Tip 1 – Choosing a Size /Access

Venues come in all shapes and sizes and consideration should be made as to what size of venue is best. The average number of Children attending a party is “Classroom” size (20-35 Children), however the size of a Classroom is not really big enough to host a Disco party. On the flip side a huge hall may feel rather empty with 20 Children. One needs to consider the area for refreshments during the break, the area for the Disco set up along with a comfortable dance floor area.

Larger Halls

If the hall is very big, look at ways to reduce the size by sectioning off areas (we can do this by bringing the disco show forward from the back and spreading the lighting and effects across the width of the hall, therefore creating a good look to the venue while keeping the “un-used area behind the show and out of visibility).

Set out chairs and tables to consume some of the area of the hall and to give the Children a comfortable area for refreshments.

Dance floor – For our show, a good sized area (Tennis Court Size is perfect) for the Dance floor and allows us to perform all our games and follow the leader challenges.

Smaller Halls –

Our show is flexible enough to be set in all sizes of venues, however smaller halls will not allow us to install the full range of special effects. If the volume of Children is under 20, a smaller hall may be more d

esirable and we would recommend that tables and chairs are removed, but accessible to allow setting up at half time for refreshments.

Tip 2 - Access –

Access to a hall is perhaps more important for us than others. Difficult access (Flights of stairs, small corridors etc) restricts us from bringing a full set up into the venue. To create our amazing look to the show, many items of equipment are Bulky and very heavy. While we will do our best to get our equipment into the venue, halls with easy access (Ground level, large Doors with direct access to the hall etc) allow us to use our full range of equipment and hence ensure a truly impressive set up for the Children.

Tip 3 – Sound Limiters – (Top Tip!)

Sound Limiters are installed in SOME venues. Mainly in venues close to residential areas and in areas where the Council demand such devices.

Sound Limiters are designed to control the “acceptable” level of noise and should the level exceed the set level, the general procedure is that all power will be cut from any source using power points in the hall or stage area. The result is quite devastating as naturally all sound and light will be lost from the Disco along with any other items that may be plugged into the wall (we had one experience with a Chocolate fountain losing its power due to this reason, one can imagine the results !)

While we fully appreciate and understand the reasons and needs for a Sound Limiter, they are very difficult to work with for Children’s Disco Shows. We are not in the habit of using “excessive” sound for the show as our sound system is built upon quality of sound rather than volume. However the excitement of the show will certainly create volume from the Children. Imagine 30 children all clapping and singing – having fun, this alone can trip a sound limiter.

Sound Limiter’s do eventually re-set the power (some have to be re-set by “Key Activation” and hence require a caretaker to be present), however they will cause real disruption to the party.

We strongly advise careful consideration as to using a venue that operates a sound limiter and highly recommend using a venue that does not need to use such a device. Always ask the Venue about Sound Limiters. If you do decide to book a Venue that operates a sound limiter, please let us know in advance. We cannot be held responsible for disruption to a party that is caused by the activation of a sound limiter.

Tip 4 – Decorating a hall

Our Disco show will take care of all the Lighting for the party. Most halls have “controllable” lighting (dimmer switches / Lighting that can be control in sections etc). To create the best effect for our Disco, the hall should be quite dark and if your party is a daytime event, it would be a good idea to check if the hall has curtains for the windows etc. It is also wise to know on the day where all the controls for the lighting are and what controls what. Upon our arrival, we will also check the lighting operations).

Decorations – As the hall will probably be fairly dark, it is not imperative to go to town with decorating the venue. Great ideas are to have “Shimmer Curtains” across the entrance doors to the hall. One can also buy funky Disco Dancer posters than can be put up on the walls (subject to acceptance from the venue). Helium balloons are fantastic and a great “present” for the Kids at the end of the show. Normal balloons tend to create the urge for Kids to pop them the minute they arrive, so perhaps consider the Helium option or set normal balloons on the walls above head height so that they remain as a decoration and can be given out at the end of the show.

