Balloon Chat
Uncategorized Boards => Events. Balloon, Magic, Etc => Topic started by: Graham Lee on September 01, 2014, 07:09:08 PM
It's back, here are the details from Leo,
It's official ! The Balloon Festival .... unlike any other aka The Millennium Jam is back !
Please mark your calendar : 9-10-11-12 2015 !
See you there ...... if you dare ! We're ready to rumble !
Please forward this message to all those poor souls who missed the first 11 editions !!
Millennium Jam website details, http://www.millenniumjam.com/eng/index.php (http://www.millenniumjam.com/eng/index.php)
The Millenium Jam was the first big balloon party I ever went to, and it was that....an awesome party to meet amazing people, make lovely friends, and learn from amazingly kind people.
It was a privalige to be there with Graham, and share a chalet with him and David Grist, and the balloons David taught me I still use
Got to be there for this :)
Graham thanks for the Information. I will be there. Hope to See you there.
Ive dreamed of being able to go to this event....
need to wake myself up and make it happen.
Count me in!!
I can't wait:-)
Amanda
I met up with Leo in London today to catch up on a few things and chat about balloons and The Millennium Jam,
we went for a nice meal in China Town where we discussed "The organised trip?"
I envy all of you, there are so many events, convention, balloon jam... almost whole year round. over here in Singapore ( i would say even in Asia), there were too few. we are lucky if we can get one in a year... how i wish i can attend this Millennium Jam ! :cry:
I have registered :D Graham will you be organizing logistics and accommodation aging to get group discount? if so what date are you planning to leave and return to England so I can mark them as away in my diary.
I might do a semi organised trip, I tried to book a bungalow but if you want to arrive Sat/Sun you have to book from the Friday so for 7 nights and was quoted 390 euros.
This is for a 3 bedroom bungalow, the website has from 150 euros + VAT but that is arriving Monday but the event starts on the Monday
is that 390 from Friday to Friday? and is that per person or bungalow?
That was for a 6 person, three bedroom bungalow. So you could have 6 people if some are happy to share bedrooms.
Happy to share! so was it the price for 7 nights or just weekend?
I'm going to block out the weekend until decision made, got some great songs we can sing on the journey.
Gonna make the decision over the weekend about going, but pretty well made up my mind, so will be booking Monday :D :D :D
Very happy to share with someone who can put up with my snoring, but going by the last time sleeping was for the wimps !!!
I'm defintely in........
Yes - just registered :D
I went out for a meal with Leo last week in London when he was over, he did mention that they have never had so many register so early and that the numbers are capped due to venue size. So it might be best to register ASAP.
Already done it :)
I don't mind sharing, but I'm still not sure if I can go!! kids and work are an issue.
When do you need the final numbers Graham?!
Quote from: "Kenny"When do you need the final numbers Graham?!
At the moment Kenny there is no organised trip, I may do something but not 100% sure.
Okay Graham, i should know by the end of next week, i am really trying to get this sorted this time. I will keep you posted anyway if you do decide to organise something!! :D
Hello All
I have just booked for the Millennium Jam 2015!!! Hurrah !!! Whoooopppppwhoooopppp !!! An event not to be missed,i'm sure you'll agree.
I am looking into arranging transport and was wondering who else is interested in going as we could travel as a group.
Let me know if you are interested:-)
NB
I was going to pay for the accommodation with online banking but there was a fee of £25 for international payment transfer! I did not go through with the transaction. Instead, I phoned Sunparks and paid them directly over the phone, easy and no charge!
I also found out we can book theSunday night there, if needed for an extra €82 for a twin room in the hotel.
We normally go on Eurostar Amanda as forward train travel in Belgium is then free, unlike those coming from Europe to England who then have to pay.
I'm would have to check, but I think now you have to pay for your onward journey from Brussels.
Needs looking into! ;)
Hi there my balloony friends. With a choice of 2 Conventions to go to in November: Millennium Jam or Hamburg: I can only go to one!
Which one would you recommend I go to and why?
Thanks for your help.
JoJo x
Quote from: "joanne6642"Which one would you recommend I go to and why?
have you looked at both of the websites to see what is on offer and then compare what your interests are to what is on offer?
I attended the Hamburg Jam when it was euro jam and enjoyed it and have also all of the millennium jams and enjoyed both.
Paul has just looked on eurostar website, there are 7 seats available on the Saturday, is anyone interested? I may travel on the Sunday, but would go on the Saturday, if that is what people want to do:-)
Depends on when :D I am looking to travel early Monday morning and sometime on Friday, Incidentally, When does the event finish? when would a good time be to come home?
The event actually finishes on the Thursday evening, so Friday morning is a great time for your return journey.
I have just visited the Eurostar website....It costs £57.50/£67.50 to travel on the Sunday depending on the time. There is one at 12.58pm which may be a great time to travel...
The cheapest prices are £36 on the Saturday morning.
I will check out the websites and decide what days to travel, it will either be Saturday or Sunday going out.
The prices on the website are for a single journey so you do have to plan ahead and then find the cost from Brussels to Mol.
They also do a any Belgian station ticket which looks like it adds £5 per journey onto the price.
I HAVE BOOKED :D Hotel and Eurostar all sorted,
we are travelling out on Friday 6th Nov on the 14.04 from St Pancras, Coach 16 seat 21
Return Friday 13th Nov 14.56 from Brussels, coach 4 seat 23
I have booked too on behalf of myself and Olivia!! Travelling friday to friday, same time coaches as Graham:-) seats 43 and 44 in both directions:-) Road trip!!!!
Wow....all registered and sorted, got my spending money (Now the rate at ASDA is 140)
Just getting to sort accommodation...... Is there anyone who would not mind sharing with a silly old cider drinker from Dorset :D :D
Are you coming on the train I have booked Kevin? I wonder what will happen to the euro if Greece do pull out of Europe.
Not sure about the euro, but I was advised by someone who knows about that sort of stuff to get mine now.
Just looking at Eurostar times and fares.
Although the event seems to kick off on Monday, is going out on Friday and returning Friday the favoured days for travel ??
