What to Do If the Weather Turns on Your Party Day
British weather can change quickly, and it is common for families and organisers across East Sussex to worry about rain, wind, or sudden changes in the forecast on the day of their event. The good news is that a little rain does not always mean your party has to stop. Many outdoor inflatables can still be used safely in light rain, and with a bit of flexibility there are plenty of ways to keep your party running smoothly.
This guide explains what to do if the weather turns, what is still possible, and when safety rules mean an outdoor inflatable cannot be set up.
Understanding When Weather Affects Inflatables
Inflatables behave differently depending on the weather. Light showers, drizzle, and brief periods of rain are usually manageable, but strong wind is the biggest safety concern. High winds can make inflatables unstable, even when correctly anchored.
Your booking can generally go ahead in:
Your booking cannot go ahead outdoors if:
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Wind speeds exceed safe limits
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Gusts are strong or unpredictable
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The ground is unsafe or waterlogged
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The surface cannot safely hold anchors
In windy conditions we must cancel or move the inflatable indoors for everyone’s safety. This applies to all outdoor inflatables, including Bouncy Castles, Bouncy Castle Slide Combos, Inflatable Games, and items from Large Event Inflatables. Safety rules for wind are mandatory for every supplier.
What Happens If There Is Light Rain
Many families worry that a few showers will ruin a party. The reality is that most inflatables can still be used if the rain is light.
In light rain:
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The inflatable can still be set up outdoors.
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Children can continue to play safely, as long as the surface does not become slippery.
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We may pause use during heavier bursts until the worst passes.
If rain is the only issue and winds are calm, your party can usually continue as planned.
You may want to place gazebos, umbrellas, or small shelter areas nearby for parents and observers. Some families in Eastbourne and Lewes set up small seating tents so adults stay dry while children enjoy the inflatable.
What Happens If Wind Becomes Unsafe
Wind is the main reason we must cancel or modify an outdoor booking. Even if the inflatable looks sturdy, wind can lift or shift a unit in a way that is unsafe for children.
If winds exceed safe limits:
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We cannot set up the inflatable outdoors.
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We will contact you before arrival if the forecast is already unsafe.
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If it changes suddenly on the day, we will discuss options with you.
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You will be offered alternative solutions if you have an indoor space available.
We always prioritise safety and will never risk setting up equipment in unsuitable conditions.
Last-Minute Option: Move Your Party Indoors
One of the best ways to save your party if the weather turns is to move the inflatable indoors. Many customers do this at short notice, and we are always happy to help.
Indoor options include inflatables from:
Smaller inflatables are designed to fit comfortably into:
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Community halls
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Church halls
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School halls
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Scout huts
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Sports halls
If you can find a hall near Seaford, Hailsham, Haywards Heath, or anywhere across East Sussex, we will happily alter your booking and deliver to the new venue instead. Many halls can be booked with only a few hours’ notice, especially earlier in the day.
How to Find a Hall Quickly
If the weather changes on the day of your party, here are useful steps for securing a hall quickly:
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Check local community centres. These often have free daytime slots on weekends.
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Try village halls or church halls. They tend to be more flexible with short-notice bookings.
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Look at schools offering weekend hire. Some allow last-minute bookings for smaller events.
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Call rather than email. You are more likely to get a fast answer.
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Check ceiling height. Any hall with a standard height is suitable for Low Height / Indoor inflatables.
If you are unsure whether your new venue is suitable, just ask. We can quickly confirm whether the equipment will fit.
Adjusting Your Booking
We understand how frustrating it can be when the weather changes. That is why we aim to be as flexible as possible. If you secure an indoor venue, we will adjust your booking and bring indoor-suitable equipment from categories such as Low Height / Indoor or Bouncy Castle & Soft Play Packages.
If you want to switch from an outdoor inflatable to a smaller indoor castle, we are always happy to help as long as the item is available.
What You Can Do to Prepare in Advance
Most customers like to have a backup plan in case of poor weather. Here are some simple ways to stay prepared:
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Have a list of local halls in mind when you first book.
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Check the Best Indoor Venues for Kids' Parties guide for reliable options.
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Consider an indoor venue for winter birthdays.
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Invite guests to dress in layers for cold days.
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Bring spare towels for wiping down surfaces if needed.
Planning a little ahead helps avoid stress and keeps your event running smoothly.
Keeping Children Entertained Indoors
If you do move indoors, there are plenty of ways to keep the party lively:
Indoor setups often feel calmer and easier to manage, especially during colder months.
What to Do If You Cannot Secure an Indoor Venue
If wind is too strong and no indoor venue is available, you still have options:
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You can reschedule your booking to a future date.
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You can move forward with a non-inflatable party and transfer part of the booking to a different item from Party Extras & Add-Ons.
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You can switch to a soft play–based layout in a living room or garage space.
We will talk through all available choices with you.
Weather Support Across East Sussex
We regularly manage weather changes for parties in Eastbourne, Lewes, Seaford, Tunbridge Wells, and surrounding areas. Our goal is to keep your party enjoyable and safe, even if plans change.
If the weather turns, we will guide you through the safest and most practical options.
To ask about venues, indoor equipment, or weather concerns, visit our Contact Us page and tell us your situation. We will help you adapt your booking quickly and smoothly.