Tip 5 – Food / Timing of Food

Food choices tend to vary from one party to another, and really is the choice of the parents. Some feel that the food is a very important part of the party while others prefer a small buffet style or snacks. It certainly is not for us to recommend what type of food should be served however observations show that the Kids do not tend to spend a long time at the food table at a party

We suggest that food should not be served as a “take some when you want some” basis, but presented during the break of the show. This avoids having Children on the dance floor with food and also helps restrict the amount of cleaning up at the end of the party.

We suggest that the break is after approximately 1 hour of the show and then during the break, while the Children are enjoying refreshments, we perform or Pop Quiz followed by Birthday songs / cake etc.

Food such as Pizza slices are a great idea, but beware of items such as popcorn as this will require allot of cleaning up at the end of the show!

Plenty of fluids should always be available during the whole of the show and we always encourage the children to get a drink should they want one.

Tip 6 – Theme a Party

To create a theme to the party is a great idea and there are endless ideas to theme a show. If you decide on a theme, please let us know and we will design our set around this. We also have set themes in place and some of these include life sized characters, flags and banners. Popular themes include;

High School Musical (see our page on the website)

Mamma Mia Party

Wild West Theme

Hollywood Stars

Funky Disco Theme (1970’s theme)

1920s/1930s Theme

Pink Party (Girls party)

X-Factor party (this can include singing and dancing competitions)

It really is all down to imagination and we would be delighted to work with you on the theme.

Tip 7 – When to have the party.

Naturally the most popular day to have a party is a weekend. Timings vary and really are age related.

It may well be worth considering a week day party, perhaps early evening or during school breaks. Quite often people have plans at the weekends and not all the Children will attend the party. This can be quite different during a weekday. Also you may find venues offer cheaper rates during the week and we in turn offer a discount of 20% on a Monday-Thursday booking. 10% on a Friday and 10% for shows that finish before 2pm on a Saturday.

Tip 8 – Including a “Dancemaster”

As part of our show, we offer the option to include one of our Dancemasters. Dancemasters Co-Host the show along with the DJ and while they do not “teach” the children how to dance, they perform a number of exciting dance routines during the show. They captivate the children with routines such as our legendary “Follow the Leader”, “Follow the Future (with Lasers)”, “Air Guitar” and “Energy Zone” dances. This ensures that everyone is part of the show and gives the overall party something extra.

Dancemasters are also on hand to act as judges during the competitions, help give out prizes and assist with games such as our Inflatable Limbo challenge.

As with all our shows, the performances, music and games are “age-related” and designed to work best with the age groups attending the show.

Tip 9 – Party Bags

In this day and age, it seems almost expectant for Children to receive Party Bags at the end of a party. Our show has been designed to ensure that everybody will win a prize during the show and all our prizes either Flash, sparkle or glow. We also provide candy for team game competitions along with some of the Children winning the bigger competition prizes. With all this in mind, one may not feel the need to also include party bags.

Our personal view on this is that all the Children have been treated to a very elaborate party and top of the range Disco show. Everyone will have won Glow sticks and some would have won competition prizes. Perhaps that is plenty and a slice of cake at the end of the show should suffice. However if you feel that you would like everyone to go home with something of equal value, then Party bags do ensure this. We are happy to supply party bags (Yum Bags as we call them) and will present these at the end of the show. Details and cost can be found on the booking form.

Tip 10 – Safety Recommendations

It is important to remember the safety of Children at a party and simple measures should ensure a very successful day.

*Always ensure that you are familiar with emergency procedures of the hall, fire exits, evacuation procedures, contact phone numbers etc

*Choose a Disco show that has public liability cover and uses “PAT” tested equipment (we do have)

*At the time of booking let the company know of any children that may be sensitive to certain Light Shows (strobe lighting can cause issues – we do not use strobe lighting)

*Smoke Machines – Such machines are very effective for enhancing the visual effects of the show and are quite a spectacular effect but can cause concerns for people with chest conditions, also many halls have smoke alarms and smoke machines can trigger these – always check with the hall. (Our show uses “Haze” machines – Light smoke, however we will not use such effects if requested. The option to exclude is detailed on the booking form).