Tag: entertainers

Superhero party

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Holy Superhero Party Batman!  POW! BANG! POP!  You don’t have to be a super parent to put this party together.  We have lots of super ideas to help you.  So jump in the nearest phone booth, pull on your mask and tie on your cape, because it’s Superhero time!!

Are you ready to transform your home into a family fun Bat Cave and your garden into a Superhero training ground?  Will you welcome guests with Spider webs and Incredibles decorations?  Superhero parties only come once in a lifetime and you want to make it one that your little capped crusader will remember forever.

Invitations.

Superhero party invitations can be masks, comic books, or even newspapers with villainous headlines. Make them super exciting with some hints on what to expect and include whether costume is being worn or will be provided. Be sure to give the start time, end time, date and location of the Superhero Party. 

Decorations.

Set the mood for your party with great decorations like Superhero posters, music, and character party supplies. Cover the party table in reds, blues and other Superhero colours accented with streamers, balloons and confetti.

Games.

The memories are even more special when guests get to take home the artwork that they’ve created themselves at the party. Superhero’s always love to decorate masks and capes. Follow-up with photos of each child with the main character.     

A Superhero party just isn’t the same without all the Superhero’s dressed in their capes and masks.

The cake

Whether you bake and decorate your own or buy one pre-made, a Superhero cake is always colourful and exciting. If baking is not your thing, individual cupcakes always go down well and you can stick some rice paper ‘superhero’ characters on your cupcakes for an added treat!

Party Themes Both Boys and Girls Will Love

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Throwing a children’s party for your little ones should be an enjoyable experience. However, it can be surprisingly stressful, raising questions such as ‘should I invite the whole class?’ and ‘how can I pick a theme that everyone will enjoy?” Many small children will have both boys and girls as friends, and, of course, if you do decide to invite the whole class (often the most diplomatic solution) it will usually be a mix-gendered group. With many common party themes, such as princesses or pirates, being gendered, it can be difficult to decide on a theme that will please everyone.

To give you a helping hand, here are three of our most popular unisex themes. 

Sea Life

Ever since Finding Nemo splashed onto our cinema screens in 2003 (has it really been that long?!) kids have been fascinated by the colourful characters in our oceans. This party theme provides plenty of opportunity for creativity and is suitable for all ages.

Fancy Dress

Ask all of the children to come dressed as a sea creature – whether that is whales, sharks or fish. It may be helpful to theme the fancy dress on Finding Nemo, so that each child can come as their favourite character.

The outfits don’t have to be overcomplicated. For example, you can create a great clown fish costume by pairing an orange t-shirt and tights, attaching fins made from orange painted cardboard and getting creative with face paint. Alternatively, you can try this great fish face painting ideas.

Decorations

To create your underwater kingdom, try hanging tissue paper streamers from the walls in different shades of blue and green. Buy seashells online or from craft stores (or pop down to the beach if there’s one close by!) and dot them around the room.

A fun activity to do with the kids is making fish streamers – cut out fish and starfish shapes from coloured card, and then stick them to streamers of blue tissue paper to hang around the room.

Games: Going Fishing

This game requires a little preparation but is well worth it.

–  Before the party, make a fishing rod by tying one end of a length of string to a magnet and the other to a pole.

–  Cut out fish and at least one paper octopus from coloured card, and attach a paper clip to each one.

– Place all of the fish in a large container and blindfold each child when it’s their turn to ‘fish’. Whoever manages to ‘catch’ the octopus gets a prize.

Party Bag Fillers

For an ocean theme, beach buckets are the perfect containers for party bag fillers.      

The Benefits of kids Entertainers

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Children’s party entertainers were something of a rare treat at kids parties some twenty years ago. Now they seem to be a necessity for every children’s party. You’d almost be hard pushed to find a child that hasn’t had a children’s entertainer at some point, between the ages of 4-8. As this seems to be the most popular age for kids to have children’s entertainers.

