I was asked to make some cupcakes for my sons school for there cake stall at a international evening on Thursday which i agreed to do, i then received a call asking if i could do a big cake instead so that they could auction it off or have it as a competition prize, they said i could do whatever theme i wanted but i am really stuck for ideas
any inspiration gratefully received

Thanks in advance

Does this really need to be a huge carved production with a ton of fondant and gumpaste work?
If not, just keep it simple with an 8 inch, two layer number.
I read somewhere that the most popular flavor profile is a good yellow butter cake with a yummy fudge filling/icing.
My fave, hands down.
You could do a rough, rustic icing design with a butter knife.
Easy, peasy.

If you want to give them something to auction, and you can swing it, make a log cake. Look up decorating ideas for "buche de noel" and make it a summer woody scene instead of winter holiday. You can do this in several steps over 2-3 days.