Helaena Ackers, Account Manager for the NEC took the giant iced sponge cake to the Sunday show and raised a toast to all involved. She said: “Seventy shows is a great achievement so we thought that the organisers, Bob, Muriel and Andy deserved a celebratory birthday cake to mark the occasion.”

The cake was made by Amadeus, the catering team at the NEC and was large enough to ensure every one of the exhibitors got a slice.

The Miniatura show features only the very best miniature artisans from around the UK and abroad who work in 1/12th and related scales right down to 1/144th . And amongst the many exhibitors appearing over the weekend, were three who had been with Miniatura from the very start; Escutcheon who make exquisite period furniture; Stokesay Ware who make finely detailed handmade bone china, and Country Treasures who make copper, tin and enamel ware.

Raising a glass to all the exhibitors and visitors who have supported Miniatura over the years Andy Hopwood commented: “We always feel looked after by the NEC, and this really is the icing on the cake!”