Cake Decorating

Cake International 2013 - Help on entering a cake...

Hi everyone, hope you’re all doing okay!!

I have been thinking about entering something into this years Cake International at the NEC in Birmingham, I’m still a little undecided on what I want to enter but I was wondering if anyone could tell me how it all works, what do I need to do to enter? Are their any strict rules? and does it have to be real cake or can I use dummies? I have to travel from Hertfordshire with the cake so it would be better for me to use dummies to avoid anything sliding or falling apart.

I’ve never been to Cake International before so I’ve never actually entered anything for judging, I’ve never entered any competitions so this would be my first.

If someone could give me a few words of advice and a little bit of information it would truly mean so much to me, I’m getting quite nervous about the idea of entering a cake!!

Thanks!! Xx

Laura Loukaides - Instagram.com/LauraLoukaides

14 Replies

Laura,
I was just going to suggest what Bev did. The show sites are usually chock full of information. The show that I have gone to all allow cake dummies unless you are entering a sculpted cake.

If you decide to enter I am sure you will do fine… hey the first time i entered a cake into a show I took 1st place and the division. You never know what can happen :) Good luck if you deicide to enter!!!

Jennifer, https://www.facebook.com/PrimaCakesandCookies

Laura i am planning to go to Cake international, viewing and shopping only!! i went to the one in manchester this year, its amazing, would be wonderful if you enter, like Bev said it would be great to meet you and be great to meet you to Bev!! let us know if you are entering for sure Laura am sure many others on cake decor that can get there would love to come and support you! am looking very forward to go and even more so if i get to meet some of you lovely ladies! :-)

https://www.facebook.com/elliwarrencakedesign https://www.facebook.com/elliricci elliricci@hotmail.com https://www.instagram.com/elliwarrencakedesign/

Thank you all so much for kind replies!!
It really would be lovely to meet you all!! :D

I’m so nervous about entering, I really want to but I’m not sure if I should
go to see what Cake International is all about first… What should I do?
And elli, you said shopping, I wasn’t aware you could shop too!!
Now I defiantly have a reason to go!!

I’m going to keep thinking about it, I really want to but I’m a bit sacred!! Xx

Laura Loukaides - Instagram.com/LauraLoukaides

I entered the first time I went……just do it – you only live once! What do you have to lose? Your cakes are amazing!

Take plenty of cash with you – there are a gazillion shops there. There are also demonstration theatres to watch some amazing classes, live demonstrations and live competitions. Its a great atmosphere, but it gets extremely busy.

It really is a great weekend, you won’t regret going if you love cakes and decorating, xxx

www.facebook.com/amandaslittlecakeboutique

I have entered two categories for this year’s NEC (work already under construction) … I have done the London one this year and last year…. the rules are pretty strict in that it MUST be your OWN work from beginning to end… if you go onto the website it gives you all the information there, including a contact email address for any other queries. I found that very helpful for me.

please feel free to contact me on my message board of you need any more help with this, even though I am not a seasoned exhibitor and only done two, the little I have learnt I am happy to share with you…

http://www.facebook.com/callicious

You must never limit your challenges, instead you must challenge your limits

PS: just do it!!! its an amazing experience <3 xxx

You must never limit your challenges, instead you must challenge your limits

Laura, I am just answering for moral support… Wish I could go to meet everyone and shop (like Elli)… Go for it, you are very talented! Good Luck!

Dina @ miettes, http://www.facebook.com/pages/miettes/257790597632317

hear hear to the others!!! :)

You must never limit your challenges, instead you must challenge your limits

Hi Laura,
I entered last year for the first time and put a cake into the wedding cake section.
I had a great time making the cake, getting it there was quite a task and it prompted me to write a blog on cakesdecor too.
Everyone on here was so supportive, I had a fantastic day, and to my utter amazement it was given a certificate of merit.
I’m going to enter again this year, although I think I’ll try a different category.
I don’t expect to win anything, but I know I’ll have a great time.
It would be fantastic if everyone could meet up for a coffee there.
Have fun, be brave, and you won’t regret it xx

karen,Gwynedd