcomer Florist of the Year 2026 after creating designs inspired by the theme 'Enchanted Forest'. She described the competition as nerve-wracking, explaining that competitors had to bring a ready-made floral bridal necklace, construct two planned designs throughout the day and complete a surprise task. 'You literally don't know what you'll be given, and this all had to be done in front of a live audience too,' she said. 'I was thrilled to win, as there were some really strong competitors.'
On the second day, Edgar took gold in a category inspired by the work of sculptor Barbara Hepworth, drawing on the current exhibition 'Rhythm, Dance and Everything' and the art of ballet. McMeekin, originally from Millom, recently moved to north Cumbria and creates fresh and dried floral designs for local markets as well as flowers for weddings and events.
How it is being reported
- Two Cumbrian florists win gold at national floral art competitionTwo Cumbrian florists have brought home gold medals from a prestigious national competition, helping put the county's floral talent firmly in the spotlight.Whitehaven News · 10 Oct, 05:00
- Two Cumbrian florists win gold at national floral art competitionTwo Cumbrian florists have brought home gold medals from a prestigious national competition, helping put the county's floral talent firmly in the spotlight.News & Star · 10 Oct, 05:00
In this story: Macy McMeekin · Val Edgar · Bloom Box Flowers North Cumbria · Flowers by Valerie Jayne · British Florist Association · Nottingham · Cumbria · Penrith
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