Dazzling Diamond Celebrations

Derek Armstrong is the Event Designer for NAFAS’ Diamond Anniversary celebrations. He took five minutes out of his very busy schedule to give us a taste of the festivities to come

ECT: There are two main elements to the celebrations in London – the dinner and the show. What can visitors expect to see at the Floral Art & Design Show?

DA: It’s going to be three amazing days of floral experiences! As well as all the installations, there will also be a busy programme of talks, demonstrations and workshop, so visitors will have plenty of opportunities to learn and do. And the show begins before you even get inside the Business Design Centre.  We want to make everyone, not only existing NAFAS members, aware of what flowers can do, so we’ve asked the designers to take their displays out onto the street. Upper Street will be decorated with floral displays and we’re currently negotiating with Transport for London about using the Angel tube station and Underground network too.

ECT: Can you tell us who will be exhibiting?

DA: That’s still a secret I’m afraid, but I can reveal that the list will include lots of overseas designers for the first time

Image below shows displays created for WAFA events around the world

ECT: And what about the Dazzling Diamond Dinner?

DA: We want it to be spectacular from beginning to end. Party goers will be met on Park Lane and whisked into the Grosvenor House Hotel for a sparkling reception featuring a floral experience and live entertainment, before moving into the Great Room for dinner. This iconic ballroom (beneath which is the ice rink where the Queen first learned to skate) will be filled with aquamarine, silver and white floral displays created by NAFAS members as well as guest designers. With a live band and the chance to win a one carat diamond necklace in the raffle as well, it really is going to be a night to remember. I can’t wait.