Hey balloon family!

Join us 25–28 February 2027 for 4 days of twisting adventures, epic decor builds, fun competitions, and laughs with some of the kindest, most creative people around.

Whether it's your first time at the British Balloon Bash or you're a pro, you'll leave here buzzing with inspiration, fresh ideas, and new friends.
We can't wait to twist with you, so grab your ticket and let's make some memories!

Proudly Sponsored by

Thank you to all our sponsors for their generous support
*More information about sponsors will be announced shortly!

Where do I stay?

The Grand Hotel Blackpool

To book, call 0161 923 0333 (Mon–Fri 8am–6:30pm; weekends 9am–5:30pm).

We're working closely with the hotel for the best deal - keep an eye on our newsletter and socials for updates!

Grab Your Tickets Now!

Early Bird Ticket: £175 (Until May 31 – grab it quick!)
Standard Ticket: £225

Both include:

  • All classes with our top instructors
  • Entry to the Friday evening competitions
  • Use of thousands of balloons in the Jam room
  • Sponsor goodie bags
  • Lunch buffet Fri–Sun (as per schedule)

We’re all about inclusion – request accessibility needs (quiet spaces, larger print, etc.) via the contact form. Preferred Pronoun stickers available at registration – optional and super encouraged!

Event Dates & Overview

When: Thursday 25 – Sunday 28 February 2027

Where:  Grand Hotel, Blackpool

  • Registration opens Wednesday evening and Thursday.
  • Thursday: Optional Decor Build Day – arrive early, help create the massive install, collaborate hands-on with our decor leads to make the amazing build come to life.
  • Classes throughout Friday, Saturday and Sunday
  • Competitions on Friday Evening
  • Party Night on Saturday Evening

Click below to view the rough schedule for 2027.

*More information about schedule will be announced closer to the event!

Our Instructors

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An incredible lineup is coming! We will be revealing one instructor live at the end of the 2026 Bash, with more announcements  rolling out through the year.

Expect world-class talent teaching techniques for every skill level.

Got suggestions? Drop them in the contact form – we love hearing from you!

Competition Overview

Competitions will be happening on Friday evening. 

All attendees are invited to vote for the person who has helped you the most over the weekend.

The person with the most votes at the end is awarded this shield.

It was set up to honour the two founders of the Blackpool Balloon Bash, Sara Burns and Anne Ashworth.

Given 5 minutes of time, make your favourite balloon creation and show off you’re amazing skills.

After the 5 minutes are up all attendees will get the opportunity to vote for their favourite sculpture.

We have some awesome prizes lined up, and everyone is welcome to compete.

You have slightly longer in this competition, 30 minutes, so you can really show off you’re imagination and creativity.

Again, after the 30 minutes are up all attendees will get the opportunity to look at all the sculptures and vote for their favourite piece.

There are also great prizes for the winners of this competition, and everyone is welcome to compete.

This one is a real test of your creativity, and we encourage you all to have a go.

You will be given an assortment of balloons and 30 minutes on the clock.

All the balloons must be incorporated in your final piece and again all the attendees will be given the opportunity to vote for their favourite. 

History OF The Bash

The Blackpool Balloon Bash was started in 2014 by Sara Burns and Anne Ashworth, as a fun-filled event, aimed at bringing together like minded people to learn from the best balloon twisters in the world. Our goal has always been to create a great event regardless of our attendees experience level.

And as a result, every year the bash has continued to grow. In 2018 the Bash was moved to a larger venue, the Doric Hotel, and in 2020 the Bash moved again to The Imperial Hotel in Blackpool. Dan and Frank took over the running of the event and introduced a special award for the person who best encompassed the spirit of the event – The Burns Ashworth Shield. 

In 2025, a new took on custodianship of the Bash (the responsibility of organising and coordinating the event now falls on their shoulders), and the name was changed to British Balloon Bash. The new team introduced the British Balloon Bash Hall of Fame and inducted the first four members Sara Burns, Anne Ashworth, Graham Lee and Shirley Ray.

With the support of our amazing sponsors and delegates, the new team will continue to bring in star lecturers from around the world, ensuring that the British Balloon Bash remains a world class event. We look forward to you joining us wherever the adventure takes us in the future.

Thank you for your supporting us and we will see you all at the next Bash!

GET IN ConTACT

If for any reason you need to get in touch with the British Balloon Bash Team, please use the form below and we will get back to you soon! 

Contact Us

If you need to reach out to us for any reason whatsoever, please feel free to use this form

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Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.

GDPR Compliance

5 Minute Competition

  • 5 minutes to create your design.
  • Only latex balloons are allowed.
  • Pens/Markers are allowed.
  • All work on the design has to be done within the 5 minutes. This includes inflating balloons, artwork, double stuffing balloons, distortion etc. Nothing can be prepared beforehand.
  • Bring your own balloons, spare balloons in case of any pops, pump, cutters, and markers.
  • Write your badge number on the balloon within the 5 minutes.
  • If you go over 5 minutes you will be disqualified.

30 Minute Competition

  • 30 minutes to create your design.
  • Any balloons are allowed.
  • Pens/Markers are allowed.
  • Stickers/lights/non balloon embellishments are allowed.
  • All work on the design has to be done within the 30 minutes. This includes inflating balloons, artwork, double stuffing balloons, distortion, cutting and manipulation etc. None of the balloons can be prepared beforehand.
  • Bring your balloons, spare balloons in case of any pops, pump, cutters, and markers.
  • Your design must be fully completed within the 30-minute competition time and must be free-standing on the table at the end. Small table-top stands are allowed this year, but they must fit within your designated working area. These stands will not be considered part of your competition piece, will not be judged, and may only be used to support the display of your sculpture.
  • Write your badge number on the balloon within the 30 minutes.
  • If you go over 30 minutes you will be disqualified.

Iron Man Competition

  • 30 minutes to create your design.
  • You do not need to make Iron Man during this competition.
  • Only the balloons provided to you are allowed.
  • EVERY balloon has to be used! It doesn’t have to be the entire balloon, could be used as a scrap for example.
  • EVERY balloon has to be inflated! At least puff or partial.
  • If a balloon pops it must be replaced, hold up your hand and someone will replace it for you.
  • Balloons must NOT be used just as a string or to tie things together.
  • Pens/Markers are allowed.
  • Stickers/lights/non balloon embellishments are not allowed.
  • All work on the design has to be done within the 30 minutes. This includes inflating balloons, artwork, double stuffing balloons, distortion etc. Nothing can be prepared beforehand.
  • Bring your own pump, cutters, and markers.
  • If needed you will be asked to prove every balloon has been inflated and used.
  • Write your badge number on the balloon within the 30 minutes.
  • If you go over 30 minutes you will be disqualified.