Gotham City can be a dark and dangerous place, filled with all manner of dangerous villains who perpetually plot and scheme their various evil activities. The Joker, The Riddler, Two-Face and others are forever working to sow the seeds of chaos in the streets. It is a sprawling metropolis of gothic architecture, dark alleyways and a storied history.

Gotham Village in Nottinghamshire, by contrast, is a quiet and pleasant place, however, it has an equally storied history. Nicknamed by some as “The Village of Legends” it was formally acknowledged in the Batman comics in 1996 in a story titled “Cityscape”. The Village itself dates back to possibly the 10th century, and is pronounced “Goat-Um” which comes from the old English “Goat-Home” or “Goat Town”. It was in the 13th Century that the village first made a name for itself. It was announced that King John wished to build a hunting lodge in the area, however, should the King travel to the area, any local road he used would become a King’s Highway, this would, in turn, mean a hefty tax burden on the locals. They would not only have been expected to build this highway, but the responsibility of it’s upkeep would also fall to local workers. This gave rise to the story of “The Wise Men of Gotham” who hatched a plan to feign madness.

It was a commonly held belief at the time, that mental illness was infectious, thus the people of Gotham knew that if they all acted insane, the King’s road would be diverted. The story goes that when the King’s Knights and other representatives arrived in the area, locals collectively pretended to be insane, staging acts of madness and comical stupidity for the benefit of the King’s men. They reportedly observed locals engaged in acts such as fencing off a tree to keep a Cuckoo captive (Cookoo’s symbolise summer and it is thought the locals explained they were attempting to capture the summer), attempting to down an Eel, and attempting to roll cheese down a hill in the belief that it would make its own way to market. The story of “The Mad Men of Gothem” would go on to circulate for centuries.

Both towns, however, have one thing in common. When the sun goes down and the shadows grow long, a guardian patrols the night, one who’s name is spoken in hushed tones by the criminals and evil doers. A Dark Knight who defends the innocent and punishes the guilty, who can melt into shadow and sour over the rooftops, not a man, a creature of the night… a Bat Man… Our Absolutely Amazing Dark Knight recently visited Gotham and recruited some new superheroes for his team.

Always a tough subject this one.  Being a Children’s Entertainer requires many skills, especially character entertainers.   Just by looking great in a costume and wig is one very small part, we have to be organised, great with kids, punctual and have the ability to think on our feet.

We don’t want to spend the party discipling naughty children – that is not why we are there

Bad behaviour at parties is disruptive and it’s disrespectful to everyone else there but especially the birthday child, the parent that has made the booking and the entertainer.

Previous incidents

Our entertainers have been hit, kicked, had their party equipment damaged, their prizes and sweets taken without asking – bad behaviour is damaging to the party industry – as professionals we don’t go to work to be physically abused and it’s a big reason why may entertainers are leaving the industry.

• On playing pass the parcel an entertainer was kicked in the back because the child was demanding a turn
• On running a party a child repeatedly punched an entertainer in the arm
• A bubble machine was turned completely upside down spilling the contents all over the floor
• A bubble machine was grabbed and the bubble fluid was tipped all over the entertainers music system
• Prizes and sweets have been booted without permission
• Children have gone into the entertainers changing area and tipped orange juice over their bags and belongings
• At a star wars party an entertainer was repeatedly hit on the head with a light saber
• Numerous incidents of banged heads and fights

The above is just an example of some of the issues that we have had recently and since the pandemic and returning to parties incidents have been more frequent and more aggressive.

Our entertainers are experienced at what they do but they are entertainers and they are there to do a job, if there are grown ups and parents at a party we expect them to step in if there is an issue with bad behaviour.

