As 2026 approaches, many organisers are already planning parties, school events, community days and corporate celebrations. Having the right equipment in place can make all the difference, whether you are organising a small family gathering or a large public event. We offer a wide range of products available to hire throughout 2026, giving you flexibility to build an event that suits your space, audience and budget.
Bouncy castles for all ages
Bouncy castles remain one of the most popular hire options year after year. For younger children, themed castles provide a colourful centrepiece for birthday parties and family events. For older children and mixed-age gatherings, larger inflatables and adult bouncy castles allow everyone to take part at different times, making them suitable for longer events.
Throughout 2026, bouncy castles continue to work well for birthdays, school fetes, weddings and community celebrations, particularly when paired with additional activities to reduce queueing.
Bounce and slide inflatables
Bounce and slide castles are ideal for energetic children who want more than just bouncing. By combining climbing, sliding and jumping in one unit, these inflatables help keep children engaged for longer periods. They are especially popular at garden parties and events with a steady flow of guests.
Many organisers choose bounce and slide inflatables as a single feature rather than hiring multiple units, making them a practical option for venues with limited space.
Inflatable slides and assault courses
For events that need a strong visual feature, inflatable slides and assault courses remain a popular choice. Inflatable slides act as a focal point at school fairs and fun days, while assault courses provide a high-energy challenge for older children, teenagers and adults.
These larger inflatables are commonly hired for sports days, charity events and corporate fun days, where their size helps attract attention and encourage participation.
Competitive inflatable games
Inflatable games add structure and competition to events. Options such as the bungee run, gladiator duel and inflatable challenges are well suited to team building days, school events and fundraising activities. Their head-to-head format makes them easy to run as timed challenges or pay to play attractions.
Throughout 2026, inflatable games continue to be popular at events where organisers want interaction and spectator appeal without complex setup.
Sumo suits and interactive challenges
Sumo suits remain a favourite for events that need a light-hearted competitive activity. Available in adult and children’s sizes, they are suitable for family events, school fetes and corporate socials. Short bouts mean queues move quickly, making them easy to manage.
These interactive challenges are often combined with other games to create varied activity zones.
Soft play and toddler-friendly options
Soft play equipment is essential for events that include toddlers and younger children. Padded shapes, ball pools and themed soft play sets provide a safe area where children can explore while parents relax nearby.
Soft play remains popular in 2026 for first birthdays, christenings, weddings and indoor events where inflatables may not be suitable.
Garden games and fairground-style activities
Garden games offer a flexible alternative to inflatables. Oversized favourites such as Giant Jenga and Giant Connect 4 work well at relaxed events, weddings and garden parties. Traditional fairground-style games are often used at school fetes and charity events as pay to play attractions.
Because these games require minimal space and no power, they are easy to add to a wide range of event layouts.
Didicars and ride-on fun
Didicars continue to be a popular addition to family events and fun days. Suitable for children and adults, they can be set up as simple tracks using cones or markers. This makes them ideal for school playgrounds, halls and outdoor events.
Didicars are often hired alongside soft play or inflatables to provide variety for different age groups.
Disco domes and music-led entertainment
The disco dome combines music, lighting and inflatable play in one unit. It remains a popular choice for birthday parties, school discos, proms and evening events. With simple audio connections, organisers can control the playlist and adapt the atmosphere throughout the event.
In 2026, disco domes continue to suit mixed-age events where children and teenagers want a shared activity.
Photo booths and interactive keepsakes
Photo booth hire adds an interactive element without requiring physical activity. Green screen and classic photo booths allow guests to create printed keepsakes throughout the event. They work particularly well at weddings, corporate events and celebrations where guests arrive in waves.
Photo booths are often combined with inflatables and games to give guests multiple ways to take part.
Popcorn and candy floss machines
Fun food remains a reliable addition to events of all sizes. Popcorn and candy floss machines provide a simple refreshment option while also creating a recognisable fairground feel. They are commonly used at school fairs, community events and family celebrations.
These machines are also frequently used as fundraising tools, with small charges per serving helping raise money for good causes.
Seasonal hire and Christmas events
Seasonal hire continues to play an important role in event planning. Santa’s grotto hire remains popular for school Christmas fairs, shopping centres and community events, providing a dedicated festive experience for families.
Because peak dates book quickly, organisers planning Christmas events in 2026 are encouraged to secure seasonal items early.
Planning ahead for 2026
With such a wide range of products available, planning early allows organisers to secure the right equipment and build a balanced event layout. Many events benefit from combining inflatables, games and quieter activities to suit different age groups.
Whether you are planning a birthday party, school event, community fun day or corporate celebration in 2026, our full range of hire equipment is available to help you build an event that runs smoothly from start to finish.
You can browse all available products and check availability by visiting our product pages or get in touch via the contact page if you would like help planning your event.
<< Return to news