Perfectly presented cakes, painstakingly handcrafted garments and mouth-watering preserves will be just some of the 4000 entries set to impress at this year’s Melbourne Royal Show art, craft and cookery competition.
Entries have opened for this year’s competition, which offers more than 480 classes and gives 1000 artists, creators and makers the chance to share in more than $50,000 in prizes.
Decorated cakes are always a crowd-pleaser, and this year the competition has been expanded to include decorated cupcakes and innovation cakes.
Cakes inspired by cartoons, comic books, and anime, and the Insta-worthy section designed to light up the ’Gram.
A brand-new category has also been added in beading, including both jewellery and non-jewellery classes, and a new theme to the junior competition covers the repurposing and upcycling of fashion to inspire a more sustainable future.
While winning a blue ribbon is undoubtedly treasured, Ms Barry said the art, craft and cookery competition held a special place in the hearts of both visitors and exhibitors that went beyond trophies and medallions.
“Exhibitors always remember the comment they got from the judges,” she said.
“The public has always been really passionate about the pavilion too.
“People love seeing what other people have made because it’s like a window into other people’s lives.
“The poet Walt Whitman talked about being a great amateur, and I think that’s what it’s all about.
“The competition captures the spirit of being a great amateur and embracing the hobbyist within you.”
Entries for the competition close on August 16.
For more information and to enter, visit www.melbourneroyal.com.au/art-craft-cookery/