For centuries, and nearly 50 years at its current Nine Elms location, New Covent Garden Flower Market has been supplying flowers, plants, and foliage to customers across London and the South-East. Today, it announces its support as a patron of Great Britain's inaugural National Florist Day. To celebrate, the market will host a flower demonstration program on Saturday, 8th June 2024, from 6:15 am to 9:30 am.
Caroline Marshall-Foster, founder of National Florist Day, explains, "To say I am thrilled National Florist Day is happening would be an understatement! Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of seeing just how wonderful the whole industry is and I know first-hand the amazing things florists do to create magic moments for every possible occasion.
It has always been my dream to find a way of celebrating the faces of floristry from throughout the industry, showcasing our whole sector to the consumer world and helping florists everywhere promote themselves on a wider scale. To see this come to life is amazing, indeed will be one of the highlights of my career and I can't wait to get started!"
The demonstrations will take place at the Green & Bloom Flowers unit within the market, featuring five renowned florists, all of whom are long-standing and cherished customers of the traders at NCGM. The line-up and schedule* are as follows:
6.15 Introduction by NFD creator Caroline Marshall Foster – Purple Spotted Media
6.25 Elaine Graham – Pesh Flowers
7.00 Ahmed Salman – Paul Thomas Flowers
7.35 Warren Bushaway – London Event Florist
8.10 Alan Simpson – Hybrid Flowers
8.45 Simon Lycett – Simon J Lycett Ltd
The event will be live-streamed on instagram through the @marketflowers feed.
Wanda Goldwag, Chair of Covent Garden Market Authority, states, "As the UK's leading wholesale market, selling an estimated 17.5 million flower stems each year, New Covent Garden Flower Market is an ideal partner for a day dedicated to the magical world of flowers, floristry, and floral architects. We're thrilled to host our own event to celebrate the nation's florists and their expertise."
UK retail sales of flowers and plants are estimated to be worth £2.4 billion, with independent florists contributing around 25% of this market. June 8th is dedicated to acknowledging their exceptional and inspiring work, which captivates the nation and brings beauty to our lives through their stunning floral creations.
Tommy Leighton, NCGM's Press Officer, adds, "Each florist will create something uniquely magical from flowers and foliage sourced from the Market that morning. We will also exhibit a special creation from the budding florists at our neighboring Wyvil School and premiere new films about the Market. We invite everyone to join us, meet the amazing florists, and kick off the inaugural National Florist Day in style."
*The precise timings of the running order may be subject to slight change on the day, but the start and end times of the session will remain the same.
New Covent Garden Market