Doncaster College on the road to Chelsea
Doncaster College are proud to announce that it’s Floristry Department has been selected to exhibit at the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 — a remarkable achievement for the small but mighty team.
Each year, only one college is chosen from amongst some 15 of the UK’s top floristry programmes, making this an incredible honour and testament to the creativity, passion, and dedication of the Doncaster team.
Although smaller than other departments, Doncaster’s floristry students regularly compete in competitions, contribute floral displays to local events, and run a public-facing on-site flower shop. This year, their hard work has earned them a national platform to showcase their talent at the world’s most celebrated flower show.
The journey to Chelsea began back in October, when floristry tutor Jade Loftus began sketching early concepts for a large-scale 5m x 5m exhibit. The design process involved engineering calculations, budget planning, and creative ingenuity to produce an original and captivating design. Entries were judged by an expert panel, including RHS judges and floristry professionals. So impressed were they with Doncaster’s vision that Simon Lycett, Royal Florist and RHS Ambassador, offered to mentor the students and staff throughout the project.
Jade recalls the moment she got the call: “Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that final selection would be Doncaster College! I am beyond excited to say WE DID IT!”
Fellow tutor Jo Cullingworth shared the excitement: “When Jade called to tell me, I was completely speechless. To have been selected is an amazing achievement. I’m overjoyed that the students will have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
The exhibit’s theme, ‘Colour My World’, is a vibrant 5m x 5m x 5m high display featuring "Worlds of Colour" represented by locally woven willow globes crafted by talented artist Alison Walling. These globes lead into a dramatic 7ft centrepiece symbolising the creative explosion that floristry inspires. With a tetradic colour harmony, the floral palette will include everything from delicate orchids and ferns to whimsical meadow grasses, creating a dynamic, moving visual experience.
Support from across the college and the wider community has been crucial. The Painting and Decorating Department have made the staging; the Plumbing Department the pipes and fittings; Dixons Timber Products have crafted the bases and donated transport; Ardagh Group have donated 700 glass jam jars; Floral Media Notts are growing plants especially for the exhibit; and Tom Brown Wholesale in London is supplying the flowers.
Six students have been selected to travel to London and help install the display, among them is Bev Fullwood, who joined the part-time course to create flowers for her son’s wedding: “I joined the course so I could learn to do flowers for my son’s wedding next year, and here I am off to Chelsea. It’s going to be really exciting!” Kirsty Andrew, another student, added: “It was a pinch-me moment to get this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m so grateful and really looking forward to the experience.”
The team had another unforgettable moment when Simon Lycett visited in February to give feedback on their display and offer invaluable advice drawn from his career in high-end floral design.
In addition to the college’s selection, Jade Loftus has also been chosen to compete in the elite Floral Creation category at Chelsea - going head-to-head with nine of the UK’s best florists for the coveted RHS Chelsea Florist of the Year title. Her submission, titled ‘Lunar Texture’, captivated the judges with its originality and depth and so she was invited to bring it to life at the show.
“I’m still pinching myself,” Jade said. “To be selected alongside the college - it’s the perfect storm.”
Fresh off their recent Silver award at the Harrogate Inter-College Competition, the team are feeling confident and inspired. And as preparations ramp up, both staff and students are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to showcase their creativity, skill, and passion for floristry on one of the biggest stages in the world.
