This is a live creative competition celebrating artistic skill in balloon twisting and design. Competitors will be given a space 1.22m long and 0.76m wide, this can be on a table top or on the floor. Competitors must produce an small sculpture inspired by the theme “Fantasy” While the focus is on balloon twisting, additional décor elements may be incorporated to enhance the final presentation.

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Theme: Realms of Imagination

A whimsical and enchanted challenge inviting balloon artists to bring fantasy worlds to life - without directly recreating existing characters or copyrighted designs.

Instead of literal interpretations from well-known stories, competitors should evoke the spirit of fantasy through atmosphere, symbolism, mood, and magical visual cues, such as:

• Shimmering jewel tones and swirling shapes suggesting a mystical forest

• Iridescent textures and crescent silhouettes hinting at a moonlit dream realm

• Twisting horns, scales, and metallic accents evoking dragon-guarded mountains

• Soft clouds, floating motifs, and stardust gradients inspired by celestial worlds

• Ancient-stone textures, vines, and glowing runes recalling forgotten ruins

• Crystal formations, icy hues, and ethereal symmetry suggesting an enchanted tundra

• Feathered details, wing-like curves, and radiant halos for celestial guardians

Sculptures to include symbolic colour palettes, enchanted objects, textured forms, stylised silhouettes, or mystical accessories - all designed to make viewers instantly feel, “Wow… we’re looking into another world.”

This competition celebrates:

• Imagination and interpretation over literal replication

• Atmosphere, storytelling, and emotional impact

• Inventive use of balloon forms, textures, and colour harmony

• Magical details that spark wonder, curiosity, and delight

Licensed, trademarked, or copyrighted characters, themes, or designs are not permitted.

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Competition Overview

• Maximum entries: 10

• Entry fee: £25 per team

• Team size: 1 lead designer (1 assistant)
   

Competition Schedule

• Monday 23rd March: 09:30 -12:30
   

Detailed timings:

• Teams may set up their workstation between 09:00 and 09:20 on Monday.

• Competition work time runs 09:30 – 12:30 on Monday 23rd March.

• All entries must be fully completed by 12:30 on Monday 23rd March.

• A 20-minute clean-up period follows; all workspaces must be completely cleared by 12:50.

• Competitors must vacate the competition area by 14:30 to allow judging to commence.

No time extensions will be granted.
It is the entrant’s responsibility to be ready to begin on time. The competition will start and finish promptly.
 

Space & Construction Requirements

• Maximum size: 4ft Tables are in use, these tables are 1.22m long and 0.76m wide. Construction can take place on the table top or on the floor section of the same size.

• All competition pieces must be freestanding

All structural elements and frame work must fit entirely within the designated competition space

​Competitors may use:

• Balloons (all styles)

• Florals (fresh or faux)

• Props

• Fabric, additional textures, and structural frames

• Lighting accents
   

Mechanical elements

• All materials must be supplied by competitors. CAP Expo and its organisers will not provide any products.

• No mains power will be available

• All lighting and electrical elements must be battery powered

• Power will be available during construction for tools and equipment only

• Lighting and mechanical elements must not distract from or interfere with other entries
   

CAP Expo is not responsible for lost, delayed, or faulty products. Competitors must ensure all materials are on site and ready before the competition begins.

All elements of the design must be created on-site during the allotted competition time. No pre-made, pre-twisted, pre-assembled, or pre-prepared creative components are allowed. The creation of structural elements prior to the start of the competition is permitted. These elements must not be visible in finalised design.

Judging Criteria

• The competition will be judged using the following criteria. Competitors are encouraged to review these carefully and contact the organisers with any questions at capexpo@bapiaonline.com.
   

1. Concept & Creative Rationale

• Entrants should provide reference images, colour choices, and a brief explanation of their design inspiration.

• Supporting materials must be printed and submitted at the close of the competition.

• These materials are for review only and must not be presented directly to the judges.
   

2. Respectful & Sensitive Design

• Inspiration should be expressed through atmosphere, colour, form, and mood.

• Avoid directly replicating cultural symbols, sacred imagery, or religious motifs.
   

3. Clear Creative Identity

• The finished sculpture should communicate a strong, coherent idea that is visually engaging without becoming literal, obvious, or stereotypical.
   

4. Thoughtful Use of Material

• While latex modelling balloons should form the core of each sculpture, competitors are welcome, but not required, to incorporate complementary elements such as:

• Other balloon formats

• Small props or accents

• Fabric or textural details

• Subtle lighting or reflective elements

• Simple mechanical or movement features
   

5. Strong Visual Presentation
As the sculptures will be viewed and photographed up-close, designs should:

• Have clear focal points and depth

• Use scale and proportion effectively

• Read well from multiple angles
   

6. Build & Craftsmanship Quality

• Precision and refinement of techniques

• Structural stability

• Durability over time

• Overall execution and finish
   

7. Rosettes

• Rosettes will be awarded to those competitors who reach Gold, Silver or Bronze standards of work. This is aside from the main competition prizes
   

Additional Rules

• Shine products are strictly prohibited due to health and safety concerns

• Professional conduct and good sportsmanship are expected at all times

• Any competitor found cheating or sabotaging another entry will be immediately disqualified and may be permanently barred from future CAP Expo competitions
   

CAP Expo promotes safe and responsible balloon use. This includes securely fixing helium-filled balloons to prevent release into the atmosphere.

Recycling and general waste disposal will be provided - please keep workspaces and show floors safe and hazard-free

Competitors are responsible for striking their own competition entry and removing any props, structures and equipment, this must take place after the show closes at 4pm on Monday 23rd March.

Structural frameworks may be pre-built and brought on site (these must not be visible in the finalised design), however no creative elements may be pre-made. 

All competitors are responsible for assembling their own teams. CAP Expo organisers, staff, and volunteers may not compete or assist.
Team members must be confirmed before the competition begins and cannot be changed.

CAP Expo and BAPIA are not responsible for any lost or stolen items within designs. It is the responsibility of the competitor to ensure that all elements are fixed securely and cannot be removed.

The results of the competition will be announced on Monday 23rd March at 15:30

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