Balloon Releases/Races

This is a superb way to raise money for charity, promote a business, or can be used instead of a raffle at an annual event. Why not have a balloon race, it’s something a bit different, is really easy to arrange and can be quite spectacular!

Race packs include all you need to  to make the event one every on  will remember and enjoy. We provide latex balloons - numbered race labels, release net, helium gas  and instructions. We can either be on hand to help with the event or at the end of a phone to give advice at every step of the way.

How about getting your balloons printed? This will give your event or charitable cause maximum publicity. Please see printed balloons.

Please note that balloons of over 1000 should only be undertaken by involving professional balloon companies that have recognised qualifications in the balloon industry such as Balloonacy… & more. We have the experience and expertise to help make your event a huge success.

Guidelines  regarding Balloon Races.

Balloonacy …& more only provide 100% biodegradable balloons for balloon races. Indeed all of our latex balloons for whatever use are made of 100% biodegradable latex. These balloons will biodegrade at approximately the same rate as an oak leaf.

All labels must be made of paper and ideally that should also be recycled paper.

Labels should not be tied onto the balloon with string, ribbon etc. The labels are produced with a hole in them and the neck of the balloon is pushed through this and then tied securely onto the label. String, ribbon etc is not environmentally safe or biodegradable.

Balloons must never be released in tied or knotted bunches.

Foil balloons are not suitable for balloon races.

Releases of 5000 balloons or more should not take place without clearance from the relevant local Air Traffic Controller being involved, also the local authority  where the race is being held will need to be informed. The authorities require at least 28 days notice prior to the date of the event.

Only helium gas should be used to inflate the balloons - it is inert and lighter than air. As the balloon ascends the gas expands until eventually the balloon will burst - this produces tiny fragments which aids decomposition.

Please note that balloons of over 1000 should only be undertaken by involving professional balloon companies that have recognised qualifications in the balloon industry such as ‘Balloonacy…& more’. We have the experience and expertise to help make your event a huge success.

All materials supplied by ‘Balloonacy…& more’ for balloon races are 100% biodegradable latex and recycled paper numbered race labels.

Balloons can take anything from 1 minute to inflate for those who are well practiced in the art- to 2/3 minutes. Tying the balloon is the most difficult and can cause very sore fingers!

You decide on the cost of each ticket. Take into account what your goal is, how much your outlay is i.e. materials, prizes, advertising, cost of venue etc. Consider about the amount you would be happy to spend out and that should be your guideline.

The numbered labels should have the address of the promoter or charity on it (we can arrange this printing). It should also have the personal details of the person who is purchasing the ticket i.e. name and address and telephone number. This is so that the winner can be informed. Ideally these details need to be written clearly on the ticket using an indelible, non - run ink pen.

Prizes can be decided by the company, charity or person holding the event. It very much depends on what profits you are looking to earn. Most people award a prize for the furthest traveled balloon by a specified date which is decided at the outset. There is also an incentive prize awarded for the person finding the winning balloon.

We recommend that you order the race packs as early as possible. You need to complete race labels, so this depends on how long you or your committee decide they want to promote the event beforehand. On average a month to 6 weeks is about right. However, it has been known that we have turned around a request within a week.

Helium gas will be delivered by us a couple of days before the event. We run through a safety check with the people/person allotted to blow up the balloons and obtain a signature to confirm that the person/s have understood the training and will observe the safety issues. We will also request a deposit for the tank(s) of helium provided. The cost varies dependent on the size of the tank borrowed. This cost will be refundable as long as the tanks and valves provided are returned by the due date and in the condition they were given out in.

To discuss your requirements contact Gen.