Cake and Bake International is nearly here, and we can imagine the excitement building in cake rooms and kitchens everywhere! Whether you’re preparing a competition piece or planning a visit with cake friends, there’s so much to look forward to.
The show returns to the NEC Birmingham from 6 to 8 November 2026, in Halls 9 and 10. Expect incredible competition entries, live demonstrations, lots of tempting shopping opportunities and spectacular eye-catching show pieces, including Emma-Jayne’s cake version of the Prince and Princess of Wales. The full list of exhibitors can be found on the Cake International website. Emma Jayne has filmed four amazing projects all part of the CakeFlix library.
CakeFlix has attended almost every show over the past 15 years, apart from the disruption during Covid. Meeting members, seeing your creations and sharing your excitement has always made these weekends special.
We won’t be there physically this year, but we’ll absolutely be there in spirit! We’re planning to return next year, and we’ll be cheering on our members attending and competing.
If you’re entering one (or more) of the competitions, we know how much work, nerves and determination go into preparing a piece. Keep going! Taking your creation to a competition is an achievement in itself, whatever the result. Be sure to get the judges feedback which is available to help you on your learning journey.
Please reach out if you have questions or concerns. We would be happy to help, alongside our lovely, experienced CakeFlix members. Whether it’s techniques, preparation or transporting your creation, you don’t have to work everything out alone.
CRUCIAL TIP: Read the category’s rules carefully, then read them again! After all that effort, nobody wants the dreaded “not to schedule” against their cake.
Melanie Underwood, Head of Cake International at ICHF Events Ltd, has also shared a helpful insight into what happens behind the scenes. With over 1,000 competition entries, every competitor query needs careful consideration. Melanie and the two Head Judges review these together, and the feedback can help shape the following year’s categories and rules.
This year’s deadline for competition-related queries is 19 December. Once queries are resolved and logged, Melanie, the Head Judges and Vicki du Plessis from the Facebook competitions group develop the new schedules together. They aim to publish by the end of January, although this is a target rather than a guaranteed date. For example, the 2026 schedules appeared on 5 February.
It’s a useful reminder that your feedback matters, and that thoughtful preparation takes place on both sides of the competition table.
Final Note from us: Visiting this year? Enjoy the displays, appreciate the details and let yourself be inspired. Please share your photographs and experiences in our members’ group.
Have a fantastic show, catch up with friends and make some wonderful cake memories!
Paul & David x