What can you do to help

• BEHAVIOUR ISSUES – If there are children with known behavioural issues please make us aware before hand
• NO LOOSE BALLOONS – We see this time and time again, the same with props. Loose balloons are either burst or the kids use them to hit each other with.  They are a MAJOR distraction – please do not have them.  Avoid any props as well.
• KEEP DOORS CLOSED – Do not allow access to any outdoor areas – the kids need to be contained and kept together.
• NOT LETTING THE CHILDREN TOUCH THE PARTY EQUIPMENT – We usually set up and then get changed into character, during this time please keep children away.
• STEPPING IN – If you see that the kids are getting unruly please step in and help

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR NEON PARTY 

1. The room must be completely dark (not pitch black but as close as) – any windows must be covered.  This is crucial to ensure that the UV blacklight cannons are effective.  The more light that comes into the room the less effective the blacklights will be.
2. The closer you are to the black lights the more effective they will be. 
3. Please ask your guests to wear Neon or white clothes so they glow. Cheap clothes are better as we will be using glow in the dark facepaints that can stain.   If anyone has concerns about clothing they must not participate in having any neon paint as it is inevitable (being kids) that it won’t just stay on their face. 
4. For the first 15 – 20 minutes of the party the DJ will be playing whilst I will be doing very quick neon facepainting. The face painting is just spots and stripes so that the kids glow under the UV lights – so nothing intricate – just war paint!!.  
5. We bring a glow stick / bracelet for every child with us as part of your party package.
6. If you have a playlist / favourite music / favourite games that would be really helpful as we try and prep as much music as possible before hand.  Anything goes whether it’s chart or Disney etc.
7. We need a minimum of 30 minutes before hand to set up – longer if we can – 45 mins to an hour is ideal. 
8. Please do not have loose balloons as these are generally used as weapons to whack other kids with and can get out of hand as you can imagine…

Any questions please just give us a ring on 07795 342639.

Jayne xx

Meet the Easter Bunny & Trixie Cottontail at Mercia Marina this Easter Sunday

When: Sunday 17th April

Time: 12 noon until 4 pm

Where: Mercia Marina, Findern Ln, Willington, Derby DE65 6DW

Cost: Free!

Why we are moving to Eco Friendly reusable pass the parcel bags.

Ask any child in the UK about party games and they usually will name musical statues, musical bumps and pass the parcel.   We have always included a free pass the parcel in our 2 hour children’s party packages and it’s been this way since we launched our party company in 2013.

If it ain’t broke then don’t fix it?

We’ve looked at moving to reusable bags before but couldn’t really find the right product, however with have had several parents asking us for less ‘plastic and throwaway’ and more eco friendly alternatives and this time when we explored we found several different options including drawstring and Velcro.

But kids love traditional pass the parcel!

We have played this game in may forms; at some parties we pass an object or even a box of sweets around.  Kids love the anticipation of winning a sweet if the music stops on them!  However this doesn’t always satisfy the need to rip a parcel open and this is why we feel using a set of bags with a closure is the ideal solution.

How does it differ?

Instead of wrapping a prize in paper we use 10 reusable bags of different sizes tucked inside each other and the kids tear open a layer when it lands on them.  This means of course the inner ‘prize’ bag is quite small and if we don’t have something quite small enough there will be a care that says ‘winner’ then the child can choose a prize.

Are they expensive?

As with everything the initial cost is quite high for us as we are using quality bags from reputable sellers and of course there will be the ongoing cost of filling the bags however we feel this is the right move to make going forward.

Will you still be charging for adding a pass the parcel on? 

Our 2 horus parties will continue to offer our echo pass the parcel as part of the package however our other party packages will have the option to add one on and we will be reducing the cost from £10 to £5 to reflect the use of less materials.  The cost will cover the prizes, the time it takes to prepare and the ongoing up keep of the bags.

In our 1 hour packages and our 90 minute party packages you are welcome to provide your own pass the parcel.

Will all children get to have a go?

We always limit (and always have) the number of layers to around 10 – any more than that and the excitement factor of pass the parcel tends to wane and the interest drops off.  We do ensure that all children get included by getting a sweet if the parcel doesn’t land on them.

History of pass the parcel

Certainly when I was a child we only had parties at home and that would usually involve my mum wrapping a parcel in layers of newspaper!  Pass the Parcel is definitely a British tradition – I know from the amount of parties we have done for families who have moved to the UK that it’s firmly rooted in out culture but maybe that doesn’t expand over seas.

