How to Entertain at Big Events
Big community events are at the heart of local life in East Sussex. From summer fairs in Eastbourne to seasonal markets in Lewes, seaside celebrations in Seaford, and public fun days in Tunbridge Wells, these gatherings bring people together. But organising entertainment that appeals to families, children, and visitors of all ages can be challenging.
This guide explores how to plan engaging, family-friendly entertainment for large-scale community events, with ideas that work in parks, school fields, and town centres across the county.
Know Your Audience
The first step to successful community entertainment is understanding who your event is for. A family day in Eastbourne will have different needs from a town centre festival in Lewes or a charity fair in Haywards Heath.
The key is to cater for all age groups:
Balancing these options helps create a welcoming environment where families can stay longer and enjoy the full event.
Create Family Zones
At large community events, a clear layout makes all the difference. Councils and organisers across East Sussex often divide their sites into themed areas or “zones”.
A Family Zone might include:
By separating age groups, you improve safety, crowd flow, and enjoyment — and parents can relax knowing all play is contained in one supervised area.
Include Something for Everyone
A successful event isn’t just about children’s entertainment; it’s about keeping the whole community engaged. Adding variety ensures everyone feels included:
-
Active fun: Sports Games like the Extreme Assault Course (70ft) or Rock and Roll Gladiator Duel (21 x 22) keep energy high.
-
Relaxed attractions: Sweet Cart Hire - Meg's Moments adds a nostalgic, family-friendly touch.
-
Music and atmosphere: Disco Domes bring lights and sound that appeal to older children and teenagers.
-
Practical extras: 6.5kva Generator hire allows inflatables to run in fields and parks where power may not be available.
When these attractions are combined with food stalls, performances, and local business stands, they create a complete festival atmosphere.
Seasonal Opportunities
Community entertainment changes with the seasons. Summer fairs and outdoor events suit larger inflatables like Large Event Inflatables, which act as showpieces for open spaces.
In winter, indoor options such as the Frozen Bounce & Slide Combo Bouncy Castle work perfectly for Christmas fairs or end-of-year celebrations. Councils and community groups often hire these alongside festive extras from Christmas Hire, creating indoor zones that feel magical and warm.
Spring and autumn events can mix both — with smaller outdoor inflatables supported by Soft Play Packages indoors in case of poor weather.
Fundraising and Community Support
Inflatables are more than entertainment; they can help raise money for good causes. Schools, PTAs, and local charities in Seaford, Haywards Heath, and Hailsham often use bouncy castles and games to generate income through pay-per-go or wristband entry systems.
For example:
-
Charge a small fee per session on a Bouncy Castle.
-
Offer unlimited access wristbands for the duration of the event.
-
Run friendly competitions on Inflatable Games for prizes.
These methods not only raise funds but also keep guests entertained throughout the day.
Keeping It Safe and Professional
Community events bring large crowds, so safety must always come first. Choose inflatables from reputable local suppliers with insurance, testing certificates, and professional setup included.
It’s also important to have clear supervision in place — whether from trained staff or volunteer marshals. A simple layout with well-marked boundaries and signage helps families navigate safely.
Using professional setup services ensures all equipment is properly anchored and suitable for the surface. For councils or event committees, this also provides documentation for event insurance and risk assessments.
Promoting Your Event
Once your entertainment is confirmed, start promoting early. Social media, local press, and school newsletters are powerful tools. Highlight attractions like Sports Games, Inflatable Games, or Disco Domes to capture interest — they photograph well and instantly show that your event will be lively and family-friendly.
Encourage local businesses to sponsor inflatables or family zones in exchange for signage or online mentions. This not only supports costs but strengthens community relationships.
Making a Lasting Impression
The best community events feel inclusive and memorable. Families remember days when their children played happily, enjoyed themselves safely, and wanted to stay for hours. With the right entertainment — from castles and soft play to sweet carts and sports inflatables — organisers can create events that the community looks forward to year after year.
Whether it’s a summer celebration in Eastbourne, a charity fair in Lewes, or a council-led fun day in Tunbridge Wells, the formula is the same: plan carefully, balance attractions, and provide entertainment that brings everyone together.
Entertainment for Big Events
We help organisers across East Sussex bring energy, fun, and family appeal to their events. Explore options like Community & Council Events, School Fetes & Fundraisers, Sports Games, and Large Event Inflatables to find the right mix for your next celebration.
For advice or to start planning, visit our contact us page and let us know about your event — we’ll help you find inflatables and extras that fit your space, your visitors, and your goals.