May is one of my favourite months. It’s my birthday month and it’s also Mother’s Day …. and you know what that means… CAKE! This year in Brisbane we will be spoilt for choice with the world’s best cake artists all headed to our fair city for the prestigious International Cake Show.
This is the Top Gun of cake decorating, where the best of the best vie for the crown, where cake is the canvas and imagination the only limitation. The International Cake Show Australia will be held at the Brisbane Showgrounds Exhibition Building in Bowen Hills from Friday 18th May to Sunday 20th May. So if you are a closet Cake Boss watcher, here’s your chance to see the best of the best working their magic.
What Can You Expect To See?
There will be a range of celebrity cake artists, chocolatiers, chefs and bakers appearing throughout the three days. A highlight will be a two day televised, live International cake off on the main stage, featuring six of the world’s most famous cake artists, Paul Bradford, Dorothy Klerck, Timbo Sullivan, Verusca Walker, Margie Carter, Paul Delaney and Karen Portaleo.
There are also three ‘Live, Laugh and Learn’ demonstration stages holding demonstrations on the hour every hour. Hands on areas abound with the cookie zone where you can decorate your own, through to create, make and take classes. Six workshop areas are scheduled to conduct masterclasses throughout the show.
I’m excited about the Eddie Spence tribute category of the competition which is in special recognition of the royal wedding between HRH Prince Harry and Megan Markle. Eddie Spence is the Royal Icing Master who has worked on many royal wedding cakes for Buckingham Palace.
With pop-up shops, statement cake displays and Australia’s ultimate cake decorating competition there is sure to be something for everyone.
International Cake Bosses
South Africa’s Dorothy Klerck from Eat Cake Party is part of the international team and will be teaching at this year’s show. Dorothy is well known for her magnificent cakes showcasing Africa’s endangered species, her elephant, rhino and giraffe cakes have to be seen to be believed.
Karen Portaleo is from Atlanta, Georgia and has the highest profile within the cake industry. Karen will judge, do free demonstrations and also host the Sunday Lounge Interviews with the major cake artists.
Spanish baker, Marta Hidalgo, is an incredible cake artist. She was one of last year’s winners with her bust of King George.
The boys are not forgotten with the hip and happening Timbo Sullivan part of the international team and also teaching at the cake show.
Local Artisans
Flying the flag for Australia will be Zoe Byres from Cake Art. Zoe is team leader for one of my favourite pieces this year, The Alice in Wonderland display. Brisbane based Trina Thompson from Sweet Ruby Bakes has appeared in the last two international challenges and will compete again this year. Another local is Zoe Clark who is an international award winning cake designer, she is teaching at the show and exhibiting in the Couture Wedding Marquis. The lovely Monica Cavallaro, who is Sydney based, was a favourite finalist in ‘The Great Australian Bake Off’. Monica will be teaching and conducting insightful and warm interviews throughout the show.
Many more homegrown and international cake bosses will showcase their work at the show but the best thing of all is that most of the competition is open for anyone to enter. So dust off those prize winning Ekka cake recipes and start practising, your creation could prove to be a winner. From wedding cake artistry to cupcake bouquets, sculpted busts, sugar-crafting, celebration cakes, edible art and even your Nanna’s favourite, buttercream cakes. There are categories open for the most professional through to amateur bakers. I’m getting a sugar rush just thinking about it, this event is definitely going to be sweet.
Click here for Early Bird tickets that are on sale now and for competition and category info head here.
So what are you waiting for… Ready, Steady, Bake… you know I’ve always wanted to say that.
Michelle Beesley is a Brisbane born and bred former primary school teacher. A wife, proud grandma and mother of three grown sons, Michelle is thrilled to have recently published her debut contemporary romance novel, It Happened in Paris, with Serenade Publishing. Her novella – Escape to D’ Amour was published in 2019. Michelle’s work can be found in the anthologies – Destination Romance and Short & Sweet. When not reading or writing Michelle can be found at a coffee shop chatting with friends, front row at a fashion show, or beside a rugby union field cheering on her favourite teams.
Michelle is a reluctant traveller, Francophile, keen walker and avid yoga enthusiast plus a book, film and theatre lover who loves everything pink and sparkly (including champagne). You can find Michelle on instagram @michellebeesley_writer and her website: michellebeesley.com.
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