Birthday Party Ideas
& Birthday Party Entertainment!
How do you plan a Birthday Party that will really make an impression? How do you make it a special event that will stay in people's memories for all the right reasons? Well... with over 1,750 live party bands and amazing party entertainers available to hire UK wide, Alive Network helps to make planning a great birthday party easy!
A Brief History Of Birthdays
The tradition of holding a party to celebrate the anniversary of birth began centuries ago in Europe when it was feared that evil spirits sought out people on their birthdays. To protect them from harm, friends and family would gather around to bring good thoughts and wishes. Giving gifts brought even more good cheer to ward off evil spirits, and candles were placed on cakes to transport the birthday wishes directly to God.
Initially, only royalty was deemed important enough to have a birthday celebration, but the tradition soon spread with the introduction of the children's party in Germany, the Kinderfeste.
For the trivia buffs amongst you; the lyrically astounding ‘Happy Birthday to You’ song was written in 1839 by sisters Mildred and Patty Smith Hill!!
Birthday Party Ideas For Adults / Grown-Ups
As an adult, the possibilities are endless with regards to how you can celebrate your birthday. Here just a few examples:
Murder Mystery | Come Dine With Me Party |
Board/Card Game Party | Gambling Party |
Karaoke Party | Ice Skating Party |
Beach Party | Film Night Party |
Hollywood Star Party | Drinking Games Party |
Tea Party | Wine and Dine Party |
Adults' Birthday Party Entertainment Ideas >>>
Bands Who Offer Bandeoke
'Night Out' Themed Events
Vegas / Hollywood Themed Events
Children's Birthday Party Ideas
Try the following themes as a starting point when organising kids birthday parties.
Alice in Wonderland | Kite Flying Party |
Arabian Princess Party | Ladybug Party |
Arts and Crafts Party | Lion King Party |
Ballet Party | Mermaid Party |
Barbie Party | Mickey Mouse & Minnie Party |
Beach Party | Movie Theater Party |
Beauty and the Beast | Nursery Rhyme Party |
Buzz Lightyear | Peter Pan Party |
Butterfly Party | Pirates of the Caribbean Party |
Camping Party | Robin Hood Party |
Cartoon Characters | Rock Star Party |
Cheerleading Party | Roller Skating Party |
Cinderella Party | Safari Party |
Circus Party | Sleep Over Party |
Clown Party | Snow White Party |
Dinosaur Party | SpongeBob SquarePants Party |
Fairy Party | Star Wars Party |
Football Party | Superheros Party |
Hannah Montana Party | Tea Party |
Harry Potter Party | Teddy Bear Party |
Hollywood Star Party | Under the Sea Party |
Ice Skating Party | Wizard of Oz Party |
Jungle Party | Winnie the Pooh Party |
Childrens' Birthday Party Entertainment Ideas >>>
Birthday Party Ideas
Birthday party fancy dress themes work really well, such as James Bond, Hawaiian, Phantom of the Opera, The Godfather, Alice in Wonderland, Hollywood Oscars Night or Wild West Theme.
It's good to ensure there are plenty of attractions to keep guests talking & mingling so you could also consider casino tables which can tie in nicely with a James Bond theme, for example, and create a space for guests to meet, mix and break the ice. Also check out our mix and mingle acts who will work the floor & get people talking.
For a rocking party, you could book a band to play songs fitting to that theme or just a general rock and pop, rat pack / swing, soul or jive band to keep your guests dancing all evening long.
“Ceilidhs” are great for those who want a different kind of music or for those with Celtic roots – hire a band with a caller to shout out the dance moves and you’re away!
Hiring a look alike of your birthday girl/ boy’s favourite celebrity would be a great touch. For a great surprise you could hire some singing waiters who can act “incognito” for part of the evening before bursting into song when your guests least expect it!
A Night To Remember
If you’re asking guests to wear fancy dress then your room should be decorated in a similar theme. The Essential Party Planning Supplies box below contains useful links to many high quality suppliers. From balloon displays to historical memorabilia, unusual cocktail ideas to table decorations or fireworks, Alive Network can put you in touch with everything you need.