The four-day home and design exhibition kicked off with Kevin McCloud hosting the Flatpack World Championships, a speed-building flatpack furniture contest where eight competitors raced on stage to showcase their impressively fast flatpack building skills. Hayley McAuley beat all competitors in two rounds, showing off impeccable precision, concentration and speed to be awarded the accolade and, naturally, a golden Allen key medal.
The competition was split into two rounds, where participants worked against the clock to build bookcases and bedside tables. In the final round, Hayley took an impressive 09:33 to build their bedside table.
Kevin McCloud shared his thoughts on the competition: “This was great fun and hugely amusing. It was wonderful to see who took this seriously, and who accidentally sabotaged their own attempts to win. We had a really spectacular audience who found it hugely entertaining”.
Hayley McAuley, from Wigan, shares their excitement after claiming the gold, “It’s been a rollercoaster of a morning, and I am absolutely thrilled to have been crowned Flatpack World Champion. When I first heard about the competition I jumped at the chance to enter as I’ve always thought I’m a bit of a machine when it comes to building flatpack furniture. Everyone truly did a fantastic job.”
The furniture pieces will be donated to British Heart Foundation, ensuring they are given a home.
Grand Designs Live, sponsored by Daikin has been re-built from the ground up to guarantee the very best in home innovation and design. Complete with expert one-to-one advice sessions and an array of expert talks, visitors can hear from Kevin McCloud himself, previous Grand Designers, The Apprentice finalist Dean Franklin, and the top renovation brands. This year's show includes an array of exhibitors, designs and sessions for guests to get involved in, including:
·New dedicated theatres across Build and Renovation, Sustainability, Kitchens and Bathroom, and Home and Gardens, where guests will have the chance to attend expert talks and personal in-depth conversations for expert opinions across renovation tips and building your dream home
·The Grand House will be returning with an impressive new design, bringing the world of Grand Designs to life in an eco-friendly and sustainable town house. Designed by top architects, visitors will be taken through renewable energy solutions that can be included in your home without having to compromise on luxury
·Guests will have the chance to join expert one-to-one advice sessions and receive in-depth advice on renovating, home builds and personalised top tips in creating your own grand design
·Grand Designs Live will be featuring the latest brands emerging into the market and fresh talent, finding fresh inspiration for your build