They now have a masterclass on the Sunday night, if you stay the sunday you have to pay from the Friday for accommodation so I just plunged in for the full week.
I'm sure there will be others there so we can all twist or chat to others from all over the world, how often do we get a chance to speak with other nutters about balloons ;)
Yes, I think that's what I will do. It is also easier and cheaper to travel to London on a weekday About £15.00 cheaper, and a direct journey.
If I leave Weymouth about 9.30 ish I have plenty of time for breakfast, travel from Waterloo to St Pancreas, and sort tickets and platforms out without any rush or panic
That is why I booked the afternoon train Kevin so people could travel up Friday morning, when you book Eurostar make sure you book any Belgium station then you
do not have to buy another ticket and it will save you money.
YAY !!!!!
Eurostar all booked
Belgium here we come ......Thanks for the tip re Belgium stations :D
Hurrah, kevin:-) see you soon!
So should we start keeping a note of who is on the same train, so far I think we have.
Graham Lee
Thelma Levett
Paul Curwen
Olivia Post
Amanda Smith
Quote from: "Graham Lee"So should we start keeping a note of who is on the same train, so far I think we have.
Graham Lee
Thelma Levett
Paul Curwen
Olivia Post
Amanda Smith
I am not coming out until the Monday morning and I arrive about 11 or 12 or something like that, however I AM on the same train coming home :D
I'm all booked in now - same train both ways but I'll stay with my brother Friday & Saturday and he will drive me up to Sunparks, Mol on Sunday.
Seat 15 out, and seat 34 on the return.
I have also booked my hotel room too.
:D :D :D
I am all booked for TMJ as well... 8-)
Being a Northerner the Eurostar doesn't work for me and so I am booked in seat 10A on Brussels Airlines on the early Monday flight and Friday late afternoon.
Hotel room all booked as well.
Can't wait!!!!
It does not work for Tanya from Scotland either, she is flying to Schiphol.
All sorted to get there and booked on the same Eurostar from St Pancreas.
Just need to sort accommodation..... would be happy to share and spread costs with anyone who would be ok with that
Has anyone booked a bungalow for The Millennium Jam? I have a friend coming over from America and they need a place to stay if anyone could help?
I have not sorted accommodation out yet and am looking for a share :)
Quote from: "phoenix"I have not sorted accommodation out yet and am looking for a share :)
Why not book a bungalow Kevin and then we can advertise how many you need to share?
I'm going to be travelling on the Sunday! Anyone going same day as not keen on travelling on my own.
At the moment Dave I do not know anyone else that is travelling on Sunday,
you could wait till Monday and go with Rob but then Addi is doing his masterclass and there is the balloon band Sunday night to see.
Is anyone looking for a room at TMJ? I believe there is a room going in a bungalow so you can have it to yourself or share as it has two single beds.
Addi with a personal invite for the millennium jam, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSfOPkj ... e=youtu.be (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSfOPkjzuIQ&feature=youtu.be)
I would LOVE to go, too expensive for someone who has been on Disability
for 8 years, although i would just LOVE T!!! :cry: :cry:
Have fun everyone that's going!!!!!
So those travelling out on the Friday, who would like to help with the décor build over the weekend?
If you wanted to volunteer for just a couple of hours a day that would be helpful.
I too envy all of you that can attend conventions and jams!!! There is NOTHING!!! where I am in Vancouver, Canada. boo hoo :(
Leo has offered to pick us up from Antwerp-Bercham, trains leave Brussels at,
5.27 arrive 6.16
5.50 arrive 6.30
5.57 arrive 6.46
So if you are coming on our little trip can you please make sure you post your name here so he brings a large enough car for us all.
I think we have at the moment,
Graham, Thelma, Paul, Amanda, Olivia. Has anyone else booked on the same train as us?
PS, just looked through this thread and remember Danny is coming with us now as well, so that is six at the moment.
I'm on a slightly earlier train than you guys.
Quote from: "Jchrispin"I'm on a slightly earlier train than you guys.
How much earlier Janine? If you wanted to wait at Brussels for us or even Antwerp-Bercham.
Count me in Graham. I would love a lift :)
Paul!!!
Quote from: "Penfold"Count me in Graham. I would love a lift :) Paul!!!
You are already on the list Paul.
That would be fantastic.....I am booked on the same Eurostar as you guys :D
We are the secret seven at the moment then,
Graham, Thelma, Paul, Amanda, Olivia, Danny, Kevin.
Far more awesome than the Famous Five :D :D :D
Hi there you lovely people, is there room for one more on your road trip???!
Am about to book Eurostar also on the Friday, 6th November leaving at 14.04 so would love to travel with you guys.
xxxxxx
Don't forget to book Eurostar for any Belgium station.
A little taster of what Rob will be teaching, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D28FqZLTraY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D28FqZLTraY)
Eurostar ticket purchased - to any Belgium station :) Thanks for your help Graham as I'm a bit thick when it comes to travelling arrangements.
A short video from Phileas on his class at the millennium jam, https://www.facebook.com/10936274245134 ... 999783179/ (https://www.facebook.com/109362742451346/videos/902710999783179/)
Flipo having a tattoo done for the millennium jam, https://www.facebook.com/flipo.philippe ... 349715205/ (https://www.facebook.com/flipo.philippe/videos/10206619349715205/)
It is hard to beat the video he made.
We will do take two today.
If you what to help with advice your welcome
You can follow us on the Facebook page
https://m.facebook.com/MacaroniGirls (https://m.facebook.com/MacaroniGirls)
We now have Roger and Lou on the same Eurostar, so that makes it ? to how many for the shuttle.
On the trip I have ten at the moment, unless I missed anyone off?
Graham, Thelma, Paul, Amanda, Olivia, Danny, Kevin, Jo Jo, Roger, Louise
Train booked, will be traveling on Monday from 6:13 and heading back on same train as the group. how is the group getting back to euro star on the Friday?
Got coach 4 on return :)
I am late to the game... but I AM COMING!
