Head and shoulders above the rest

Being a stilt walker is no mean feat, it takes many hours to perfect the art of walking for long periods of time, with their colourful costumes and amazing routines high up in the clouds at least you’ll never lose him!!

Brilliant stilt skills mixed with the weird and wonderful with some show stopping, and mind bending characters! From stunning visual spectaculars with theatre pieces to character based walkabout acts, these amazing, towering and unique acts are guaranteed to thrill the audience every time.

You could be having a charity event, launch party, children’s party or even a circus party where a stilt walker would be just the thing to get your crowd talking and engaging with this mesmerising act.

To hire a stilt walker from our directory, simply look through our gallery to see which one would be perfect for your event.  The stilt walker of your choice will be in contact once you have filled out an online booking form where they can talk further about your future event.

Party Theme

Themed entertainment and themed events and parties can bring a whole new dimension and create a spectacle and atmosphere your guests will never forget! From seasonal events to events from around the world, If you have a particular theme or you’re looking for inspiration our themed walkabout acts offer an amazing entertainment selection that creates fun and excitement whatever the occasion.

If you are having a themed party or a seasonal party, then a themed street artist could be just the thing. You could be organising a Halloween party where a group of witches are walking around your event with their amazing costumes with a smoking cauldron oozing out green smoke, or how about a magical enchanting ice-queen themed party, where your themed walkabout artists are dressed from head to toe in white ice-like costumes.

From medieval artists, to around the world themed fancy dress, your party will have that perfect atmosphere that you were hoping for when you book one or more of these themed walkabouts.

To find out more, simply look on our gallery of professional artists in this category and see what is on offer and book.

Party themes to consider

It you’re prepared to do a bit of decorative work (or have the budget to hire a party organiser) then you can theme your venue or marquee to look like a beach bar, a scene from the Arabian nights or even the Wild West! Fancy dress is optional though it does help bring the whole thing together.

Possible theme locations include The Wild West, Beach/Tropical/Hawaiian, New York, Las Vegas, African/Safari, Ancient Egypt, Atlantis, Ancient Rome, Mardi Gras/New Orleans, the list goes on

In terms of making your venue look the part, you can choose from a wide range of props and accessories. For example, for a Hawaiian themed party you can hire a bamboo beach bar, free standing & table top palm trees, hula hoops, flower garlands, surf boards, fishing nets and sand pits!

Remember to ensure you have plenty of ice breakers to keep guests chatting and mixing. Close up magicians, caricaturists, meet and greet all work well, as do Chocolate Fountains! For something a bit different, try singing waiters who will really bring the house down!

Live Music. For a Las Vegas or New York themed party, have a look at Frank Sinatra or Rat Pack singers or celebrity lookalike singers. Use your imagination and your party themed evening will be a real treat!!

The arts

If you are a fan of art then you could hire body painted models to recreate some of the finest paintings in the world. The thing about the National Gallery though, is that you have exclusive access to ogle these sensational works of art in complete privacy. Van Gogh, Michelangelo, Vermeer… The gallery holds some of the world’s most famous paintings and in terms of ‘set dressing’ for your event, you can’t get better than that!

When looking to hire a venue for a corporate event, private party or awards ceremony you will want something that is sure to amaze your guests and the National Gallery is a prime example of an events venue that will impress.

You might be thinking that the National Gallery might be a little difficult in which to have a ‘proper’ party because of the art on the walls. Not so. There are so many areas to the venue that music like DJ’s and Party bands fits in beautifully.

We could go on and on about the gorgeousness of The National Gallery by focusing on the interior but what of the exterior as well? Located on Trafalgar Square, you cannot get a more prestigious location in which to hold your event and attendees will remember the evening forever. With a multitude of production and lighting options available, there really is no reason not to enquire about booking an event with the National Gallery today.

Celebrity lookalikes

Everyone wants their party to be memorable. One fun idea is to hire celebrity lookalikes to mingle with your guests at your private party or corporate event. Nothing loosens up a stuffy corporate crowd quite like sharing cocktails with Gaga or Elvis.

Just imagine hiring Michael Buble, Bette Midler and Elton John impersonators to work your party! After, the impersonators can mingle with your guests. Then your acts will continue doing the show again and then 30 minutes later Elton can take over the stage with a medley of his greatest hits,

We at Red Masque have obviously chosen our favourite celebrities but you can choose whoever you like to invite to your party. We particularly think Lady Gaga, Tina Turner, Prince, Beyoncé and other larger-than-life entertainers would all be great choices too.