Parents have realised more and more the benefits of getting a children’s entertainer for their kid’s party. Children’s party entertainers certainly help take the stress off of organising a party yourself. Many parents have retold tales of how they organised their own kids party, and whilst it went well they’d never relish the idea of doing it themselves again, owing to the levels of stress that went along with it. Plus, it seems rather a shame, that whilst the kids are having a great party, the parents have so much to organise that they don’t get to enjoy seeing how much fun their kids are having and all the fun activities that children’s entertainers do for the kids. After all a children’s party only happens once every year.

The advantage of hiring children’s entertainers is that they know what they’re doing (well the good children’s entertainers should know what they’re doing!) and so it can take the stress off parents a great deal if they hire someone to take care of the children’s party entertainment for them. It is also much more likely that the kids are going to enjoy themselves a great deal more with a kid’s entertainer than if parents try to do it themselves (unless of course you’re a teacher that is used to handling 30 kids at once) but even then, a kid’s entertainer can usually offer a great deal of variety for children at a party.

That said, even with a children’s party entertainer, there can still be plenty of other things for parents to organise and worry about like the hiring of a venue, organising the food, getting RSVPs back. The best advice is simply to plan well in advance so that is doesn’t have to be done all at once. If done in good time, organising a children’s party should be a really enjoyable experience and dare it be said – fun! But if left to the last minute it can be a daunting and stressful task. All in all, leave plenty of time to plan a children’s party and try to enjoy it!!

Outdoor Children’s Party

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Providing the weather holds, there is nothing more exciting for children than an outdoor party. Rather than being cooped up inside, the fresh air and additional space will do your guests good and give them new terrain to explore. Here are a few top tips if you’re thinking about hosting a children’s party in the garden or a hired outdoor space:

Plenty of food

An array of party foods will go down a treat. Try to ensure that you:

• Balance healthy and sugary snacks.

• Keep fluid levels up with regular drinks, particularly on hot days
• Provide shaded seating while children are eating

Games

No party is complete without games, and being outdoors will give you plenty of scope. Depending on the size of your garden and the age of the kids attending you could also arrange a:

• Treasure hunt
• Water balloon battle (best to advise for kids to have a change of clothes with them though)
• Messy flour and water game – where you have 2 tubs (one filled with water and the other with flour.) The kids have to use only their mouth to ‘fish’ out a sweet in a tub full of water and then they have to do the same in a tub of flour. Only once they do it with flour, they will end up with their faces covered in it- loads of fun!!! They must keep their hands behind their back at all times!
• Relay race
• Talent show – get the kids into groups and give them ideas of what they could do e.g. sing, do a funk dance they make up for themselves, a mini play, a mini x factor style competition, or whatever they like.
• Obstacle course – another fun idea is to set up some pegs either side of the garden with string either side and tell the kids that the string are laser beams that they have to crawl under, like a spy or just a cool obstacle course game. If you have garden toys, e.g. a slide (where they have to slide down the slide before coming back through the ‘laser beam maze’ or paddling pool (where they have to fish something out of the pool full of water and bring it back through.

With a bit of imagination – a lot of fun can be had!!!

Entertainment

Professional children’s entertainers can really take the pressure off you as a host as well as making the birthday boy or girl feel really special.

Have a look on our directory of children’s entertainers bring so much fun to any party and can include some great activities such as:

• Magic tricks
• Puppet shows
• Comedy
• Musical or dance-based activities
• Balloon modelling
• Exciting themes
• Science parties
• Clowns
• Discos and more

Themes

Introducing a theme can pull all of the above elements together. For example, if your children’s entertainers will be doing magic tricks, a magician or wizard theme goes down well. The children can dress up as their favourite character and the food and games could have a magical theme incorporated too. If you’re planning an outdoor treasure hunt, guests could come dressed as pirates and your children’s entertainers can include a cool pirate theme throughout.

Safe Face Painting

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Face painting at kids parties is becoming increasingly popular. Face painters of today are artists using cosmetic-grade paints and creating designs so amazing they go viral! When booking a face painter for your birthday party, corporate event, grand opening, or anything else, make sure you’re getting not only a great artist, but a safe and sanitary experience.

What’s your hygiene like?

Face painters must sanitize their brushes between dips and only use one sponge per child. (Face painters often use sponges for bigger areas.)

Are you insured?

All professional face painters are insured against accidents. This is especially important for corporate parties or company events.

