Balloon Racing

Balloon racing is a fantastic way of raising funds - its great fun, different and a really stunning sight. For those of you who are not familiar with this event, it works like this...

- People buy a helium balloon for a set amount.

- The buyer's details are written on a Race Label which is attached to the balloon and has a return address on the back.

- The balloons are released either from a reusable release net or by hand. For a really spectacular launch, the net is recommended.

- The balloons float away to .... anywhere!

- The person who finds the balloon sends it back to the address shown on the card together with a description of where it was found.

- The person with the balloon that travelled the furthest wins.

We can supply Balloon Race Packs in 200, 500 or 1000 balloons(including race labels).
We can liase with the CAA on your behalf to ensure you have permission if its required ( ie if you are in a local airfields airspace)

Balloon Release Guidelines

1. Only natural latex rubber balloons will be used for Releases
   Latex, being an organic product degrades naturally in the environment. Balloons made of any material other than latex and in particular foil balloons should not be used for Releases.
2. All components used in balloon releases must be biodegradable
   Balloons must be hand tied, plastic valves should not be used. Any attached labels must be of paper, preferably recycled.
3. Only helium gas should be used to inflate the balloons
   Helium is an inert lighter-than-air gas. As the balloon rises, the gas expands until eventually the balloon bursts producing small fragments, which aid decomposition.
4. No ribbons or strings must be attached to the balloons
   Ribbons and strings represent a potential problem and must never be used in balloon releases. Labels should be attached via the hand tied balloon knot.
5. Balloons must always be launched singly
   Single balloons disperse easily and quickly. They must never be tied together in bunches for balloon releases.
6. Full approval must be obtained from the relevant authorities
   Releases exceeding 5000 balloons should not take place unless they have been cleared in advance with all relevant air traffic and local authorities. The Authorities must be notified in writing at least 28 days prior to the release.
7. Maximum balloon size
   Balloons larger than 12“ can not be released. It is forbidden to use balloons containing any metallic pigment.
8. All balloons sold near balloon releases must be weighted
   Any balloons sold in the vicinity of a balloon release must be sold with a weight attached to ensure they cannot escape. Foil Balloons must never be released. Latex balloons with a plastic valve and ribbon must also be weighted.