A life-size Taylor Swift cake is among the stand out entries at this year’s Cake International event at the NEC in Birmingham.
Among the eatable delights was a lookalike of the Queen Swiftie Taylor Swift, complete with sparkling Eras tour-esque makeup and costume, but a huge chunk of the dessert was missing.
Despite the large scale pudding’s incredible detail such as honey-blonde icing locks and silver glittering boots, it appeared the final product was devoid of a prominent human feature – hands.
In a video capturing the cake decorating and baking show, Bulgarian cake artist Elza Baldzhiyska could be seen working tirelessly to complete the finishing touches of the sweet sculpture.
The snippet also revealed an eclectic showcase of cakes, including a marvellous mock up of Elizabeth I, a frightening alien and intricate desserts with moving parts.
One witness recalled the tragedy of Taylor Swift’s missing hands: ‘Elza is understandably disappointed and shocked by the damage but she’s an absolute professional and will fix it.
‘It’s a bit of a race against time before the exhibition opens but everyone is sure Taylor Swift will star in this year’s show, there’s no doubt about that’.
According to a source, the life-size Taylor Swift cake had been ‘shaken off’ in a transport mishap.
It was being transported from Elza’s home in Windsor, Berkshire, to the Cake International at Birmingham’s NEC when it was damaged.
Both hands disintegrated while cracks in the icing appeared on the shoulders and on the singer’s trademark blonde locks.
Award-winning cake artist Elza Baldzhiyska was then left scrambling to rescue her creation of the superstar singer headlining an international show.
It is thought Elza spent more than 100 hours creating her Taylor Swift model which wore the iconic blue and white sequin dress the singer wore in The Eras Tour.
Elza is one of 1,500 bakers, artists, chocolatiers and patisserie chefs showing off their creations at this year’s Cake International show.
Bakers of all ages and levels of experience can enter, with many taking inspiration from the world of celebrity for their elaborate bakes.
Other cake replicas include Queen Elizabeth I, complete with jewels from world class sugar artist Emma Jayne.
The Tudor monarch features an elaborate period dress that matches a portrait drawn of the former Queen.
Visitors can also expect a fright from the immersive Sugar Scream showpiece by Mrs Macabres Toy Emporium.
What appears to be a crying child Medusa, a scary alien and a cake with a moving hand, will all be featured at this weekend’s show.
Also on display is a 7ft tall birthday cake at the centre of the show to celebrate 30 years of Cake International.
Meanwhile film industry expert sculptor Gary Pollard will showcase his impressive giant dragon slayer model.
Eagle-eyed Great British Bake Off fans are in for a treat as the shows 2023 winner Matty Edgell is making a special guest appearance.
Cake International runs from Friday until Sunday (3/11).
Last year it was King Charles and Ozzy Osbourne who stole the show. Realistic edible versions of some of the world’s most famous stars were among the show-stopping creations on display.
Ozzy Osbourne was transformed into a breathtaking but slightly spooky cake by cake designer Jane Lashbrook.
The cake realistically replicated the Black Sabbath star to life-size, and he sat on a throne made of skulls.
Elsewhere, another talented baker recreated Mrs Doubtfire, from the cult 1993 film starring Robin Williams, in sponge. The impressive cake was complete with the character’s classic outfit and broom.
And one baker used their kitchen skills to create a chef’s table made completely from cake. The magnificent work of art included a chopping board with chef’s essentials, such as garlic and tomatoes.
But the realistic piece took a creepy turn with a chopped off finger and an ear leaking with blood.
One royal fan, Emma Jayne, even recreated His Majesty’s head with sponge, Rice Krispies, marshmallows and modelling chocolate.
The regal cake came complete with the monarch’s sparkling crown, adorned with 2,500 zodiac crystals, each painstakingly placed on individually by the patient maker.
