If you're planning a children's birthday party, one of the biggest questions is usually:
"How much should i expect to pay for entertainment?"
Prices can vary a lot depending on:
- The type of entertainment
- Number of children
- Length of booking
- Your location in London
- Weekend vs weekday bookings
In this guide, I'll break down the average costs of popular children's entertainment services in London and explain what affects pricing, so you can plan your party budget more easily.
Average Children's Entertainment Prices In London
Face Painting Prices
Professional face painters in London typically charge:
- 1 hour: £100-150
- 2 hours: £180-£250
- Festivals/events: higher rates may apply
A professional face painter can usually paint:
- Around 10-15 full faces per hour
- More for smaller cheek art designs
What Affects Face Painting Prices?
Prices may increase depending on:
- Travel distance
- Large events
- Very high guest numbers
- Late evening bookings
- Special FX or festival-style makeup
When comparing prices, always check:
- Insurance
- DBS checks
- Hygiene standards
- Experience level
- Quality of products used
Cheap face painting is not always good value if queues are slow or designs are basic.
Balloon Twisting Prices
Balloon twisting is one of the most popular party add-ons for children aged 3-10.
Typical London prices:
- 1 hour: £120-£160
- 2 hours: £200-£280
A balloon twister can usually make:
- Around 15025 balloons per hour depending on complexity.
- Simple swords and dogs are quick, while detailed creations take longer.
Bubble Show Prices
Bubble shows are becoming increasingly popular for:
- Garden parties
- School events
- Summer celebrations
- Nursery parties
Typical pricing:
- 30-45 minute bubble show: £150-£250
- 1 hour: £200 - £300
- Bubble packages with additional entertainment: higher
Bubble shows work especially well outdoors and create fantastic photo opportunities for parents. Bubble show contents vary by entertainer, from simple bubbles-only entertainment to a more varied mix of intricate tricks, giant bubbles, smoke effects and even fire bubbles.
Entertainment Packages vs Individual Services
Many entertainers offer:
- Face painting + balloons
- Bubbles + balloons
- Glitter bars
- Festival packages
Packages are often better value than booking separate entertainers.
They also:
- Reduce setup space
- Simplify planning
- Keep a consistent style/theme
For larger parties, packages can help keep children entertained continuously without long gaps.
Why Do Some Entertainers Charge More?
Professional entertainers often charge more because they provide:
- Public liability insurance
- High-quality products
- Fast queue management
- Reliable communication
- Years of experience
- Professional presentation
Experienced entertainers also tend to:
- Work faster
- Handle children confidently
- Adapt to different venues
- Manage busy party environments smoothly
For busy London parties, experience makes a huge difference.
Is Cheaper Entertainment Worth It?
Budget entertainers can work well for small gatherings, but for larger parties or important events, quality matters.
Problems with very cheap entertainment may include:
- Long queues
- Limited designs
- Poor-quality products
- Last-minute cancellations
- Lack of insurance
Parents often tell me they would rather pay slightly more for someone reliable who keeps the children engaged and stress levels low.
How to Choose the Right Entertainment for Your Party
Here are a few simple tips:
For younger children (3-5)
Best choices:
- bubble shows
- Simple balloon twisting
- Bright face painting
For mixed ages
Best choices:
- Face painting + balloons package
- Festival glitter
- Muti-activity entertainment
For outdoor summer parties
Best choices:
- Bubble shows
- Glitter bars
- Festival-style entertainment
Final Thoughts
The right entertainment can completely transform a children's party and create memories that last for years.
When comparing prices, don't just look at the cheapest option - look at:
- Reviews
- Experience
- Photos of previous work
- Reliability
- Professionalism
Good entertainment keeps children engaged, reduces stress for parents and helps the whole event run smoothly.
Looking for Children's Entertainment in London?
I provide:
Check my prices here: Children’s Party Entertainment Prices London
Across London and surrounding areas including:
- Camden
- Kensington
- Islington
- Barnet
- Enfield
- North London
- West London
- Hertfordshire
Contact me to check availability for your party or event.