Planning a school event - whether it's a summer fair, PTA fundraiser, or end-of-term celebration - comes with a lot of moving parts. One of the biggest challenges is choosing the right entertainment to keep large groups of children engaged, while still making the event enjoyable (and manageable) for staff and parents.
If you're organising a school event in London, here's how to choose the best entertainment - and why bringing in a professional can make all the difference.
What Entertainment Works Best for School Events?
School events are very different from birthday parties. You're often catering for:
- Large numbers of children
- A wide age range
- Limited time per activity
- Busy, high-energy environments
The most successful entertainment is visual, engaging and able to handle high volume efficiently.
Great options include:
This can work as standalone attractions or alongside stalls and games.
Why Bubbles Are Perfect for Large Crowds
When it comes to school fairs and lare events, bubble entertainment is one of the best choices available.
Why it works so well:
- Captivates large groups at once
- No queues or waiting around
- Suitable for all ages - from nursery to older children
- Creates a fun, energetic atmosphere instantly
Unlike activities that require one-on-one interaction, bubbles allow dozens (or even hundreds) of children to join in at the same time - making them ideal for busy school settings.
They're also fantastic for:
- Outdoor events
- Creating a focal point
- Photo opportunities for parents
Face Painting at School Events - Who Pays?
Face painting is always popular - but for school events, there's an important question to consider:
Who is covering the cost?
Option 1: The School Pays (Hourly Rate)
A professional face painter will usually charge an hourly rate.
Pros:
- Simple setup
- No handling money on the day
Cons:
- Can be expensive for schools
- Long queues may limit how many children benefit
Option 2: Pay-Per-Face (Better for Fundraising)
For many schools, a pay-per-face system works much better.
Benefits:
- Generates income for the school
- Fair - families choose whether to participate
- Helps manage demand
Option 3: Corporate sponsorship (Highly Recommended)
A great solution is to have a local business sponsor the entertainment.
How it works:
- A company covers the cost of the face painter
- In return they receive promotion at the event.
Benefits:
- Free entertainment for children
- No cost to the school
- Great exposure for local businesses
This works especially well for larger school fairs and community events.
Option 4: Hybrid / Subsidised Model (Best of Both)
This is a popular middle-ground option for schools that want to keep things running smoothly while still recovering some of the cost.
How it works:
- The school pays the face painter's hourly rate upfront
- The school then sells tickets to parents (e.g. £3-£5 per face)
- The face painter focuses purely on painting - no handling money
Benefits:
- Keeps queues moving faster and more efficiently
- No money handling on the day for the face painter
- Easier for organisers to manage
- Opportunity to recoup most (or all) of the cost.
Things to consider:
- You may not make back 100% of the cost - but it often balances out
- Be careful not to oversell tickets
A professional face painter can usually paint a set number of children per hour. If too many tickets are sold, there may not be enough time to complete them all.
Top tip:
Ask your face painter in advance how many children they can realistically paint per hour, and base your ticket numbers on that. This avoids disappointment on the day and keeps everything running smoothly.
Balloon Twisting: High Impact, Take-Home Fun
Balloon twisting is always a crowd favourite at school events.
Why it works:
- Children receive something to take home
- Quick turnaround per child
- Great visual impact
It's also a brilliant way to create a lively, colourful atmosphere across the event.
Glitter Tattoos: Fast, Durable, and Queue-Friendly
Glitter tattoos are ideal for busy school settings.
Advantages:
- Faster than face painting
- Water-resistant and long-lasting
- Less risk of mess
- Suitable for all ages
They're a great alternative - or addition - to face painting, especially when queues are likely.
Why Hire a Professional for School Events?
It might be tempting to run everything with volunteers - but entertainment is one area where hiring a professional really pays off.
A professional entertainer will:
- Work quickly and efficiently with large groups
- Use high-quality, safe materials
- have experience managing queues and busy environments
- Keep children engaged without added stress for staff
More importantly, it allows teachers and organisers to focus on running the event rather than managing activities.
Tips for a Successful School Event
To make your event run smoothly:
- Choose entertainment that suits large numbers
- Mix high-capacity activities (like bubbles) with individual experiences
- Plan for queue management
- Consider fundraising opportunities
- Book early - dates fill quickly, especially in summer.
Final Thoughts
The best school entertainment keeps children engaged, supports fundraising goals, and makes the day enjoyable for everyone involved.
Bubble entertainment is ideal for large crowds, while face painting, balloons, and glitter tattoos add that extra excitement and personal touch.
And when you bring in a professional, you're not just booking entertainment - you're ensuring your event runs smoothly from start to finish.