I am going to arrive Sun eve and stay till the 13th. I see you have 10 already, I am going to chat to the French and see if I can get a room with them.
See you there! xx
Another video for The Millennium Jam, https://www.facebook.com/10000102261796 ... 055036739/ (https://www.facebook.com/100001022617960/videos/1016740055036739/)
Yessss I didn't think it was going to happen...But will see everyone there. How happy am I :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D and more.
Quote from: "KJ Entertainments"Yessss I didn't think it was going to happen...But will see everyone there. How happy am I :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D and more.
Shall I act surprised :o Nice that you will be joining us Dan, I'm sure it will be all you are expecting and possibly more xx
Congratulations Dan!
It will blow your mind!
And we will be there to take photos, post here& FB, but also to pick up pieces and get you through it!!! :D
I'm going to book up my train from Dorset in the next couple of days......what sort of time are we meeting up at St Pancras for the Eurostar Friday ?
I will aim to be there around 11.30, prefer to get there early and perhaps get lunch or a sandwich first.
There is a special project going ahead before The Millennium Jam, http://theverybestballoonblog.blogspot. ... ld-at.html (http://theverybestballoonblog.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/the-biggest-labyrinth-in-world-at.html)
Hello! Absolute first post - I'm a Canadian twister who has been to numerous Twist & Shout's - but this will be my first Millennium Jam :)
I'm stopping in London for a few days, beforehand - if I grab a ticket for that same 2:02p train from St Pancras on Friday Nov 6th, will there be space in Leo's vehicle for me?
Very excited to meet everyone!
Hi Krystal, yes I will let Leo know we are plus one :)
Will you be on same train coming home as well?
Ticket booked! 14:04 train on Friday November 6th - changed to Coach 16, seat 11 :)
No, I'll be heading to Paris for a few days afterwards.
The countdown is on!
So travelling out we have
Graham Lee
Thelma Levett
Paul Curwen
Olivia Post
Amanda Smith
Danny
Kevin
Joanne
Krystal
Roger
Louise
coming home we have
Graham Lee
Thelma Levett
Paul Curwen
Olivia Post
Amanda Smith
Danny
Kevin
Joanne
Roger
Louise
Dan
Dave
Rob
PLEASE NOTE IT IS NONE OF MY RESPONSIBILITY IF I HAVE THIS WRONG,
This is not an organised trip.
Could someone please double check? THANKS
These are our train times,
We are travelling out on Friday 6th Nov on the 14.04 from St Pancras, Coach 16 seat 21
Return Friday 13th Nov 14.56 from Brussels, coach 4 seat 23
Looks good to me:-)))
Woo hoo. I am just writing my travel itinerary now.
Hi Graham, my names is on the list, so I'm happy! Looking forward to it. I have a question about what to take with me. Do you think it's a good idea to bring my balloon pouch and floor pump or is it not worth it? Thanks xx
Looks good, Graham!
FWIW, Joanne, I'll be bringing my floor pump and a (smaller) kit with me :)
Yup, all looks super cool to me :D getting very excited now :D
Thanks Graham, let the countdown begin xx :lol:
I normally take a small bag of balloons and a hand pump but then I do not twist too much when away.
There are balloons in the jam room but you might be twisting elsewhere sometimes as well.
And this is just the people we know are coming from the UK! Thank you Graham.
How far is Mol from the venue?
Quote from: "Dave"How far is Mol from the venue?
I think I saw the cost of the shuttle from Mol Station to the venue was 7 euro's, so assuming not too far.
Is anyone taking their Filbert/floor pump with them? If I take mine, It won't fit in the case, so ~I will have to carry it. Just wondering if Eurostar will allow this? Does anyone know?
Im taking mine but then mine is the aircraft pump and will fit in my case, im sure as long as it is labeled the filbert will go on the eurostar
Quote from: "masqueradeface"Is anyone taking their Filbert/floor pump with them? If I take mine, It won't fit in the case, so ~I will have to carry it. Just wondering if Eurostar will allow this? Does anyone know?
I would say purchase a McPump travel pump but the two I have coming over are already sold so will have to get some more.
This is the link to them, never miss a marketing opportunity? OR just trying to help others out?
http://www.balloonartwholesale.co.uk/ballo ... -balloons/ (http://www.balloonartwholesale.co.uk/balloons/pumps-for-balloons/)
Our house has been taken over, Thelma and Paul are here, it will never be the same again.
I just wrote a long post and the good old internet disconnected us :(
It was about missing two trains in Brussels and being stuck for 90 minutes at the station and the resort and the lovely pizza that was like eating the cardboard, it was not very good. Met Patricia Balloona this morning and had breakfast with her, Thelma, Andy and Kevin, learnt a very interesting fact, Patricia is from Chattanooga and yesterday in Belgium Patricia did something for the first time, it certainly made us smile, any guess's?
Woke up early so went for walk around the lake and then did a little balloon modelling before breakfast, made another swan, flower and tried to make a tiger face but it ended up as a really nice fox face.
Will try and post some pictures later
I made these in my room before breakfast this morning the fox head started out as a tiger head but changed while building.
They have a few advertising banners around the venue and Thelma and I are on one of them, I'm taking a picture while Thelma is tidying up.
A rather big balloon dog.
Looks like your having fun already, I cant wait to get there, I didn't know Patricia was going, It will be nice to meet her. I look forward to the Pizza.
Sitting at the back of the class of Wallie De Groote, he has some very quick and impressive models, a very good start to the workshops.
No one knew he was running the workshop at 9 am this morning, or very few. It was on the internet but no one has internet connection here.
I found out at 9.30 when we came down for breakfast, but caught up and enjoyed his class.
A few pictures from Wallie's workshop.
The gateway to the world of latex.
There were 12 workshops yesterday and I flitted from one to the other, Beating was very precise with his bubbles, pure artistry, Peter Cramer was at the other end of the scale, everything under two minutes and possibly the most useful workshop of the day for real world working.
The joys of the internet here at sunparks, just written a long post on all the workshops and the connections drops,
best I do quick posts incase that keeps happening.
