As the years roll on, so we learn that the name of the game is to entrust as many elements as possible to the experts, thus alleviating stress and allowing the grown-ups to stay and chat over coffee while the kids go as wild as they like while in seasoned and safe hands. To that end, we’ve rounded up some of the best children’s entertainers in the UK to take the hard work off your plate and out of your hands, thus leaving them free to boil kettles or, indeed, to pour glasses of richly deserved wine.
Sharky & George
Sharky & George was founded in 2007 and has since developed a stellar reputation in the business, with 5/5 online reviews across the board. As they themselves say, ‘Sharky (Charlie) and George have never quite grown up, and don't intend to any time soon. They have built a whole team of guys and girls who are total experts in fun.’ A duo of Old Etonians, Charles Astor and George Whitefield founded the company whilst still students at Bristol University. Almost two decades later, they are still bursting with creative ideas. What’s more, they are happy to design a bespoke bash (as they have done for a plethora of A-listers, such as Elizabeth Hurley, Ewan McGregor and Sir Paul McCartney), but equally you can choose from the excellent set menu too. Think wizard, jungle, unicorn disco, zoo and even Swallows & Amazons themed parties. And if the parents find themselves having a ball, they too can book in for one of Sharky & George’s grown-up shindigs at a later date. Book a party.
Sublime Science Parties
If your party-fatigued child long ago grew tired of games of pass the parcel and musical chairs, then do consider a bash thrown by the Dragons Den-backed Sublime Science. Budding Einsteins will be shown how to perform magic tricks, create smoky bubbles and fizzing potions, as well as making sweets and the ever-ubiquitous slime. In other words, the dream as far as most kids are concerned. Founded with a £1,750 Prince's Trust loan in 2008 by 'Mad' Marc Wileman who was just 22 at the time, he soon won over the Dragons to secure investment, and has since scooped both the coveted Netmums’ Kids Party Award and a Queen's Award for Innovation. Even better, Sublime Science will provide the science-themed invitations and thank-you notes too. Book a party.
Pop Up Arcade
If your little party person is more gamer than party game, then Pop Up Arcade’s parties will fit the bill very nicely indeed. With various packages to choose from, the thread that runs throughout one of these bashes is that there will be a minimum of 90 minutes of gaming on the latest consoles (all overseen by a dedicated Games Master), gaming costumes to dress up in, a light up x-rocker gaming seat for the birthday girl or boy – and enough pick and mix to fuel an army. Book a party.
A Star Parties
If your little one harbours plans to be the next Taylor Swift or Harry Styles, then an A Star Kids Party would be a dream come true. Available across Birmingham, Blackpool, Bradford, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Chelmsford, Derry, Egremont, Glasgow, Kettering, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Norwich, Nottingham, Southampton, Weybridge and Worcester, little party people from ages seven and upwards will get access to a recording studio to lay down a track in an allotted two or three hour session, all with their own dedicate producer. Look out, Beyoncé. Book a party.
Captain Fantastic
With a 4.9 Google rating, Captain Fantastic parties are covered in awards, including having been garlanded as the UK’s best children’s entertainment company by FreeIndex, Junior Magazine and What’s On For Kids. It’s not hard to see why. You can choose from toddler, magic, UV discos and games and SEN friendly parties, as well as themes spanning superheroes, science, spies, pirates and princesses. And the best part is that everything is taken care of, so all you need to do is turn up. Book a party.
By Nancy Alsop
January 2024
