A Lancashire balloon artist has been selected out of hundreds of applicants to help create the biggest balloon installation to have ever been done in the United Kingdom.

Andrea Roberts owner of A Gift 4 U in Leyland but originally from the Wirral, has been invited to join a talented team of the world’s best balloon artists to create an immersive Christmas wonderland out of more than 125,000 balloons in Guildford in December to benefit the Surrey Charity Network.

Hundreds applied for the Big Balloon Build UK but only a lucky 75 were selected, including Andrea.

Stuart Davies, director of the Big Balloon Build said: “We have more than 50 world-class balloon artists traveling from ten different countries to help make a difference through the joy of balloons.

Lancashire Telegraph: An example of a balloon installation An example of a balloon installation (Image: Andrea Roberts)

“It will be the biggest balloon installation to have even been done in the United Kingdom.

“This is the first time we will have worked to support more than 30 local charities, which means a great deal to the Guildford community.”

The Big Balloon Build will take over the Charterhouse School’s sports centre and create the larger-than-life, holiday-themed exhibit out of 125,000 biodegradable balloons in just four days before opening it to the public to walk-thru and enjoy.

Andrea is donating her time and talents as a balloon artist, bringing joy and support to children.

Andrea opened A Gift 4 U in 2020, and first started out with personalised gifts.

When her friend asked her to help make a balloon arch for her daughter's baby shower, Andrea fell in love with making balloons and invested a lot of time and money on training courses.

Since then, she has built her balloon business up and has a great customer base.

Lancashire Telegraph: Andrea and her balloons Andrea and her balloons (Image: Andrea Roberts)

Andrea said: “After seeing the amazing creations from other Big Balloon Builds, I never imagined being chosen to join a Big Balloon Build, so when the email came through to say I had been selected I screamed with excitement.

“My husband and five children also shared the same excitement and cannot wait to see what myself and the other builders create in December.

“It is an amazing opportunity to be able to work with Stuart Davies and many other talented balloon artists from around the world.”

All proceeds from the event benefit the Surrey Charity Network, a collective of 30 charities in the Surrey/Guildford area that support local children.

Follow the Big Balloon Build and Andrea on Facebook and Instagram @thebigballoonbuild @www.facebook.com/agift4u2 https://www.instagram.com/agift4u2_/