Planning guide
25 birthday party entertainment ideas
Whether you're planning a 6th, an 18th or a surprise 60th, the entertainment is what people remember. Here are the acts UK party planners book most, what they typically cost, and when to lock them in.
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Kids' birthday parties (ages 3–11)
Short attention spans win the day. Book one act for 45–90 minutes and let the party food do the rest.
Children's magician
Close-up tricks, a bit of comedy and a balloon model each to take home. The safest booking for a mixed age group.
Find children's magicians near youFace painter
Works quietly in a corner all afternoon and doubles as the photo op. Plan roughly 10 faces an hour.
Find face painters near youBouncy castle and soft play
Best in a hall or a garden with a flat surface. Ask for proof of public liability insurance and PAT testing.
Character visit
A superhero or princess appearance with games and a sing-along — brilliant for under-sevens.
Kids' disco with a party host
A DJ who runs the games rather than just playing music keeps 20 children busy for two hours.
Find kids' disco with a party hosts near youScience or bubble show
Messy, loud and memorable. Check ceiling height and floor protection with your venue first.
16ths, 18ths and 21sts
This age group wants it to look good in photos and sound like a night out.
Party DJ with lighting
The backbone of most 18ths. Ask for a moving-head light package and a wireless mic for speeches.
Find party dj with lightings near youPhoto booth or magic mirror
Props, instant prints and a digital gallery afterwards. Usually booked for three or four hours.
Find photo booth or magic mirrors near youSilent disco
Two or three channels of music, no noise complaints — ideal for village halls with an early curfew.
360 video booth
Slow-motion clips people post the same night. Great free promotion for the party.
Saxophonist over DJ set
Live sax layered over house tracks lifts the middle of the night.
Find saxophonist over dj sets near youEvent photographer
Two hours of candid coverage costs less than most people expect and beats blurry phone photos.
Find event photographers near you30th, 40th, 50th and 60th birthdays
Milestone parties usually mix generations. Pick entertainment that works during dinner and after it.
Live band or function band
Two 45-minute sets with a DJ playlist in between is the standard format.
Find live band or function bands near youTribute act
Motown, ABBA, Oasis or Ibiza classics — pick the era the birthday person grew up with.
Acoustic duo for the early evening
Background music while guests arrive and eat, then hand over to a DJ.
Find acoustic duo for the early evenings near youClose-up magician during drinks
Solves the awkward first hour when guests don't all know each other.
Find close-up magician during drinkss near youStand-up comedian or compere
Twenty tight minutes after the meal. Brief them carefully on what's off limits.
Find stand-up comedian or comperes near youCasino tables
Fun-money roulette and blackjack with croupiers — a good option when dancing isn't guaranteed.
Sound and lighting hire
If you're supplying your own playlist, hire a proper PA and uplighting rather than a Bluetooth speaker.
Find sound and lighting hires near you70th, 80th and 90th birthdays
Volume down, nostalgia up, and somewhere comfortable to sit.
Swing and jazz singer
Sinatra, Bublé and wartime classics — the most requested style for an afternoon party.
Find swing and jazz singers near youAfternoon tea with a harpist or pianist
Gentle background music that lets people talk.
Vintage singalong duo
Two performers with a songbook, going table to table.
Photo and memory slideshow
A videographer can edit family photos into a short film to play after the cake.
Find photo and memory slideshows near youExtras that lift any birthday
Small additions that guests remember long after the music stops.
Themed lighting and dancefloor
Uplighters in one colour instantly make a plain hall look intentional.
Find themed lighting and dancefloors near youCaricaturist
A drawing per guest doubles as the party favour.
Fire or LED performers
Ten minutes outdoors as guests head to the dancefloor. Needs a safety brief and outdoor space.
Grazing table or street-food van
Catering that entertains as much as it feeds.
Balloon installation and decor
The backdrop every photo ends up in front of.
What birthday entertainment costs in the UK
Typical 2026 guide prices. Expect the higher end in London, on bank holidays and in December.
| Act | Guide price | Typical length |
|---|---|---|
| Children's entertainer or magician | £150 – £300 | 45–90 minutes |
| Party DJ with lights | £250 – £500 | 4–5 hours |
| Photo booth or magic mirror | £300 – £600 | 3–4 hours |
| Function band (4–5 piece) | £900 – £2,000 | 2 × 45 min sets |
| Acoustic duo | £400 – £800 | 2 × 45 min sets |
| Event photographer | £250 – £600 | 2–4 hours |
When to book
3–6 months before
Book the venue, then the entertainment. The best DJs and bands go first for Saturdays in December and summer.
6–8 weeks before
Confirm timings, set-up access and power. Check the act's public liability insurance and PAT certificates.
2 weeks before
Send the running order: arrival, food, speeches, cake, first dance or big moment, finish time.
On the day
Give the act a named contact, parking details and 60–90 minutes to set up before guests arrive.
Ready to book?
Browse DJs, magicians, bands, photo booths and more covering your town, message them directly and confirm everything with a simple contract.