How do I take face paint off afterwards?

It should be pretty easy, but some brands are easier than others. The face painter you book should be able to walk you through the removal or cleanup process.

Do you do background checks?

If you’re dealing with an agency who hires multiple artists, ask if they do background checks.

Are your paints vegan or cruelty-free?

Kids love animals, so why not ask? An increasing number of makeup brands contain no animal products and are not tested on animals.

Can you cater to my special needs?

From autism to non-English speakers, make sure the professional face painter you hire can accommodate to your needs.

What kind of paint do you use?

This is a “trick question.” A professional face painter will be using FDA-approved cosmetics that we call “paint.” It’s hypoallergenic and safe for kids, Make sure they don’t say craft paint, acrylic paint, or anything else not made specifically for skin.

Football Freestylers

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Amaze your kids for their Birthday by hiring some cool Football Freestylers. Football freestyle is about performing amazing football tricks and moves with style, fluency and attitude.

When accompanied by music the tricks and moves take on another dimension making the act ideal kids entertainment for parties, workshops and school opportunities. Freestylers can raise the bar and perform unbelievable tricks and routines that have amazed both children and families alike.

Football Freestylers are multi-talented entertainers who have enthralled audiences of all ages across the globe in both live shows and on film. Football Freestyler skills are founded on amazing control of a football using self-taught techniques that combine with a bright outgoing personality with style fluency and attitude.

When accompanied by music the tricks and moves take on another dimension making the act ideal entertainment for your kids Birthday party, and you’ll be the coolest parent on the planet!

Safe Face Painter parties

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Hiring Face painting at kids parties is becoming increasingly popular. Face painters of today are artists using cosmetic-grade paints and creating designs so amazing they go viral! When booking a face painter for your birthday party, corporate event, grand opening, or anything else, make sure you’re getting not only a great artist, but a safe and sanitary experience.

Do you do background checks?

If you’re dealing with an agency who hires multiple artists, ask if they do background checks.

Here’s some other questions to get the most information from your face painter;

Are your paints vegan or cruelty-free?

Kids love animals, so why not ask? An increasing number of makeup brands contain no animal products and are not tested on animals.

Can you cater to my special needs?

From autism to to non-English speakers, make sure the professional face painter you hire can accommodate to your needs.

What kind of paint do you use?

This is a “trick question.” A professional face painter will be using FDA-approved cosmetics that we call “paint.” It’s hypoallergenic and safe for kids, Make sure they don’t say craft paint, acrylic paint, or anything else not made specifically for skin.

What’s your sanitation like?

Face painters must sanitize their brushes between dips and only use one sponge per child. (Face painters often use sponges for bigger areas.)

Are you insured?

All professional face painters are insured against accidents. This is especially important for corporate parties or company events.

How do I take face paint off afterwards?

It should be pretty easy, but some brands are easier than others. The face painter you book should be able to walk you through the removal or cleanup process.

 

Get your skates on

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Ice skating is a perfect winter day out; the whole family can get involved and it helps everyone get into the festive spirit. With so many magical outdoor ice skating rinks, which one will you choose?

Natural History Museum, London

26th October – 7th January

Skate beneath frosted trees and fairy lights at the Natural History Museum, London. Head to the capital this Christmas and skate in front of a pretty impressive background. With skate aids for kids, plus a stunning tree to skate around, it’s the ideal place to kickstart that festive feeling.

 

M&D’s, Motherwell

18th November – 7th January

Skate at one of Scotland’s most well-known theme parks at M&D’s on Ice. Just because the roller coasters are closed it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. This is the perfect location if your kids get bored easily, as there is a great Santa’s grotto for you to visit. If you’re still looking for a Santa’s Grotto near you we’ve got you covered!

Best for: Those looking to tick off children’s Ice skating and Santa’s Grotto in one go.

 

Life Science Centre, Newcastle

11th November – 18th February

Feel alive at the Life Science Centre, Newcastle. Fly around on an ice rink beside a modern science museum for kids. The centre says there’s no need to book if you’re a group of ten and under, so make your way to the centre and put on a pair of boots. If you’re a regular skater you should make the most of the 10 skates for the price of 5 deal.