I will do a fuller write up when I get home.
A few pictures from yesterday.
Patricia Balloona after telling us all about the terrible mating desires of the male dolphin, I just had to make her a dolphin.
Last couple for today, Colin's weaving and Andrea Noel and her magic potion which was great.
Woke up early so I thought I'd try tp post a few things, also with not so many on the Wi-Fi hopefully it will be a little better?
We went out for a quiet meal last night, it was fab and the coffee came with a cake and in a tray, beautifully presented.
I was shown a new weave last night, I must find the ladies name to credit her.
Michael Geerhof made Olivia a pole dancer, the bubble balloon was from the macaroni girls workshop. I was onto bikes again.
Hank and his self portrait made by Phileas, they reckon hank looks a little like me but I can't see it.
I was told Manon had excellent workshops,
I usually sit at the back but they have been so busy there has been no room and it has been so hot in the workshops that I had to keep coming out from them.
Simon made the dinosaur, he has agreed to come over next year for the club to run a workshop, I think it will be a fun day.
The pictures are all random from the event, I usually post in order but have just gone for a selection at the moment,
will post them all in order when I get home.
The last day, watching Rob Bulchunas workshop on faces, no pressure for Rob but beating is sitting in the front row writing notes and taking pictures.
Watched the stage show last night, it finished at 12.45 am and then the competition room was open for viewing so it was a very late night for me.
A few random pictures from the past few days, I watched a little of Antonio, Phileas, Beating, The Russians yesterday.
Not sure where I'm heading today but I'm sure it will be fun.
PS, the internet is playing up and unable at the moment to post any pictures, it's just taking way too long.
I will try later if I get time.
A few pictures.
It was Panda day,
Amanda and Danny were chosen to help in one of the acts, they certainly made it a more fun time, both were good sports.
A one balloon worm?
Im just home after an incredible few days, Thanks to everyone who made it so awesome.
Rob
Just back from The Millennium Jam, thanks to all who make it all possible.
It was a very busy addition with many people, a few minor niggles but all in all another fab time.
My major dis-appointment, being promised a beer and a cream cake from Daniel and then he did not come over to chat with me.
Here is a panoramic photo of the incredible Maze at TMJ, not sure how many balloons it took to build this because I heard various different figures, however its between between 100,000 and 130,000 balloons.
[attachment=1:3exvromw][/attachment]Maze01.jpg[/attachment:3exvromw]
And here I am with Phileas Flash,
[attachment=0:3exvromw][/attachment]RobandPhil.jpg[/attachment:3exvromw]
Just down loading my pictures, I took 1744. I think it might take me a while to post them all...............some will stay private though ;)
Quote from: "Graham Lee"Just down loading my pictures, I took 1744. I think it might take me a while to post them all...............some will stay private though ;)
Thats pretty impressive Graham :D
And the first few, Paul and Thelma waiting for the taxi Friday morning. The newspaper Olivia made up for her stage show entry.
Some advertising around the venue for TMJ, Thelma and I made it onto one of the posters............yes we did!
We are bottom left, I'm taking a picture of Thelma keeping the jam room tidy :D
This is the close up.
More from the advertising boards.
I put together a movie of the maze and its secret rooms - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdOHU0Auif8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdOHU0Auif8)
Last of the banners.
I woke early on the first day so went for a walk by the lake, looking back at the hotel and holiday complex.
It was another great Millenium Jam!
I loved seeing old friends from around the world and making new friends too. I didn't attend as many classes I perhaps I originally planned but spent time in the Jam room and with wonderful pals.
Being with other people in the business and chatting away I learnt some fab tips too.
I took part for the first time in the Iron Man Latex competition, where everyone gets the same balloons and has 45 minutes to make something using all the balloons. The rest of the non participating people then vote by placing a ticket in the envelope. The first ten minutes I had no clue what to make, so I laid out all the balloons to see what there was. Mousehead, heart, geoblossom, 321's 160's 260's and 350's plus a 646. What would you make?!
I don't think I got any tickets or votes , but I was just pleased to have used all the balloons in the time and made something I was pleased with! It was a great experience that I probably wouldn't repeat!
:D
I'm trying to get the list of balloons that went into the Iron Latex man envelopes, so when we post the pictures people can see what the choices were.
Some might like to try and make something with the balloons to see what might be possible?
After my walk around the lake I came back and twisted for a little while before breakfast, the stand for the swan I thought might make a nice flower.
The fox started out to be a tiger/lion head but the balloons took me on a different journey.
Thelma and her new friend, Brenda and her new oap mobile :) Some of the gang working on the reception décor.
The maze was on the telly, https://www.facebook.com/flipo.philippe ... 427686913/ (https://www.facebook.com/flipo.philippe/videos/10207005427686913/)
Some of the lobby décor being made.
A few pictures of the maze. Olivia and Amanda asked to help on this on the Saturday and were told they only wanted French speaking volunteers :(
The trapeze artiste was in the reception area.
A few of the secret sculptures in the maze
The envelope for the Iron Man Competition contained the following balloons (I think!).
Orange 646
Robins Egg 646
Red Mouse head
geo blossom wildberry
pink quick link 6"
pink 321
orange 321
pearl red heart 6"
260's in Pink, Dark Blue, winter green, Caribbean blue, neon green, lilac, wildberry, ivory, red
160 white, mandarin orange, black
Have I missed any?!
So you have 45 minutes to make something. All balloons accidentally popped can be replaced.
For a better feeling of how it was, you will need loud pumping music, not much space but a table in front, lights turned off at various points and generally bad lighting. Pens pumps and cutting things are allowed.
And go!
Here are the official rules as posted on the Millenium Jam website...
The One and Only Life-Altering , Nerve-Wrecking Iron Latex-Man Challenge !!
When the going gets tough ...
1.THE BALLOONS
Each participant receives the exact same assortment:
same number, same type, same colors
2.THE TIME
Everyone gets exactly 45 minutes to create a balloon figure using all the balloons offered.
