It’s been a very strange few months here at The Emporium..
After closing our doors in at the end of March for 2 months and only doing virtual Zooms and video messages, restrictions gradually started to be lifted and things finally seemed to start returning to “normal”.
We had to cancel our summer event and reschedule to January :(
But we decided to trial our first ever “socially distanced” event! And thus was born..Princesses in The Park!
We hosted the events at Basildon Sport and Leisure Centre - an incredible wedding venue with lots of outside space.
Firstly - we knew how important it was to make the events ‘covid secure’
What precautions did we take? We signed off the event with Basildon Council, limited the amount of children attending and only allowed 1 adult per child to monitor numbers, kept all the activities so that the children were able to stay on their individual blankets, all equipment was sanitised before, during and after, and sanitiser was available throughout.
We teamed up with our FAVOURITE event stylist Fable and Moon to create a gorgeous, Instagram-able photo background…and as always Sophie completely transformed our mini event. If you don’t follow her already on Instagram..go do it!! Each of our events had balloon garlands colour themed perfectly to our different characters. Check out what she created for us below…
Our first event was featuring The Mermaid Princess and The Tower Princess. We were all very nervous as this was the first time we had held an event since before lockdown..but as soon as everyone arrived and we saw those smiles our nerves faded and we remembered why we love what we do.
If you can remember back..this day was the HOTTEST day of 2020. The performers were absolutely incredible and entirely professional - even in those wigs and costumes you would never have known they were sweltering! We managed to find a lovely bit of shade for the second session, much to the relief of everyone!
We packed a lot into that hour: socially distanced dancing…games…rainbow scarf dancing…and of course live singing performances. Did you know we only hire trained and experienced singers/actors to portray the Princesses? We feel that the songs are totally part of the magic..and helps create that high quality, authentic experience.
We finished with individual photos for each child..where the children were able to come a little closer to say hello (but always 2 metres!)
Despite the heat, we were thrilled with how the first event went and had some incredible feedback!!
2 weeks later we decided to do it all again!! After so much positive feedback we put on another Princesses in the Park - Frozen Style!! Can you guess who may be appearing at this one?
That’s right, two Icy Sisters and also a cameo from a loveable Snowman!
These two just haven’t lost any popularity - especially since the second movie came out, and we love the fact there are so many amazing songs to sing now. This event sold out within a day.
Now was the day we had 40 mile an hour winds (we cannot catch a break!) and after much thought we decided to continue with the event. The venue grounds are actually sheltered so even though it was quite BREEZY, it wasn’t too bad at all. The balloons got a battering though!
We did similar activities with lots and lots of live singing… joined by lots of mini Princesses/Princes singing along! Then as an extra treat the friendly Snowman came out to say hello and join us for pictures at the end.
Once again of course, all Covid safety regulations were in place to ensure a secure and safe event :)
As we grew closer to the end of the Summer Holidays, we thought why not squeeze one more in before the children go back to school! So on 1st September we held our final summer event: End of Summer Party
But this time instead of 2 characters we had 5 Princesses…. we wanted to go out with a bang!!
We also made the decision to come inside (after not having much luck with the weather previously)
The inside of the venue is HUGE. Probably bigger than the outside space, which is why we felt confident that anyone attending would be able to distance appropriately. The venue is also so well ventilated with 4 double doors around it, that we kept open the whole time.
I should note that the people who run Basildon Sport and Leisure Club (behind the Mayflower Retail Park on a127) are AMAZING. So friendly, helpful and attentive. If you are in need of a venue for a wedding or party please get in contact.
The day was a dream come true - with 5 beautiful Princesses swirling around the sparkly dance floor…seeing mini Princes and Princesses with the hugest smiles on their faces as they sung and danced.
And just take a look at what Sophie from Fable and Moon created!
Thank you everyone who attended our mini events and put their trust in us
We are proud to have been able to find a way to bring the magic back in a safe and controlled way
Now onto the next holidays….. Princess Halloween party anyone??
Take a look at some of the final pictures below…
The Princess Emporium xx
