This August, Islington’s Business Design Centre will host a major new London Flower Event – The Floral Art and Design Show – which will be open to the public from Thursday 8th – Saturday 10th August .

Presented and organised by the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies’ (NAFAS) to celebrate 60 years since the charity was established, The Floral Art and Design Show will celebrate this diamond anniversary by showcasing a world of flower arranging; from classic bouquets to one of a kind masterpieces.

Designer and Creative Director of the Event Derek Armstrong said: “As designer of these celebrations, it is my challenge to promote and bring together the talents of our members and special friends in order to show the world how our unique and mesmerising art form can enhance lives. A recent study by the University of South Carolina Upstate and West Virginia University surveyed 5000 residents to understand what makes them happy. They found that how aesthetically pleasing a person’s physical environment is, significantly impacts their level of happiness. This visually design-filled three day experience is intended to do just that – and, moreover will take place in an outstanding Grade II listed building, which has a long and illustrious history as an agricultural venue – as it was originally opened as the Royal Agricultural Hall in 1862 specifically, for the purpose holding agricultural shows.”

Over the last 60 years, NAFAS, an educational charity, has grown to boast a membership of over 50,000 extremely talented and dedicated individuals across the UK. The Floral Art and Design Show will bring together the talents of these floral designers from across the country, as well as those from further afield, to showcase their art in this visually stunning three-day event.

Members of the public will have the chance to see the most creative and original floral art with fantastic displays of unique and never-before seen designs, all made entirely from flowers and foliage. Visitors will have the opportunity to spot new trends and techniques and to be dazzled by the floral masterpieces on display all designed by some of the top creators from across the world.

Individual floral arrangers as well as flower arrangement clubs and societies, will also be competing for gold, silver and bronze awards which will be granted to those who prove themselves to be at very the top of their game with the most outstanding designs.

FLOWERS ACROSS THE BOROUGH

In the leadup to the event, shop owners on Camden Passage (right by Islington station) will be getting involved in the floral festivities with many opting to adorn their shop fronts with bright and beautiful blossoms.

Speaking ahead of her involvement next month, owner of ETC. (card and giftshop at 47 Camden Passage) Kate Mcintyre has said, “All of us at etc. are really excited to be part of the Floral Art Design Show in Islington and can’t wait to see what wonderful creations the team come up with to decorate our shop front the weekend before. Angel, and in particular Camden Passage, has a huge community spirit and so when an event comes to the area and wants to interact with the local community, we are all raring to go. The power of the flower should never be underestimated. Everyone gets such joy from them so it’s wonderful to spread a little bit of that magic and get the opportunity to wow people on their way to the event as they saunter down the passage and smile at the decorated shop fronts!”

And Islington doesn’t even have to wait until next month to be showered in flowers – indeed NAFAS already hard at work having given the 400 year old commemorative statue of entrepreneur and engineer Hugh Myddelton which is situated in the centre of Islington Green a floral makeover; he is now even more dressed to impress, adding a striking floral swirl to his traditional Jacobean outfit.