3.THE THEME
This year we are raising the bar : at the start of the Iron Latex Man Challenge , the theme for the creation will be announced !
4.THE LOCATION
The Challenge will be held before a live audience in the Jam room on Monday November 9th 2015 at 20.00hrs sharp !!
5.THE JURY
Every member of the audience present can vote, the scores will be added and the total of this score will determine who the winner is !
6.THE WINNER
No second or third place, winner takes all ! the famous Ferrari-red gold embroidered baseball cap, a special diploma, three bottles of the finest Champagne
Psychological assistance will be on stand-by !
Thanks for the details Danny,
I did ask Michelle from Qualatex if there was a list so that when we get to posting the pictures some at home might like to try to see what they can come up with.
The fortune teller getting made, Sean Rogers made this, he also made the lion as his competition entry that I will post later.
Thelma working away on the hat.
The Qualatex mascot logo.
A few more of the mascot.
And yes a few more still! I believe Amanda, Olivia and Paul made the flower for this and for the entrance to the maze.
hello, hello, hello....what's going on here then? :D
Maybe I should move my photos to my counter before posting them. Everything is tipsy turvy from my iPad.
GL ADMIN, I changed them around for you Thelma xx
Sean Rooney making some lobby décor.
Paul pretending he only drinks orange juice ;)
Louise decided to show Thelma some face paining techniques, the only problem was Thelma had had a drink or two, it was funny.
More of the fortune teller.
The entrance to the world of latex for the week :)
Wallie and the fist workshop from the millennium jam 2015, it got off to an excellent start.
Very usable models were shown, large and quick'ish to make.
The workshop started at 9am on the Sunday but I'm not sure many new,
we were having breakfast when someone told us at 9.30 that the workshop was on, oops.
Still from Wallie's workshop, he had a good idea for what designs to teach.
All were numbered and he had 12 5" rounds with a number inside, these were thrown around and someone popped one of the balloons.
What number came out was the one he made and explained.
This is from Willie's second workshop on the same day, again very usable idea's for the real world.
Kevin made the teddy.
Every where you turned there were sculptures everywhere. The lights reflected in the crystal ball.
I think this was Andy's variation on Wallie's duck design.
What A fantastic week away, so much to see...Everywhere you looked there were balloon figures, either being created or just sitting around minding their own business. I managed to take just under 900 pictures but as normal whenever I am let loose with a camera, most just haven't come out :-(. It's taken me this long to really sit down and write this. So it may take a while to get some pictures up but I'm going to give it a go anyway. I met up with Danny halfway through the first day and as he had been there a couple of days already, he gave a guided tour of the complex. We then decided to take a wander around the maze, which was truly stunning. After many wrong turns and meeting people almost as lost as we were, we managed to find the hidden rooms, with all the fantastic sculptures made from...Yes that's right balloons.
The balloons inside the maze (somehow that just doesn't do them justice). The works of of art inside were absolutely stunning and with the sheer size of the maze it made for quite a fun time wandering this way and that always on the hunt for the next piece. The picture of the maze I think from memory is about half the size of the entire thing. It was just Massive
I've managed to leave one of the sculptures out of the pictures, just as a little bit of fun can anyone guess / remember which one it is?
It was a truly amazing experience going around this fabulous Maze of balloons.
Well but simply constructed, the vastness and amount of balloons was incredible and any photos don't really give the atmosphere and ambiance created.
Dan (KJ Entertainments) it was a pleasure to show you around, and a delight to go into the maze with you and eventually find our way out too! :D
I had a great time.
Did meet some new people from this group.
Lovely nice people.
Looking forward tot the picture's.
I don't have many pictures this year. :(
If anyone has selfies with me or Petra or picture's from the lectures can you please send them or place them here?.
Thanks a lot.
Hello All
I have just recovered from a fantastic trip, as, during the week away I also managed to find time to collect a few new bugs and viruses to come home with:-( I eventually got home safely at 10.30 pm Sunday after visiting and working at my granddaughters first birthday on the weekend. I was shattered going to work Monday morning!!
Thanks for posting the pictures everyone.
Paul, Olivia and myself had a great time constructing the green and yellow wall for the Qualatex logo along with the flower/stars at the entrance to the maze!!! I think we were helped by Jo jo and Danny too???
Hope to see you all soon:-))
Still a very smiley Amanda :-)))))
Yes Amanda - I helped inflate lots of 5" lime green rounds for the Q wall. Then I was moved on to helping with the Circus Entrance arch - I helped with one of the sides ( the Right one!). :D
I have that virus to.
I cough less now but still have sore throat.
Petra cough to
Must be tmj virus ;)
The fortune teller, although I think he is possibly meant to be called something else? Sean Rogers made this.
Three lovely people, Willie Monroe, Thelma Levett and Sean Rogers.
Sean Rooney made the gymnast, the hair was very effective.
The second workshop from Wallie Groote, not sure who the first character was, assuming a famous in Holland.
It was a good start to the millennium jam workshops.
I arrived home last night, after an eventful 16 days away - oh, the jet lag!
Thank you, London crew, for letting me tag along with you all on the train, etc - I'm sure I'd still be wandering around on a train platform somewhere, otherwise!
Quote from: "Kristal!"I arrived home last night, after an eventful 16 days away - oh, the jet lag!
Thank you, London crew, for letting me tag along with you all on the train, etc - I'm sure I'd still be wandering around on a train platform somewhere, otherwise!
I'm still looking for the lady with pink hair ;) Glad to have helped out a little.
These are still from lecture 2 from Wallie.
Amanda wrestling with 646's
I loved this ladies apron, the frilly bit was balloons and they moved when she walked, very nice.
This was a first, beer tasting at the millennium jam, now this has goes on a lot over the years but this time it was all free part of the event, after there was a workshop.
Possibly needed to be booked the other way around as after 7 selections of beer to try quite a few were a little merry at the very least.
Amanda was feeling a little warm, being a gentleman I'm unable to tell you where she aimed the pump after I took this picture.
Addi had a very interesting workshop but at a very difficult time, after people had been trying the free Belgium beer for over 3 hours.
