For this VERY special Spooktacular BIG Festoon, we’re bringing all the magic, fun and BIG learnings of The BIG Festoon to your young people for the very first time…because no-one should have to miss out on opportunities for success due to a lack of childcare.
Thursday 30th October - Friday 31st October 2025
So, what are we offering?
In the same way wrap-around childcare works for caregivers and parents when they need to go to work, we’re providing up to 100 funded places for the children of our ticket holders at The BIG Festoon; we want you to learn, network and relax, knowing your children are being entertained and cared for.
We have 2 provisions, both fully staffed, which have been grouped by age so activities and entertainment are appropriate:
Aged 5-11
For children between the ages of 5-11, we have the incredible Helen Wilson, award-winning Founder of Helen’s Hub & Gootopia.
With over 20 years experience in the childcare/family entertainment industry and a regular with her EcoGlitter bar at our event, Helen is the perfect partner to create and host The Mini BIG Festoon.
Having operated award-winning holiday clubs across Cheshire & Stockport for the past 7 years, Helen recognises a gap in the market for event childcare. The VIP Kids Squad falls under the newly formed Helen's Hub - from Glitter to guidance, bringing ideas to life.
Expect plenty of Halloween and autumn themed activities including drawing, dance routines, slime-play, lego and building, fashion design, and some BIG surprises.
Our specialist partners will also be providing a SENzone for calmer moments. There’s even a Mini Festooners after-party…because afterall, why should the adults get all the fun?!
Fancy dress is optional.
Aged 11-17
For our young people between the ages of 11 and 17, we have LoudSpeaker.
Young people spend their lives learning what to say. At Loud Speaker, we teach them how to say it.
Loud Speaker provides unique, high-energy workshops that give learners the tools that enable them to speak professionally and leave them confident enough to take up opportunities.
Across our 6 headline workshops, we cover topics such as public speaking, confidence building, personal storytelling, teamwork, leadership and so much more.
Our workshops are designed to come in at the crucial point in their lives when they are planning their next steps and shaping their career paths.
This is all underpinned by the core belief that life should be full of good music, confetti cannons and giant unicorns – so that’s what we put in our workshops.
How it all works:
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You register your interest for a funded child place.
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You purchase your ticket to The BIG Festoon.
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We allocate your child a funded place.
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On 30-31st October 2025, you come to The BIG Festoon and drop your child off at The Mini BIG Festoon at 8am.
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You then attend The BIG Festoon event for the day.
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Once the day is done and over, you collect your child.
FAQs:
Can I bring my child into The BIG Festoon main room (The Premier Suite)?
No. We cover a breadth of subjects and themes at The BIG Festoon and the content of the show is only suitable for those over the age of 16. If you have a young adult over the age of 16 who would like to attend The BIG Festoon, a ticket must be purchased.
Can I visit my child during The BIG Festoon?
Alike to dropping your child at a holiday camp, once your child is signed in and dropped off at The Mini BIG Festoon, we strongly encourage parents and caregivers not to sign their children out unless absolutely essential. This is for safeguarding reasons.
My child requires SEND support- is this something you can provide?
Our incredible event partners are adept are looking after children who do have various SEND support needs. However, while we can offer a certain level of support to children who have SEND needs, we are unable to meet the needs of children in this setting who require 1-2-1 support. If you have concerns about whether your child’s needs can be met, please do not hesitate to speak to the team.
My child has a medical need- is this something you can support?
Our incredible event partners are happy and able to support the giving of any ongoing medicines to children with medical needs. However, if your child has complex medical needs which require 1-2-1 support, or requires specialist aids and adaptations for mobility, we as a setting are not equipped to provide adequate support which will meet those needs. If you have concerns about whether your child’s needs can be met, please do not hesitate to speak to the team.
Can I bring more than one child?
Yes. Subject to availability, simply fill in the form (one for each child) and we will allocate the places you need.
Is food and drink provided?
It is provided, yes. We will be releasing menus closer to the time. Dietary requirements will also be catered for, just let us know of any needs on the form.
What happens if my child is ill before The Mini BIG Festoon?
If your child is ill in the 24 hours before The BIG Festoon, please do not bring them along to The BIG Festoon.