There are absolutely loads of great celebrity lookalikes to hire and some will be hard to tell the difference. They can be hired for a many other events too, you could use a few celebrities to open up your new shop or restaurant. A perfect photo opportunity and a great talking point to get people talking about your business!!

So when you are next thinking about entertainment for your event, think about a celebrity!!!

18 Birthday Party

18 is a time of coming of age and celebrating it in true style. Many 18th private parties are becoming quite similar these days so why not make your 18th birthday party one to remember.

We’ve chosen a 18th Birthday, but this could be for any Birthday, just tailor to the age.

Firstly, choose a birthday party venue; this could be your own house. Secondly choose a theme. Trust us, this will make your 18th birthday party that extra bit more unique and give your guests the excitement leading up to your party.

Finally, hire party entertainers.. make your 18th birthday party stand out from the crowd and have some of the most interesting and lively entertainment. Underneath is a variety of 18 birthday party entertainment ideas to help you!

DJ – Every party needs great music. You will not need to worry about changing songs over on your IPod when a DJ can do it all for you by using the latest technology. You can tell the DJ exactly what music you would like played so your music can be catered specifically for you!

Photo booth – Why not keep a little memory of your 18th birthday party night by hiring a photo booth. Your guests will have so much fun trying on colourful props and overall having fun in the photo booth. Instant photos will be available for your guests and you will receive a DVD of all photos taken on the night.

Themed nights– Give your party that Vegas feel by having your very own fun casino. Spin the wheel, place your fun bets and have a laugh with all your guests. Get your friends having a laugh and the style of entertainment is top class. Nobody else will have a casino at their 18th!

Magician – A walk around magician is perfectly suited to an 18th Birthday party. The magician will stun your guests with various tricks that will definitely catch them out. The magician could also be a comedian on the side, so Dynamo mixed with a bit of Lee Evans will go down a storm at your 18th private party.

Fish and Chip Van – If you are unsure of the party catering you would like for your party, then why not hire out a fish and chip van. The food caters for everybody’s tastes and your guests will enjoy their very own freshly cooked food. You can tailor the food to your requirements as well, burgers, sausages, goujons… whatever you want you can have!

Overall, enjoy your 18th birthday party. This is your big night; it’s not every day you take that step from a childhood to adulthood. Your 18th birthday party will be all about you, show it off, and make sure to get the perfect entertainment for your party. But the best thing you can do is smile and create some amazing memories and plan the best 18th birthday party ideas right here!

The Tobacco Dock venue

When you book a venue like the Tobacco Dock, a grade I listed warehouse from 1811, it’s good if you know how to fill it. It’s a brilliant blank canvas for corporate events and private parties but it’s also quite large, so this is the sort of space that not only benefits from more than one piece of entertainment but also by making sure that the acts are mobile. At a large event or party, many might end up at the back of the room far away from the entertainment and not always able to move closer. When you hire walkabout artists however, the fun comes to you!

When you think of Covent Garden, you will think of two things – the world famous market and the litany of entertainment acts who draw huge crowds.

When one thinks of London, they might think of the Pearly Kings and Queens. Why not hire some walkabout artists – one King and one Queen – in complete costume to wow the crowd. Not only can they sing a few songs, they are available to meet and greet guests.

Covent Garden isn’t just about music though. You will find comedy acts, dancers and acrobats that you will find a fair number on pretty much all high streets of the UK. London and Covent Garden are no different and we think you’ll agree that that any performers you hire from Red Masque will be second to none!

Finally you might think of magicians and circus performances drawing huge crowds of tourists. Their combination of acrobatics and juggling is filled with energy and dynamism will have guests breaking out in smiles. It will be truly a fantastic event and we urge anybody holding a party or evening this year to ponder going with a Covent Garden theme.

Origin of National Playday

National Playday started way back in the UK in 1986 when money was tight and adventure playgrounds were under fire to have budget cuts. The idea arose for the great British public to have one day a year, usually the first Wednesday every August, in which they could enjoy the playground activities and highlight how important they are to society.