Patricia was concentrating so much when she was making her bass balloon.
Sean Rooney made the man/robot on the unicycle. The first official lecture, can you tell it was packed. I have not known it this busy.
Flipo and the basic twisting class, Alberto was running a class on décor when Phileas was showing his face design workshop.
Flipo close up and a big design from the décor workshop.
Nico, very close up.
Designs from the face workshop.
Wallie and his version of the head Phileas showed from his face workshop.
They were que'ing up to get out of the workshop, first time I have seen that, it was very busy though.
The first two pictures are from the Russian workshop, this room later became the jam room, as you can see it was heaving.
Ken Stillman and his beads workshop, Ken did show this at a care & share day in Leeds 4 years ago but it was good to refresh the brain cells.
An excellent idea.
The first two pictures are from ken's bead workshop and the Colin's weave class with the balls.
Beating getting ready for one of his workshop's.
Designs from Alberto Falcone's deco class.
The Russian workshop made the Owl, It was a 12 minute center piece.
A few more owl's, somebody broke the door, Sandra was standing there but mum's the word, I promised not to say who it was :)
The faces were from Phileas Flash workshop and the panda from Ken Stillman.
From Ken's bead class, it looks like a match stick, the Russian workshop with dino and owl.
The 12 minute dino from the Russian workshop.
There were balloons absolutely everywhere, what else would you expect with more than 350 attending.
The Spanish gang.
I took a picture of the peacock twice, oops!
The jam room set up and ready to roll.
This was Peter Kramer workshop, he had some lovely workable idea's, there was a lot of chat away from the balloons with some interesting thoughts.
Well worth sitting in and listening.
Peter had some nice post cards with some of his balloon design on.
I made the dolphin for Patricia after she explained the mating habits of the male dolphin to Thelma and I.
Peter Kramer and his set of rules. Two lovely people, Brian and Antonio.
Rob Balchunas and his backpack workshop.
Patricia and her Dolphin that I made for her after she told Thelma and I in full detail all about the male dolphin's mating habits.
More from Rob.
Models from Peter Kramer's two minute design workshop.
A few more 2 minute models.
The last of the 2 minute models.
I was very pleased to get a special note from Kirsten who runs the buffet stall at the now called Hamburg jam but was euro jam when I was there.
Kirsten is a lovely lady who did some translating for us one year when the whole of the gala show was in German, hugs and kisses back xx
The first time for everything, I took a picture in the loo.
These were from Alberto Falcone and his décor workshop.
Addi and one of his balloon bass's. Tess is behind the face.
This is Beating's workshop, again it was packed. Eddy Smits workshop was on everything else but balloons and how to increase your workload and income.
Colin Myles and his weaving class.
A close up of Colin's weaving.
Some inspirational quotes from the venue.
Models from around the jam room.
More from the jam room.
Andrea had a lovely potion bottle, the picture does not do it justice. Michelle was learning a few twists.
I showed Michelle the wobbly flower.
A great shot of some of the UK group, taken through the side window that had blinds up while they were attending beatings workshop.
Martin and Steve in Beatings class.
Beating did have some lovely models, and he explained in detail the step by step construction.
Still from Beating's class.
Erika, a new friend I made this year at the millennium jam holding up the models for me, well for everyone really, not just me ;)
These are all still from Beating's class.
Beating with Erika.
Last one from Beatings class then around the jam room.
From the jam room, Simon made the snake head.
Michelle helping to keep the venue tidy, the start of my walk around the maze.
You had to walk around the maze to appreciate the scale and time that must have gone into the building.
Some detail from the clown.
More from the maze.
More from the maze and the secret rooms.
There were five secret rooms.
More from the secret rooms.
The un-inflated picture.
Guess what? Yes, more from the maze secret rooms.
And yes, more from the secret rooms.
The start of the Iron latex man competition and some of the UK group are up for the challenge and entering.
There was a slight problem before the competition got under way, it was unusual the reaction but nothing moves people when it's time to twist.
Thelma with her new balloon toy, an electric balloon pump with a foot switch, Olivia was drooling over it as well, he he.
Sean Rogers ready to rock and roll in the iron latex competition.
It was packed for the Iron latex competition, many did set the balloons out to view for a few minutes before the twisting started.
The head light that Barak wore was a good idea as the lighting was set to romantic setting and did go off on occasion.
The music was pounding out and the atmosphere was a building.
Pascal and Amanda working away.
A few from the UK. Roger, Dave, Dan, Tanya, Becky and you can just see Russell's head.
If someone's balloon popped there were a few people walking around to replace them.
Shaun and his finished design, Dave's finished design and everyone has finished the 45 minute challenge.
More from the Iron Latex man.
Still the Iron latex challenge.
Still the Iron latex comp.
And even more from the Iron latex comp.
Andy, Ine and Pieter and there entries for the Iron latex comp.
Yes still the Iron latex comp with Russell and his entry.
Still going with the Iron latex comp.
Iron latex comp.
More from? Yes you guessed it the Iron latex comp.
Last from the Iron latex with Antonio being announced as the winner and receiving the very coveted hat.
Having a relaxing sit down for a few minutes, being pushed into the balloons that just happened to be about.
The Qualatex team hard at work ;)
Someone was even making panda's.
The UK corner of the jam room with Russell, Amanda and Roger was making the Queen.
Paul working away on his weaving, Tess and her little green man.
Thelma showed her heart body/shorts design and someone made a Pinocchio design.
Designs around the jam room.
Philip and his backpack. Philip has attended every millennium jam but does not twist anymore, just attends for the fun. He is a lovely guy.
I was playing around with some face idea's. Manon and her puppet workshop.
I popped into Brenda and Petra's workshop to take a couple of pictures, as they were teaching the same as when we had them over for the care & share days.
Another packed workshop, I have to say I did not stay in the workshops as long as I normally do.
I usually sit at the back up-loading a few pictures from the event while getting pictures from the workshop I'm sitting in.
As they were so full it was difficult to get a chair to sit on and for me the rooms were very warm.
