On the Road with NABAS: Highlights from the Spring Fair and British Balloon Bash
Welcome to
On the Road, a brand-new feature in the NABAS magazine!
In each edition, we’ll be sharing all the exciting places our NABAS instructors and committee members have visited—bringing their balloon expertise to events, exhibitions, and workshops across the UK. Expect behind-the-scenes insights, top design tips, and the inside scoop on the latest balloon trends.
The Spring Fair: A Showcase of Innovation and Creativity
The Spring Fair is always a highlight in the retail and party industry calendar, and NABAS was delighted to be part of the action. This year, we joined forces with
Sensations International, helping to decorate their stand and promote their exciting new range of products, including brand-new
dinosaur and unicorn-printed number foils.
These vibrant and on-trend designs caught the attention of many visitors, proving that creative balloon décor remains a powerful tool for visual impact and sales.
As we explored the exhibition, we were inspired by the stunning stands from top brands like
Gemar,
Amscan Europe,
Hootyballoo,
Procos,
Anagram Europe, and
Kalisan. The artistry and innovation on display were truly impressive. It was great to see so many familiar faces and new visitors eager to learn more about what NABAS has to offer.
We also shared the magic of
PIE UK with visitors at our stand—a must-attend event designed to inspire, educate, and celebrate our balloon community. The high level of interest in PIE UK showed once again how vital ongoing training is for success in our industry.
The British Balloon Bash: Three Days of Learning, Creativity, and Fun
From the bright lights of the exhibition to the fun-filled atmosphere of the
British Balloon Bash, NABAS was thrilled to support this fantastic event.
Previously known as the
Blackpool Balloon Bash, the newly renamed British Balloon Bash is now in the capable hands of
Louise Clarke,
Michael Abrahamson, and
Lee Curtis, who organized an incredible three-day experience for balloon artists from around the world.
One standout moment was the stunning event décor by NABAS instructor
Fiona Eagle, which set the perfect scene for a weekend packed with learning, networking, and balloon artistry.
Attendees enjoyed world-class training sessions with a stellar lineup, including:
- Mr Jacks (Germany)
- Pip Milford-Hughes (New Zealand)
- Darren Mortiboy (Ireland)
- Marie Dadow (USA)
From intricate balloon sculptures to advanced twisting techniques, there was something for everyone—whether beginner or seasoned pro. Artists also jammed with balloons from
Sempertex Europe,
Gemar, and
Elitex, pushing the limits of balloon creativity.
As always, competitions were a major highlight, and NABAS proudly sponsored prizes across three categories. The talent, creativity, and passion on display proved why our industry continues to thrive.
The excitement was palpable as the event wrapped up and tickets for the
2026 British Balloon Bash went on sale. If you haven’t attended before, mark it on your calendar—this is one event you won’t want to miss!
