Are you an amateur star baker with a passion for Glasgow? If so, it’s time to dust off your wooden spoon, as this is your chance to create the ultimate showstopper.
Ideal Home Show Scotland is returning to SEC Glasgow from May 23-26, 2025, with one of the highlights set to be the annual cake competition.
This year’s competition is especially exciting for Weegies, as the theme for the bake is 'Celebrating 850 Years of Glasgow' to honour the city’s milestone birthday.
Star line-up of judges
The competition will be judged by a star line-up of local luminaries, including Go Radio Afternoons presenter, Gina McKie; the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren; and legendary local chefs Jak O’Donnell and Jimmy Lee.
Speaking about the competition, Jak O’Donnell – who ran the iconic Glasgow restaurant, The Sisters, and has appeared on BBC’s Great British Menu – said: “I’m so excited to see this year’s entries, especially since the theme of Glasgow is so close to my heart. I can’t wait to see everyone’s creative take on the theme.”
Fellow judge Gina McKie added: “This year’s theme is sure to spark so many fun and interesting entries so I’m delighted to be a judge! I can’t wait to see where everyone’s imagination has taken them.”
The Lord Provost of Glasgow said: "As Glasgow celebrates its 850th birthday, I'm absolutely delighted to be part of the Ideal Home Show Scotland's cake competition. This year's theme is a wonderful opportunity to see our city's rich history and vibrant spirit brought to life through creative baking. I'm truly looking forward to witnessing the imagination and passion that the talented bakers will bring to the table, and to tasting a slice of Glasgow's past and present.”
But how do you celebrate Glasgow in cake form? The competition organisers have suggested cakes could take inspiration from one of the city’s many architectural landmarks, such as the grandeur of the Glasgow Cathedral or the iconic Barrowland Ballroom.
Or, if buildings leave you flat, your cake could take the form of one of Glasgow’s great historical figures, such as Charles Rennie Mackintosh, or even Mary Queen of Scots, who came to Glasgow after her escape from Lochleven Castle.
If this sounds up your street, the last date for entries is May 19, 2025, at 6pm.
It’s also important to note that all cakes need to be delivered to the SEC Glasgow on May 22, between 3pm and 5pm, and the winning cake will be presented on the Super Theatre stage on Monday, May 26.
What will make a winning bake?
Here’s what the judges will be looking for…
Originality and creativity of design
Overall visual impact
Skills and execution of technique
Interpretation of the theme
Cake must fit within a base area of 38cm x 38cm (15" x 15") square and there are no height restrictions
Cakes will not be judged on taste; they are solely judged on appearance
Any edible medium may be used and wires, tape, ribbon and stamen are allowed. Internal supports and dummies are allowed
Ideal Home Show Scotland is the country’s biggest and longest-running home interiors and lifestyle show.
This year’s show promises to be bigger and better than ever, with cutting-edge design and a star-studded line-up of experts, including potter and ceramic designer Keith Brymer Jones, from BBC2’s The Great Pottery Throw Down, and interior designer Banjo Beale, seen on Designing the Hebrides and Scotland’s Home of the Year.
All tickets also include complimentary entry to the Eat & Drink Festival, where Jak O’Donnell and fellow famous foodies such as Jimmy Lee, seen regularly on ITV's This Morning, and Masterchef 2022 finalist Sarah Rankin, will be giving talks and live cooking demonstrations.