 

Bath On Ice, Royal Victoria Park

17th November – 2nd January

If you’re yet to find your feet on the ice, why not hire your own ice marshall at Royal Victoria Park? They will come at an extra cost, but it will be worth it when you see how happy your kids will be when they’ve finally cracked it. For a cheaper alternative skate aids are available too, and to make things even more exciting an extension was approved for this year, so the ice rink is bigger and better than ever before!

Best for: Those who skate more like Bambi than Torvill and Dean.

 

Royal Pavilion, Brighton

4th November – 14th January

Skate by the sea at the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink in Brighton. As well as an enormous ice rink for adults there is a smaller rink for the not-so-confident skaters. The outdoor ice rink has off-peak prices just after school time, so this will be perfect for those looking for an after school fun treat.

 

Children’s Party Venue ideas

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Are you looking for venues for your special children’s party in the coming weeks? Looking for the right location is almost always problematic, unless you know who to ask! Thankfully, we have some of the answers when it comes to organising an amazing children’s party and we’re here to help.

Looking for a Top children’s party Venue

There are many reasons why you wouldn’t want to host a children’s party in your own house. Either you don’t have enough room in your house for a whole classroom of children, or you don’t want your house to get damaged. Perhaps you don’t have the time to clean up after a party.

Getting your party organised in the right location is of great importance. Organising a party that is too far from anywhere is not a good idea, as other parents have to consider the cost of transport. Other considerations for your setting may include disabled access, the size of the hall itself and the cost.

Where:

Consider church halls, or community centres that have their own kitchens so you can cater too. Decide how much space you will need. Do you want outside space too? Some of these venues mentioned are quite reasonably priced.

How much?

If you would like to find out how much a centre costs, you should ask the centre first if they charge by the hour or by child. Some centres do charge per person and this can become very expensive if you are looking to host a large number of friends.

Look on our directory.

If you have found the best location for your children’s party, then why not look on our blogs for amazing ideas. We’ve plenty of knowledge and experience in giving inspiration to your child’s party.

 

Pantomimes in the North of England

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TYNE & WEAR

SLEEPING BEAUTY AT SUNDERLAND EMPIRE THEATRE

9 December – 30 December 2016

One of the memorable things to do with the kids at Christmas time is a visit to see the panto. Experience the spellbinding performance at the Empire Theatre in Sunderland this year. Featuring a star-studded cast with Vicky Entwistle (Coronation Street, Les Misérables) as the evil Carabosse, ‘Steps’ star Faye Tozer as the Good Fairy, children’s CBeebies favourite Andrew Agnew as Silly Billy, Amy-Leigh Hickman as Princess Briar Rose, and special guest star Bobby Crush as Nurse Kelly. Bursting with hilarious jokes, dazzling song and dance, captivating characters and magical costumes, sets and CGI special effects. Add a festive fairytale touch to your family Christmas and book your seats early to get your preferred date.

Empire Theatre, High St West, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR1 3PZ

NORTH YORKSHIRE

CINDERELLA AT YORK THEATRE ROYAL

8 December 2016 – 28 January 2017

The kids love a pantomime at Christmas time so book tickets to see this fabulous new production at the newly refurbished Theatre Royal in York. The pantomime favourite fairytale Cinderella will have dazzling sets, stunning costumes, outstanding song-and-dance routines, awesome effects and side-splitting hilarity that will amaze and delight all ages! Make family memories and book tickets on the website.

York Theatre Royal, St Leonard’s Place, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7HD

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

JACK & THE BEANSTALK AT NOTTINGHAM THEATRE ROYAL

10 December 2016 – 15 January 2017

Include a visit to the panto with the kids to the list of places to go this Christmas time! The pantomime at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal stars the legendary comedy-duo The Chuckle Brothers as Paul and Barry Trot, Tony Maudsley as Dame Trot, and Chico as Jack, the hero of the fairytale. This unmissable production promises awesome entertainment for all ages and features laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning costumes and scenery, and amazing special effects as the audience and cast enter the Giant’s castle in spectacular 3D! Check out the website, make your plans and book early to get the best seats.

Royal Concert Hall and Theatre, Theatre Square, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG1 5ND