In the last picture Josef is sitting and twisting near to the camera, unfortunately Josef was killed in a car crash a few days after The Millennium Jam.
I did make a couple of Angels for Josef, I will find the link and post here later.
This is the thread with more details about Josef, josef-reh-t10281.html?hilit=josef (http://balloonchat.co.uk/josef-reh-t10281.html?hilit=josef)
Christine's workshop.
More from Christine.
Dave and Tanya, Petra
The puppets are from Manon's workshop.
At a guess I think Antonio made the rabbit.
Back to Brenda and Petra's workshop.
I then nipped back to Christine's workshop.
These are from Christine's workshop.
The Scottish man put a smile on my face, look away if easily offended, probably too late..................you looked!
The Scottish man again in full view ;) Although his anatomy does not quite look in the correct position to me.
Beating working away preparing for another one of his workshops.
The carpet after that incident. My favorite Dutchman :) ;)
Brian and Matt working away, because of the way some of the delegates behaved people were stopped from walking freely between workshops.
I 100% agreed with this decision, I was shocked at the way some people thought was acceptable behavior.
Some were actually walking in and standing in front of the lecturer while they were lecturing and taking pictures of all the models on display.
I have no problem with people coming and going at the back of the room as I do this all the time and I also take pictures from the back of the room
but this was people actually stopping the workshop to take pictures and this went on every 10/15 minutes.
So in the afternoon they put on a couple of security guards, well two friendly ladies at both doors and those 260's worked a treat.
I thought the bag was interesting, was it a TV bag?
Brian with his cool design? well I think it's cool with attitude.
I made this panda with 350's
Pictures fro Christine's workshop and a shoe that Thelma made for Olivia's stage show.
Hank had a self portrait made for him by Phileas.
Kevin and I had a little motorbike session. Many were in the workshops, I think the quietest I have ever seen the jam room.
Manon and her hat workshop.
Rob purchased so many of the special offer DVD's from the shop that he had a lot of doubles, so I bought all Rob's doubles as I wanted them for prizes here on balloon chat.
I did buy some DVD's and books from the shop as well so we have a nice selection of prizes for next year.
Simon making another master piece. Olivia with her pole dancer.
Simon's finished Dinosaur.
Simon's Dino side on and back to one of Christine's workshop's.
Then it was back to Peter Kramer's second workshop with some interesting tips, it was all go :)
Then I popped into Brenda and Petra's workshop on bubbles.
More from Brenda and Petra.
In the local restaurant they had a twister meal.
I think this was the best meal of the week, a really nice restaurant just opposite the Chinese.
The coffee came with a nice piece of cake, very yummy.
Diane Kimono did the evening show on the woman's day. We were asked not to take any pictures/video, so this was Diane's set up and Tom introducing her.
I enjoyed the evening but I think for those that English was not there first language it may have been difficult to follow.
Ine and her Princess Leia set up.
More from around the jam room, a picture of Patricia, my BFF :)
I was fortunate to be around to see this lovely weave and had it explained as well.
The start of Patricia's large sculpture entry.
Christine giving a little extra tuition in the jam room after her day of workshops.
The start of Rob Balchunas and his face workshop, Addi Somekh and his workshop on hats.
Beating and another one of his workshops, I think he did three altogether.
Explaining how to get the sweets inside the 5" round.
Patricia's sculpture coming along.
Simon made the hare, then it was back to Rob's face workshop.
More from Rob.
And some more.
Then we caught Paul in the hallway with Ken's stuffing technique models.
Ken's workshop, he has a lovely way with him, so relaxed.
More from Ken. Then it was off to the workshop given by the Russian's.
More from around the jam room and Olivia getting ready for her stage show wirh Steve.
Patricia's finished sculpture.
Ken and his finished tinkerbell.
The dog that Russell and Amanda built was part of Phileas Flash workshop where he only described the sculpture
being made and everyone had to attempt the design from verbal instruction only.
Phileas and his dog, we then had a little panda time.
I added a little to Patricia's sculpture :D Not sure why but she decided not to leave them on, he he.
A few of the competition pieces being constructed in the jam room.
There were more panda's than I thought.
And some very nice hedgehogs.
It was then off to another Russian workshop that I only stayed at for a little while.
Beating getting ready for another workshop, I think he must have been the busiest person with getting ready for all his workshops.
He was well prepared with variations on a theme made and shown as well.
Matt Falloon was making the characters from "Inside Out"
Inside out continued.
More balloons from around the jam room.
More from the jam room.
More from the jam room.
More from around the venue ;)
More from around the venue.
These are from the jam room.
Antonio and the first of his workshops.
The bird and tree was made by the Russian's, then it was off to another beating workshop.
This was moved up into the bowling alley area, and yes half way through beating's workshop people started to bowl :( :o
More designs from Beating.
The workshop in the bowling alley.
Beating made the panda, it was nice to see someone else making a panda :)
A few people bowling, it did get a little noisy and Beating is very quiet as well but he managed and shred the designs well.
Wed night I believe was talent show night and Brenda and Petra were looking after Monkey for Steve while he was performing.
The Monkey was trying to decide on scores, Steve Mills the juggler was sitting on our table and wanted a selfie with the Monkey.
The two main people who organized the maze project thanking everyone..
Then it was show time.
The first act Becky was very burlesque. I think these two pictures sum up the act quite well without going too over the top.
Then Tess performed her eulogy.
I'm not sure I have my notes for all the acts.
Guy did have some nice touches with the circle of balloons at the side and also going through the tumble board tube.
Then the act that stole the show, stage presence in abundance.
The pictures did not do justice to this act, a dragon was produced from the woven basket and as I said before, his stage present was amazing.
Then Amanda got up on stage to help out Toby, we all saw a different side to Amanda, she was a volunteer to die for.
Amanda was a gem.
And then it was Olivia and Steve's act with the lamppost.
More from the evening show, Tom with his MC'ing and Steve looking very serious.
Margreet and her light and magic show.
Sean Rooney was the last act of the night, I think it was gone midnight so a late night.
