Entertainment Planner

For smaller events where the same children are present throughout, a varied programme usually works best. A combination might include Punch & Judy, a children’s magic show and a circus skills workshop, giving the children several different activities to enjoy.

At agricultural shows, family fun days and other large events, audiences come and go throughout the day and there may be many other attractions competing for their attention.

A good combination is three Punch & Judy performances at different times, giving more visitors an opportunity to see the show, with face painting available throughout the event.

Hazel can provide face painting while Ron offers balloon modelling. Ron can also bring a PA system for announcements and background music if required.

Interactive competitions can help attract attention and encourage visitors to remain involved. One option is The Safe Cracker, where customers try to guess the combination of a safe to win a major prize. The client supplies the safe, entry tickets and prizes.

We can also create a colourful balloon arch for the store entrance.

A circus skills workshop works particularly well as children and families arrive because everyone can begin joining in immediately.

This can be followed by our Christmas puppet show, a break for the buffet or other refreshments, and party games and dances led by Hazel. If the venue has sufficient space, we can also include parachute games.

Punch & Judy was first recorded in England in 1662 and has continued through many different periods of history. This makes it particularly suitable for historical and heritage events.

For events set before the Edwardian period, we can use a plain-coloured cover on the puppet theatre, as the familiar red-and-white striped booth is a more recent style.

Face painting can also be adapted to complement many historical, seasonal and seaside themes, provided Hazel is given sufficient notice.

Face painting, balloon modelling and close-up magic are always popular at student events and balls. Punch & Judy is also very well received, particularly during Freshers’ Week and at daytime events.

Line dancing is a firm favourite for Country & Western and Wild West-themed events. Hazel provides friendly, step-by-step tuition, so guests can join in even if they have never line danced before.

For events that require mobile entertainment among the guests, close-up magic and balloon modelling work particularly well. They require little dedicated performance space and allow Ron to entertain small groups throughout the venue.