The earliest known mention of pass the parcel was actually in a paper in Beeston, Nottingham (which incidentally is our home city.) all the way back in 1929.  Amazing really that children are still finding such joy in a game that’s almost 100 years old.

Wrap up a small gift in many covers of paper until it becomes a large parcel. Seat the children in a ring while someone goes to the piano. One of the players is handed the parcel, and as soon as the music strikes up he passes it to his next-door neighbour, and so it goes on round the ring until the music stops, when the player then in possession of the parcel drops out of the game.
The music starts again, and the same procedure is gone through until, when only two players are left, the gift becomes the property of the player who was not in possession of it when the music stops.

Getting Ready for Your Absolutely Amazing Party – Essential Information

As the excitement builds for your long-anticipated party day, here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure everything goes smoothly:

1 WEEK BEFORE YOUR PARTY

Confirm Attendees:
Confirm the approximate number of children attending and notify us of any changes.

Final Party Confirmation:
Read through the final party confirmation we’ve sent you. Ensure all details are correct and inform us immediately of any errors.

Payment Reminder:
Please do not pay any final balances to the office. The balance must be paid to your entertainer on the day, in cash.

ON THE DAY OF YOUR ABSOLUTELY AMAZING PARTY 

Parking Arrangements:
Ensure our entertainer can park close to the venue for equipment unloading. If there are parking limitations or fees, inform us in advance.

Arrival Time:
Our entertainer/s need access to your venue at least 30 minutes before the party begins for setup. They will also require 30 minutes for pack-down (45 minutes to an hour for discos).

Timings:
Your party must start at the agreed time. Delays may impact the overall duration of the party.

Set-Up Details:
Prepare a table (minimum 4 feet across) and two chairs near a power socket for the entertainer’s equipment.

Changing Area:
Ensure there’s a designated space for the entertainer to change and securely leave their belongings. Toilets are not acceptable.

Keep Children Away During Setup:
Children should be kept away from the party room until the start of the event to maintain the surprise.

Payment on Arrival:
Payment should be made in cash to the entertainer upon their arrival.

Equipment and Distractions:
Keep little hands away from set-up equipment. Avoid bringing distractions that can be used as weapons or footballs.

DURING YOUR PARTY

Introductions:
The entertainer will introduce themselves and run through the party framework with their unique twist.

Equipment Set-Up:
All equipment, including mini disco lighting and music systems, will be ready for the start of the party.

Welcome:
The entertainer will welcome all guests at the beginning of the party.

Party Organisation:
You can leave the organisation of the party to us, but there must be at least one adult present at all times.

Discipline and Distractions:
We do not discipline guests. If needed, a parental figure should handle any disruptive behaviour.

When to Serve Food:
For one-hour and 90-minute bookings, food is served after the party.
For two-hour bookings, serve food an hour into the party, including time for the entertainer/s to lead Happy Birthday singing.

What We Provide:
All necessary equipment for the party, including music and lighting.
Games and prizes.
Coronation ceremony/superhero initiation/Jedi Diploma with a gift for the birthday child.

What You Should Provide:
The venue.
Party food, cake, and a lighter or matches.
Party bags.
A suitable place for the entertainer/s to change and securely leave belongings (toilets are not acceptable).
A suitable hiding place for the entertainer/s before their grand entrance (toilets are not acceptable).

ADDITIONAL POINTS TO CONSIDER

Space Requirements:
Create ample space for dancing, games, and activities. Clear furniture to ensure a spacious and enjoyable party.

No Loose Balloons:
Absolutely NO loose balloons as they are distracting and disruptive. They will interfere with the smooth running of the party.

Messy Elements:
Parties, especially princess parties, may involve fake snow, glitter, and other elements. Confirm with your venue if they are comfortable with these additions.

Allergies and Dietary Requirements:
Notify us of any allergies, dietary, or religious requirements. Small sweet treats will be given to children during the party.

We’re dedicated to ensuring your party is absolutely amazing! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at hello@absolutelyamazingparties.co.uk or call the office at 07795 342639.

Let the celebration begin!

Jayne Darling x