01782 308025

Open 9am-5.30pm, Mon-Fri

Find an artist for your event...

birthday party ideas
  1. Ideas & Inspiration
  2. Party Entertainment Ideas
  3. Birthday Party Ideas

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!
birthday candles

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!!

5star fun casino

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
Please see the Popular Party Themes box below >

Adults' Birthday Party Entertainment Ideas >>>


Bands Who Offer Bandeoke


'Night Out' Themed Events


Vegas / Hollywood Themed Events

Ballerina Childrens Entertainment

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 >>>


Mathew Knight birthday party magic

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 waiterswho can act “incognito” for part of the evening before bursting into song when your guests least expect it!

fireworks

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.

Top 5 Entertainment Ideas For A Summer Garden Party

Top 5 Entertainment Ideas For A Summer Garden Party

21st Jul 2011

If the weather holds out this summer, you might be considering a traditional garden party. Alive Network has put together its... Read more...
10 Types of Bands You Can Hire From Alive Network

10 Types of Bands You Can Hire From Alive Network

24th Mar 2014

Can't decide what type of live band will suit your wedding, corporate event or private party the best? Alive Network have cre... Read more...
Five Tips For Planning The Perfect Party

Five Tips For Planning The Perfect Party

28th Feb 2011

Based on feedback from more than 50,000 customers over the last 15 years, Alive Network has compiled a list of the top five t... Read more...
Choosing The Right DJ To Hire For Your Event

Choosing The Right DJ To Hire For Your Event

13th Jul 2016

It is often surprising how late in the day many people consider booking a DJ for their wedding or party, despite how critical... Read more...
¡Tempo De Festa! How To Throw Your Own Brazilian Themed Part...

¡Tempo De Festa! How To Throw Your Own Brazilian Themed Part...

20th Jul 2016

Yes, it's time to party like you were in Rio! Here's our top tips for hosting a Brazilian themed party everyone will enjoy!

Over 132625 Events Since 1999

5000+ Hand Picked Artists

24-Hour Emergency Cover