Facing COVID-19: The children's entertainer bringing birthday parties online

A children’s entertainment business has adapted its business to help keep young people inside during the coronavirus lockdown.

Goldilocks Entertainment, based in London, has taken its business online and is now holding children’s parties over Zoom, the digital communication platform.

The company, owned by Sedona Ferguson, runs parties for ages 3-13, and is ensuring that children don’t have to cancel birthday parties - or continue with them despite self-isolation measures.

Sedona commented: “Due to the coronavirus, all my events were cancelled before the UK went into lockdown and like many small business owners, I was really concerned about how I’d be able to keep my business afloat.

“A friend suggested I should start running virtual birthday parties, at first I had no idea how it would work but I decided to give it a go and it’s been a huge success!

“I found creating virtual birthday parties forced me to be super creative with the games I invented and how to keep all the guests engaged.

“I create bespoke party plans for the birthday child, incorporating all their favourite characters and hobbies.

“I use lots of high energy drama games, but I’ve also taught dance routines, origami classes, scavenger hunts and quizzes.

“Using a video conferencing app enables the child to invite as many guests as they like.

“People have even invited grandparents to watch and cousins who live abroad.

“The reaction has been amazing! These parties mean their birthdays don’t have to be cancelled and they can still feel really special on their big day.

“Parents have thanked me for bringing birthday joy and magic during what is such a confusing time for children.

“I’m taking around four bookings a day and I’m doing parties throughout the week.

“Normally I would only do parties at the weekend but during lock down the same rules don’t apply!”