What's the going rate for birthday party entertainment?

[TheScottishPlayer]

Some plans we had for DS's birthday have fallen through and for various reasons we don't really want to have a birthday party at home. We're thinking about hiring a hall and getting some entertainment in so it's less stressful for DH and I but I just wondered how expensive it would be.

He really wants a pirate party - I've seen a few ads for entertainers that do themed parties - games/face-painting/balloon modelling etc.

If anyone's done something like this and can recommend anyone/give me an idea of prices I'd be very grateful. I've sent a few emails off to various people but it's always useful to hear from local MNers who've done it already!

StinaSparkles www.stinasparkles.net/ seems to be quite reasonable. She tends to tailor what she can to what you can afford and has had good feedback.

Thanks Groovee - have you used her for a party before?

I haven't but I have friends who have.

Thanks Groovee - I'll have a look.

Any other suggestions/likelihood of costs to share?

I've heard Alexander the Great is fantastic!

Thanks. I'll have a look. Waiting to hear back from StinaSparkles.

DS seems quite sure he wants a pirate party so I think we're going to stick to that if we can. Jake and the Neverland Pirates has a lot to answer for!

Party Planet would do everything for you pirate wise but hearing mixed reports for it being closed and other times not answering the phone.

I have never managed to get through to Party Planet. I wasn't even sure that they still operated, as I have previously left messages and had no response. When my DS turned 4, we organised a go-kart party which was fabulous and he was presented with a trophy at the end. The go-kart hire cost about £140 then. We've also had a good party through Edinburgh Leisure, just hiring the hall with bouncy castle, and I think this is fairly inexpensive (but I can't remember exactly how much it was). We've also had a 'painting party' which all the kids loved. We ordered one of the large eco/cardboard rockets and when assembled all the kids got to paint it with silver and gold paint and real big paintbrushes. And we've hired Gymtastic in Penicuik, which has suddenly become the place to go. I think it cost about £100, and after my son had his party there, 3 other people we know booked in for their kids' parties!
Good luck with the organisation.

Thanks everyone. I've been to a party planet party before but it's very disco-y and loud so I think it's better for slightly older ones (though it was a 3 yr old party I went to). Also, while the children were having their party food at the end the next party arrived and the cafe area was heaving and really noisy.

That said, the children all seemed to have a good time.

We've had an Edinburgh leisure bouncy castle party before sixp - it's definitely a good value option. They also left out various bits of sports equipment and the children all loved having a good run around and jumping on the fairly substantial bouncy castle. I think it cost us about £50 to hire for that and the party room for two hours.