September 14, 2009 - Inflated News, the specialist trade publication for the bouncy castle hire industry, has merged with Indoor Play News and is now called INPA. This reflects the fact that almost 40 percent of readers of Inflated News are outside the bouncy castle sector, with inflatable play equipment growing in popularity in indoor play centres and other attractions around the UK.
Bouncy Castles and more
Bouncy castles remain one of the most popular pieces of large play equipment for all manner of outdoors events, from village fetes to school sports days. Wherever a large crowd gathers, there are likely to be children around and therefore a suitable spot for pitching a bouncy castle or some other inflatable play structure. Any large sporting, cultural, social or media event is not exclusively about the event itself, but also about what third party providers can bring to the table to make it a memorable day for everyone involved. And as the newly-targeted INPA reflects, the traditional bouncy castle has evolved. Inflatables hire these days covers all manner of inflatable play structure including Mini Obstacle Courses, Event Slides, Splash Slides and Party Bouncers.
Event Modules in the hire industry
In addition to bouncy castles and other inflatable play structures, it is worth remembering that a wide range of other event modules also rely on inflatable parts for their safety features. For example, Rodeo hire modules incorporate an inflatable deck to break the fall of rodeo riders. In the Wild West you might fall onto straw if you were lucky – mud if you were not – but modern bull-riding simulators are designed for safety and comfort. Part of the joy of participating in the rodeo ride is the soft landing when you fall off!
Human Table Football
For an ultra-modern twist on inflatable leisure, many event organisers are turning to Human Table Football hire . This a life-sized human version of the popular pub game of table football (or ‘fussball’). With Human Table Football, participants are strapped into bungee chords to restrict their movement around the pitch, which is enclosed in a large inflatable arena to keep the action within reach of the players. It is touted as an ideal activity for corporate team-building and as well as being fun to play, it is a great spectator sport.
Other inflatable structures
While inflatables will always be associated most readily with the classic bouncy castle, futuristic use is being put to inflatables in the form of inflatable ‘event stations’ that are popular in the event management and corporate marketing sector. Resembling a giant igloo or cube, these Inflatable Structures are available to hire on erento. They range from the MicroStation®, which is 3.3m high and is said to be ideal for any field-marketing activity, to the 12m inflatable marquee structure in the shape of a cube and the 14m Dome available for £3,500.00 for a minimum four-day hire period. It can accommodate up to 160 people for product launches, conferences, gigs and parties
Event modules & attractions
When it comes to parties, tradefairs and events, the organiser is spoilt for choice when it comes to picking event modules & attractions to make the day go off with a bang. From the bouncy castles and other inflatable structures already described to F1 Driving Simulators , Fairground Rides and Casino Gaming – there really is something for everyone. For US customers, there is a wide range of inflatables for rent here or see Orlando bounce house rentals .
