Celebration & Party Expo
The Ultimate Trade Show for the
Event and Party Industry
The International Centre Telford
Sunday 23rd & Monday 24th March 2025
The Balloon & Brush Couture Challenge
Are you ready to showcase your talent and get noticed in the industry? Participate at the CAP Expo and compete with the best! This is your chance to win and take home a CASH prize & Trophy.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to shine!
The Celebration and Party Expo is thrilled to unveil an exciting new addition to its lineup: the Balloon Couture and Face Painting Award! This groundbreaking competition celebrates the fusion of creativity and artistry, showcasing extraordinary collaborations between balloon couture designers, face painting professionals, and models. Participants will craft stunning, wearable art pieces that combine the intricate beauty of balloon sculpture with the artistry of face and body painting. These creations will be brought to life in a runway-style showcase, highlighting innovation, teamwork, and unmatched talent.
Photo Credits:
Fumico
Superstar
Prizes
Balloon Couture Awards (Balloon Artist)
-
1st Place: Trophy & £1,000
-
2nd Place: Trophy & Balloon Product
Face Painting Awards (Face Painter)
-
1st Place: Trophy & £500
-
2nd Place: Trophy & Face Painting Product
Top Model (Model)
-
Trophy & £250
Best Collaboration
-
Special Award of £750 (£250 for each team member*) for the best team effort between balloon artist, face painter, and model.
*Only one prize per category.
​
Competition
Overview
This competition aims to push the boundaries of what’s possible in both the balloon and face painting industries. Attendees can expect dazzling designs, vibrant colour palettes, and captivating performances, making it an unforgettable highlight of the expo. We have not set a theme giving you the opportunity to show off your best skills, creativity, and unique style. Whether you choose to craft something whimsical, elegant, or bold, the focus is on showcasing your talent and innovation.
The competition is open to teams of balloon artists and face painters who are ready to collaborate and bring their vision to life. Judging will consider creativity, execution, and the harmony between the balloon couture and face painting elements.
Prizes include: CASH Prize, Trophy, recognition at the expo, featured coverage on our social media platforms, and an opportunity to inspire others in the industry.
​
Whether you're a participant, a spectator, or a fellow creative professional, the Balloon Couture and Face Painting Award promises to be an awe-inspiring celebration of artistry and collaboration.
Collaboration
Guidelines
Collaboration Guidelines
Please note, we will pair together a balloon artist with a face painter, you are not required to establish a pairing prior to the competition unless you already have a pairing that you want to work with, this needs to be noted during the entry application process.
Balloon artists and face painters will work together to craft a stunning, unified look for their model. Here’s how the collaboration works:
-
Balloon Artist’s Role: Design and create a couture balloon costume that serves as the foundation for the overall look. Think of it as wearable art—a statement piece that sets the tone and theme for the design - you choose the theme!
-
Face Painter’s Role: Use artistic expertise to enhance the model’s look through detailed face and body painting. Their work will complement the balloon design, ensuring a cohesive masterpiece.
-
Working Together: The face painter will have 2 hours, scheduled at a mutually agreed time with the costume designer (balloon artist) on Sunday, 23rd March. This time will be used to finalise the painted elements while considering the colours, textures, and style of the balloon costume. Communication and coordination will be key to aligning visions and achieving a harmonious design.
Contest Guidelines
Eligibility to Enter
-
Only those registered to attend CAP Expo are eligible to enter the competition. Registration to CAP Expo is free, but we recommend contestants attend the Sunday evening CAP Fest party, where the awards will be announced and presented.
(CAP Fest tickets can be purchased HERE)
Entry Limitation
-
The competition is limited to ten (10) entries for each category, accepted on a first-come, first-served basis with the entry fee paid.
Collaboration Guidelines
-
Balloon Couture designers will be paired with a face painter unless collaborations have already been formed and noted during registration.
-
Balloon fashion designers and face painters may recruit one additional team member within their categories, but only the registered name in each category will be officially recognised for scoring and awards.
Supply Policy
-
CAP Expo does not provide balloons, inflators, materials for dresses/costumes, or face paints.
-
Sempertex Europe have generously offered to supply balloon materials for each competitors. The deadline for product requests is Date to be Confirmed. After this date, competitors must supply their own products, which must be Sempertex balloons (No other manufacturers balloons can be used during the competition, breaking this rule will result in disqualification.)
-
Mannequins
-
Mannequins will be supplied to all balloon fashion designers at the start of the competition. Please inform us if you do not require a mannequin.
​
Models
-
CAP Expo will provide models if required. This must be stated during the sign-up process. Model details will be supplied to balloon couture artists in advance of the competition.​
Additional
Information
Couture Competition Guidelines
-
Competition Time:
-
Saturday, 22nd March: 12 PM – 6 PM (Telford Convention Centre)
-
Sunday, 23rd March: 9 AM – 3 PM (Telford Convention Centre)
-
Total working time: 13 hours.
-
-
Models: Available from 9 AM Sunday, 23rd March.
-
Materials: At least 75% of each dress/costume must be made from Sempertex latex balloons - no other balloon manufacturers balloons can be used. Fantasy flowers or other pre-prepared adornments may be made in advance, but check with BAPIA if you need clarification - sue@BAPIAonline.com
-
Headwear/Model’s Hair: This is the responsibility of the balloon artist, who can collaborate with the face painter if desired.
-
Attachment and Decoration: All construction methods are permitted (e.g., glue, wire, monofilament). Surface decorations (e.g., paints, markers, vinyl, gemstones) are allowed.
-
Mobility: Models must safely navigate steps and move comfortably on and off the stage in costumes.
-
Audience Appropriateness: Designs must be suitable for all audiences; no nudity.
-
Dresses/Costumes Display: All entries will be displayed on mannequins on 24th March. Designers are responsible for any required repairs.
Face Painting Competition Guidelines
-
As this is a collaborative competition, the balloon artist will lead the overall theme, colour palette, and creative direction.
-
Face painters will craft a complementary design that enhances the balloon costume, ensuring a seamless final look.
-
Competition Time:
-
Sunday, 23rd March: Face painters will have up to 2 hours to paint the model. Time must be agreed upon with the balloon artist.
-
-
Materials: Any professional branded face paints may be use. - they must comply with all necessary industry standards.
Model Guidelines & Requirements
-
Models must apply to participate in the competition.
-
Only 10 spots are available, and selection is not guaranteed upon application.
-
Availability: Sunday, 23rd March, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
-
Showcase: Models must present the completed competition entry for judging at 4:00 PM on Sunday - this will be in the form of a catwalk on the stage
-
Compensation: Each model will receive £50 towards travel expenses.
-
Perks: Models will receive FREE entry to CAP Fest (including supper), the Sunday night party and awards ceremony. They are required to wear their competition entry (balloon costume and paint) until 9:00 PM and may change afterward to enjoy the evening.
-
Prizes: Models have the chance to win cash prizes of up to £500 (see prizes above)
Prepare to be inspired by the limitless creativity and collaboration showcased at the Balloon & Brush Couture Challenge! Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event that celebrates artistry, teamwork, and innovation.
FAQ's
1. Can I enter the competition as both the Balloon Artists and Face Painter?
Yes, you can enter both categories as long as you enter and pay for both separately..