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

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:

This Week:

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, 6 feet ideal) 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 reach out to us at hello@absolutelyamazingparties.co.uk or call the office at 07795 342639.

Let the celebration begin!

Jayne Darling x

Absolutely Amazing Parties is based centrally in Nottingham and we cover the East Midlands including Mansfield, parts of Lincolnshire, Derby, Leicester and the surrounding areas.

We can’t always guarantee that we are able to travel to your area and if you have been advised that you are too far away it may be for one of the following reasons:

1. Changes to our Team – We have a core number of entertainers that have been with us some time but as with all jobs some leave and we engage new members.  Where we may have been able to travel to your area before we may no longer be able to.
2. Limitations on Car Insurance  – Some of our younger team members have limited mileage as part of ensuring that their car insurance remains affordable – this means that we cannot ask them to make long journeys.
3. Where our other bookings are that day – It may just not be feasible on this occasion – if we have a booking in Lincoln it is impossible to travel to a second booking which may be in Leicester – we assess this on a party by party basis.
4. Travel is tiring and time consuming – Following the pandemic some entertainers simply decided they wanted to work in a specific geographical area to cut down on the amount of travel that there were doing.  Although we charge a mileage fee we don’t charge for the actual time it takes to physically travel.

‘But you charge mileage over a 20 mile radius – can we not just pay the extra?’

As mentioned above it is not that simple and we take into account a number of different factors, we realise that it may be disappointing but ultimately for the well being of our team travel is always at our discretion.

Thank you for your understanding.

Jayne xx

Why Absolutely Amazing Parties Offers Two Party Slots on Weekends

1. Between the hours of 10:00 and 13:00
2. Between the hours of 15:00 and 18:00

At Absolutely Amazing Parties, we understand that planning the perfect celebration involves making choices that suit both hosts and guests. Here are some reasons behind our decision to offer two party slots on weekends:

1. Peak Time for Parties:

• As party entertainers, our prime time for celebrations is the weekend. Offering two party slots allows us to maximise the number of parties we can host in two days, ensuring our business remains viable.

2. Travel Considerations:

• Covering the East Midlands means our team needs sufficient time for setup, pack-down, and comfortable travel between parties. Allowing a minimum of 30 minutes for setup and pack-down, along with travel time, ensures a smooth experience for both our team and our clients.

3. Fairness to Guests:

• Children lead busy lives, and scheduling parties in the morning or afternoon allows guests to accommodate other social engagements and hobbies on the same day. It’s a considerate approach to ensure everyone can participate in the celebration.

4. Fitting in with Eating Times:

• By scheduling parties in the morning or afternoon, we align with typical eating times, eliminating the need for parents to wonder whether to feed their children before the party. Morning parties serve food around noon, while afternoon parties offer refreshments around 4 pm, preventing food waste at odd hours.

5. Choosing the Right Slot:

• For children aged 3, the choice between morning and afternoon depends on their nap schedule. For 4-year-olds, mornings are often more suitable. Children aged 5 and above can enjoy either slot.

6. Small Team Dynamics:

• As a small team, hosting two parties a day allows us to fulfill the numerous requests we receive. This approach ensures that we can continue to bring joy and magic to celebrations while maintaining a high level of service.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to creating enchanting memories at your celebrations!

Thanks very much,

Jayne xx

Booking Entertainment for your Child’s Birthday

Throughout the Covid-19 Pandemic some children have missed 2 birthday’s where they can celebrate with their friends and family, this means that the thought of having to plan a birthday party suddenly becomes rather daunting!

Deciding on what to do for your child cam make it more complex in terms of what to do for them with so many choices – soft play, days out, bouncy castle or booking an entertainer to name just a few!

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Eats and Beats with Little Feet!

Children’s Festival Nottinghamshire

We are thrilled to be taking part in the first Children’s Festival happening at Sherwood Glade, Nottinghamshire on July 31st

Tickets

eatsandbeatssherwoodglade.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/eats_and_beats_with_little_feet

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