Well 27 years later the national day is still going strong and it is bigger and better than ever before! It is coordinated by Play England, Play Wales, Play Scotland and PlayBoard Northern Ireland.
Why is playing so important?
Playing is essential to a child’s learning and development. It teaches sharing, it encourages confidence and more importantly, it allows them to have an enjoyable childhood.
It is vital for the emotional, intellectual and physical development and it offers children of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to play together.

But that doesn’t mean that adults can’t get involved and be ‘big’ kids for the day.

Whether it is a low-key get together private party with family and friends or a big party full or entertainment in your street, get involved and play games.
Not sure what to do? Here are 6 funtastic ideas for all the family:
Walkabout artists for hire
Party Bands
Magicians for hire
Acrobats for hire
Party Entertainers
Games

Just let your imagination run wild and use as many party suppliers as you can to make your event run as smoothly as possible.

A Glamourous Corporate Event

The Grammys are a perfect occasion for a party, as the award show provides you with all the theme you’ll need. Let’s examine a few of the things that make the Grammys so fun and such a great opportunity to party with your friends!

The Glitz

What would the Grammys be without the red carpet, the paparazzi, the atmosphere of celebrity? Decorate your party with all the accoutrements of fame. We suggest a gold and black design, punctuated with red highlights. Hire caterers and party suppliers to treat your guests like stars. The point is to create the right environment, so your guests will feel as special and pampered as the yearly nominees!

The Glamour

Really, it’s the dresses. From J-Lo’s notorious dress in 2000 to Lady Gaga’s entrance encased in an egg, the Grammys have become known for the beautiful and strange outfits gracing the red carpet. Challenge your guests to either show up in one of the fame gowns or just wear their most elegant ensemble. It isn’t every day we get to get decked out in our best, so encourage your friends to go all out!

The Entertainment

After all, it’s the Grammys. Your party needs music! Hire a DJ or a Party Band to play nominated songs during commercials. If you really want to get into the fun, hire a stand-up comedian to entertain throughout and, at the end, to give out awards for Best Dressed! Maybe hire a few performers to mingle with guests to really add to the celebrity vibe.

The Ceremony

Now, we bet you’re wondering how you can fit all of this into one party? Set up the show outside or rent a large venue big enough for all your party’s needs. Don’t forget to pass around a ballot for the awards. Whoever guesses the most winners can get–that’s right–a Grammy! Another fun idea: create drinking games around multiple nominees. Every time they win, take a drink!

The Grammys are a wonderfully elegant night, so make sure you take all these factors into consideration when you’re planning your party. You may not be attending the Grammys, but that doesn’t mean you can’t feel like a winner!

Christmas events to be planned

Plan your next Christmas event as early as you can to avoid disappointment. If you want to create your own winter experience, either for a party, corporate event or business attraction, here are a few hints from Red Masque directory to make your Christmas event something special!

If you want a show as part of your Christmas party, you’ll need an inside space or warm, dry and well-appointed marquee to hold it in. Acts that look great in marquees include:

• Circus acts, especially aerialists, or silk acrobats!

• Dance groups who can fill the performance area with music, movement and style!

• Party bands that can play in all those cheesy pop hits we love at Xmas!

Make your event great by having sheer variety of entertainment on offer. So, offer lots of different acts to see, rather than one big attraction and people will enjoy the event more.

• Walkabout acts really are great and so are costumed characters, ice characters and stilt walkers.

• Generate a warm feeling with fire acts to light up the winter darkness

• Conjure up the magic of Christmas with street magicians performing close-up tricks and illusions

Food and Drink

• Hire a hog roast or BBQ for outside cooked goodies

• Offer traditional treats such as roasted chestnuts and mulled wine that fill the air with deliciously Christmas smells!

• Have a Christmas cocktail bar, decorated with ice sculptures serving frosted cocktails or frozen daiquiris (and non-alcoholic drinks for the drivers)

Visitors love interactive experiences. They don’t have to be very fancy, just lots of fun for any age.

• Turn traditional side stalls into Christmas fun, such as a snowball coconut shy.

• Book a winter or “Frozen” themed bouncy castle with integrated rain cover, so the weather doesn’t stop the fun

• Get your skates on and book an artificial ice rink – all the fun, none of the wet! Most ice rink suppliers offer a complete package with chalet, boot hire, and experienced staff trained in the required health and safety procedures.