Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE

The edible masterpieces at this cake show are truly spectacular

There were some amazingly realistic creations at the world's biggest cake competition.

Orangutan, Steve Irwin and hedgehog cakes at the International Cake Show in Birmingham

Bakers recreated an orangutan, Steve Irwin and a hedgehog at the International Cake Show in Birmingham. Source: Aaron Chown/PA/AAP/Instagram/nadejda_sitnitsa

Over the weekend amateur bakers from around the world descended on Birmingham, in the United Kingdom, for the 2017 Cake International competition

A must for cake enthusiasts, the event shows off the latest trends and supplies, cutting-edge decorating workshops and demonstrations, as well as the spectacular Cake International competition display.

Judges cast their eyes over 1500 cakes, with prizes across a large number of categories, with Swiss cake-maker Gregoire Goel taking out the Best in Show by creating towering trees full of hanging bats.

Yang Xu won International Best in Show, while Chih-Yun Wu was named Junior Best in Show. 

Head judge Sally Owens ran the BBC through what the judges look for when scoring a cake.

"We want visual impact. When we are looking at something, we want it to almost jump out at you," Ms Owens said.

"We want lots of different skills, not just one skill. And then of course, unfortunately, we want perfection - very fine, very delicate, well-coloured, in balance, in proportion. And, of course, in one piece."

Among the stand-out creations were a number of famous faces, including Steve Irwin, Freddie Mercury, George Michael, the Queen, David Attenborough, Wolverine and a life-sized War Horse.

Animals were another popular theme at this year's show.

Fantasy and make-believe gave bakers the opportunity to let their imagination run wild.

But somehow inanimate objects - from a life-size wedding gown to a pair of brown men's shoes - were some of the most impressive creations.


SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only. Read more about SBS Food

Have a story or comment? Contact Us


2 min read

Published

Updated

By Alyssa Braithwaite



Share this with family and friends


SBS Food Newsletter

Get your weekly serving. What to cook, the latest food news, exclusive giveaways - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS Food

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our SBS podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch SBS On Demand

Bring the world to your kitchen

Eat with your eyes: binge on our daily menus on channel 33.

Watch now