The final line up, then it was into the next room to see all the competition entries, I think it was nearly 2am before I finished taking pictures and getting off to bed.
A tough life, he he but someone has to do it :)
Some of the one balloon entries.
More one balloon entries.
I think there were just three competitions, one balloon, small sculpture and large.
I loved the worm, Petra made it so as she was teaching it was not entered into the competition.
More one balloon entries, I think some of these entries have fallen over or not sitting at the correct angle.
More competition pieces.
Still the competition entries.
Still competition pictures.
Yes, you are right.....................more competition pictures.
Yes more ;)
More movie favorite's in the competition.
Last of the movie pictures.
Yes.......................still more from the competition entries.
I liked the love/hate design.
And the competition entries went on.......................and on :)
more....................
Then we came to what is possibly...........pure art?
More pure art?
More art.
Moving on to more competition pieces, the dragster and bike/sidecar were in the competition as well.
The sausage dog drew your eye.
And a few more.
Sean's Lion and Mouse, a couple of German balloon friends.
Still competition pieces.
Some weaving from the jam room.
Antonio and his workshop, catching Mr Myles on his computer.
A couple of Simon's designs the whale and the dolphin.
The big build was done in Phileas Flash last workshop.
Some how I have to pictures to prove that Dan was at TMJ, he he.
Russell and the gang trying to reverse inflate and insert an object into a 3 foot round, they did it.
It was for the spaceman's helmet. Another panda idea.
The cockerel had great attitude and was made by the Russians.
The Russians also made the turtle.
More from around the jam room.
A few one balloon models.
Stuffing technique with two hearts? No thy were actually joined together already.
Patricia wearing the panda that I made.
Olivia and Andy deciding what they would like for dinner ;) Patricia made the sea horse.
A little group of people that I happen to know attending Adii Somekh's hat workshop, and Pieter's Bike and side car on display in the foyer.
A close up picture of Amanda and then I was off to watch a little of Phileas Flash hands on big build workshop.
Then it was off to look around the jam room, there was a very nice bull sitting on the table, unfortunately not sure who to credit.
I think I then had a play in the jam room with a couple of face designs. Thelma made the extra large Thomas.
Sean with his version of Thomas.
I think I popped the face above and gave up and then started again on this one. I believe both faces started off with hearts being the base structure.
I think Martin made the dog design.
Wow... so many wonderful pictures here I was walking around all weekend with my camera and once back and after counting seemed to have taken nearly 1000 but you've managed to catch so many things that I don't remember seeing :o Thank you so much for posting them I've just spent the last half hour looking through and remembering.
More from around the venue.
More from the event.
I took these pictures up on the sundeck where a few of the last days workshops were held while they were getting
the jam room and workshop space ready for the last night gala show.
Diane and Thelma outside the maze, just before the demolition.
Antonio explaining his inside out knot.
Simon Jong's panda's, not sure if anyone knows but I'm rather partial to a panda or two.
The start of taking the maze down, it took no longer then 20 minutes. I was surprised how quickly it all popped.
Goodbye maze...................goodbye. Can you spot anyone you know helping to pop the maze in the pictures?
As you can see I was busy taking pictures while the maze disappeared before my very eyes.
It looks like no one was brave enough to pop one of the secret room sculptures, picture three.
Can you spot anyone you know?
Pictures from the gala show evening.
Nico and his wife promoting the Slovenian balloon convention.
Diane and her laughing yoga and Tom with his glad rags on who did the compering.
The person Diane had up on stage was the same person as when she entertained for the whole evening.
he was a delight, the perfect assistant.
Phileas Flash opened the gala show and Olivia went up to help and got the dog to take away.
Willie Monroe in the red suit with one of his two spots on the show.
I enjoyed the juggler, Steve Mills. Not sure Joanne from our group did, the look on her face..................priceless.
The prize winning was done during the interval.
Pieter van Engen came first and second in the one balloon competition with Andrea Noel third,
The Koala bear was first, the plane second and the flamingo third.
Pascal came first in the large sculpture with his hot rod.
Matt Falloon second with his "Inside Out" scene.
Pieter van Engen third with his bike and side car.
Picture one is Pascal
Picture two is Acthum who came third in the stage act.
Picture three, all the winners having a cuddle.
Stage competition
third, Achtum
second, Andrea Noel
first Sheng Zin, picture one
Tom and Rafael opening the second half of the show. Picture three
Second picture, the winners from the left,
Achtum, Pieter, Andrea, Pascal, Matt and Sheng Zin
Manon with her excellent act, Rob Balchunas had a short act, I enjoyed it though,
Willie and his second act and Guido with an act I had not seen before.
There was a special mention for Leo and Johan who organized the event this year and all the previous years the millennium jam went on.
A special date in the calendar for all balloon artistes, so from me as well, Leo and Johan.....Thank You.
The second picture is Leo and Johan being credited for all they have done for the balloon community.
Picture three, the majority of those attending from the UK.
Pascal presented me with a little trophy, all tongue in cheek. A few wanted their picture taken with it.
It was a fun convention and there was a little excitement on the way home. Paul had booked for the train after the one everyone else was getting.
So what to do, the group had a rally round and all chipped in 5 euro's each so that Eurostar would change Paul's ticket.
I have to say a minus point for Eurostar, surely you can help people out sometimes.
Anyway this is Paul finally getting through security, we all clapped and made a fuss, poor Paul was overcome with emotion.
I think you had to be there to appreciate the situation.
So that is it, all the pictures are up from The Millennium Jam 2015
Stage Competition,
1st Zin Sheng
2nd Andrea Noel, we did not get a picture of Andrea as it was a black art act.
3rd Achtum
One Balloon Competition
1st Pieter van Engen, Koala
2nd Pieter van Engen, Plane
3rd Andrea Noel, Flamingo
Large Sculpture,
1st Pascal Grooten, Dragster
2nd Matt Falloon, Inside Out
3rd Pieter van Engen, Bike & Sidecar.
Thanks for posting all these photos Graham.
It was a great convention and you can't get to see everything or visit every class.