A children's party is much easier to enjoy when the main decisions have been made in advance. This guide explains the usual Jolly Good Productions options and the practical details that help Ron or Hazel keep the party moving.
Choose entertainment for the age group
| Age or situation | Options to consider |
|---|---|
| Children under four | Our structured parties are designed for older children. Younger siblings may remain with direct adult supervision. |
| Ages four to eight | Ron's Magic Party, Magic and Punch & Judy Party, or Hazel's Jolly Good Fun Party. |
| Ages six and above | Circus Workshop. Younger children may join with direct adult help, but they will not be able to manage most activities. |
| Another main attraction is already booked | Face painting or balloon modelling can provide a background activity alongside a disco, bouncy castle or other entertainment. |
Most parties are planned for approximately 10 to 30 children. Please ask at the enquiry stage about a smaller group or more than 30. A larger Circus Workshop may require Ron and Hazel together.
One-hour or two-hour booking?
A one-hour booking provides a concentrated version of the chosen entertainment. A two-hour booking can cover the main entertainment, the food and cake break, followed by games or further activities. A one-hour booking is not half the price because the travelling, unloading, setup and the effect on availability are much the same.
A typical two-hour party
| Approximate time | What happens |
|---|---|
| First 60 minutes | The chosen show or activities. |
| Next 30 minutes | Party food, birthday cake, Happy Birthday and three cheers. Ron or Hazel resets for the second part and may take a short comfort break. |
| Final 30 minutes | Party games and dancing, normally finishing with children and adults joining the Hokey Cokey. |
Hazel's Jolly Good Fun Party and a Circus Workshop can sometimes be arranged as two 45-minute sessions with a break between. During Hazel's usual two-hour party, she makes a balloon model for each child during the food period, allowing time for a brief pause where necessary.
The entertainment choices
Ron's Magic Party
Interactive magic, comedy, storytelling, balloonology and plenty of joining in. The birthday child may help and receives a special balloon creation. The two-hour version continues after food with games and party dancing; Ron supplies the game prizes.
Magic and Punch & Judy Party
Approximately 35 minutes of Magic Party entertainment is followed by a 20-minute Punch & Judy show and a special photograph of the birthday child with Mr Punch. After the food and cake break, Ron leads games and party dances.
Hazel's Jolly Good Fun Party
Especially popular where parents prefer a female entertainer, this party is designed for ages four to eight. Activities include scarf juggling, plate spinning, feather balancing, parachute games and party dancing. In the standard two-hour version Hazel makes an animal balloon for every child during the food break.
Circus Workshop
Best from age six, with younger children participating only with close adult help. Ron and Hazel demonstrate juggling scarves, spinning plates, diabolo, stilts and pedal-gos. The children try each activity and finish with an open session using their favourites.
Face painting and balloon modelling
These work well as background activities where another attraction is already running. The length and likely number covered should be agreed when booking. Children under three cannot have their faces painted, although a simple hand or arm design may be possible.
Choose the venue carefully
A hired hall or function room often provides more space, easier clearing up and less risk to household furniture. Suitable venues include village and church halls, community or sports centres, and function rooms at hotels, pubs and sports clubs.
- Check that the room is large enough for the children to sit and watch, with additional space for games and dancing.
- Confirm tables, chairs, a food area, kitchen facilities, toilets, baby-changing and accessible access.
- Check when you can enter to decorate and when the room must be cleared.
- Provide a suitable electric socket for every party option.
- Switch off smoke machines, flashing lights, loud discos and competing attractions until the show has finished.
- Protect or remove ornaments, furniture and trip hazards if the party is at home.
For Punch & Judy, allow access 60 minutes before the party. The theatre needs approximately a 1.2-metre-square floor area, a minimum ceiling height of 1.8 metres and clear audience space. For other entertainment, allow access at least 30 minutes beforehand.
Outdoor parties need a proper backup plan
We only accept garden parties during June, July and August. Even then, rain, wind or strong sun can make outdoor entertainment unsafe or impractical. The backup room or properly covered area must be large enough for the entertainer, children and supervising adults.
Consider noise from lawnmowers, nearby work or traffic, and distractions such as swings, climbing frames, sandpits, garden games and bouncy castles. If unsuitable weather prevents the entertainment and no adequate backup has been provided, the agreed fee remains payable under the Terms and Conditions.
Plan arrivals, supervision and behaviour
Ask guests to arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the advertised entertainment start. Starting while children and adults are still entering the room is disruptive; waiting for late arrivals reduces the entertainment time available.
- The birthday child's parent or a nominated responsible adult must remain in the room throughout.
- Two responsible adults in the room are strongly recommended so one can respond in an emergency while the other obtains help.
- Jolly Good Productions provides entertainment, not childcare. Supervision and behaviour remain the host's responsibility.
- A distressed or persistently disruptive child should be helped away from the entertainment area by the host.
- Adults remaining in the room should keep conversation quiet during the show.
- Tell Ron or Hazel beforehand about relevant mobility, hearing, communication or sensory needs and any adjustments that may help a child participate.
Food, cake and party bags
The food break is normally 30 minutes. Hot food is possible, but a cooked meal followed by jelly, ice cream and cake can easily overrun and reduce the time available for games. Have everything ready to serve promptly.
Ron or Hazel leads the children from the entertainment to the food area, sometimes with a conga or another fun transition. Near the end of the break, bring out the cake for Happy Birthday, candle blowing and three cheers. The parent supplies the cake, candles, matches or lighter, knife, napkins and wrapping. Cake is usually cut, wrapped and placed in party bags to take home.
Have a separate table for presents and cards. Party bags, cake and pre-ordered balloons are best handed out as children leave. Giving balloons out earlier often leads to bursts, tears and disappointment.
Pre-tied animal balloons
Pre-tied animal balloons can be ordered in advance as an optional extra; the current price will be confirmed in the quotation. They are made from Qualatex 260 natural-latex modelling balloons.
The parent or host should check for known latex allergies and decide whether balloons are suitable for the children attending. Models are supplied in a large bag and handed to the responsible adult on arrival. They should not be given to a child under three without direct adult supervision, and no child should put an inflated or broken balloon into their mouth.
Photography and privacy
Parents may take photographs or video, but they should respect the wishes and privacy of other families before posting images of other children publicly. If a photograph or video featuring Jolly Good Productions is posted on social media, Ron and Hazel appreciate receiving a link. Sending a link does not give Jolly Good Productions permission to reuse the material; permission would be requested separately.
Ron or Hazel will ask before taking photographs for Jolly Good Productions.
Download the Children's Party Planning Checklist
The checklist covers invitations, venue access, helpers, food, cake, refreshments, party bags, balloons, safety and clearing up.
Information needed for a quotation
- date, venue address and proposed times
- birthday child's age and the age range of the guests
- expected number of children
- preferred entertainment and whether you want one or two hours
- indoor or outdoor arrangements and the wet-weather alternative
- parking, loading access, stairs and carrying distance
- relevant additional needs or adjustments
- any other entertainment or equipment that will be operating
Bookings and cancellations are subject to the current Terms and Conditions.