Frequently Asked Questions for Bouncy Castle, Soft Play & Party Hire
Cheltenham, Gloucester, Tewkesbury & Gloucestershire
Planning a party or event comes with plenty to think about, so we have put together this FAQ page to answer the questions we hear most often. Whether you are booking bouncy castle hire in Cheltenham, Gloucester, Tewkesbury, Stroud, Cirencester, Tetbury, Stonehouse or elsewhere in Gloucestershire, these answers should help you plan with confidence.
We aim to keep everything clear and straightforward, from booking and delivery to setup and safety. If your question is not answered here, please visit our Contact Us page and we will be happy to help.
Booking and Delivery Across Gloucestershire
Do you take last-minute bookings?
Yes, when availability allows. Please call us and we will do our best to help. We work on a first-come, first-served basis, so your first choice item may already be booked, especially during busy weekends and school holidays across Cheltenham, Gloucester and the wider Gloucestershire area.
Do you deliver at specific times?
We plan deliveries around your hire time and our route for the day. While we cannot guarantee an exact delivery time, we will make sure your equipment is set up before your event starts. For larger events and Party Packages, earlier delivery may sometimes be arranged.
Will you contact me on the day of hire?
Yes, our delivery team will usually contact you shortly before arrival. Please make sure the contact number given at booking is correct and available on the day.
What access do you need for delivery?
We need clear access from our vehicle to the setup area. Narrow paths, steps, steep slopes or long carrying distances must be mentioned in advance. Larger items may need wider access, so it is always best to let us know as much as possible when booking.
What happens if nobody is home at delivery?
Someone must be present to show us where the equipment is going and provide access to power if required. If we arrive and cannot complete delivery because nobody is there, the hire remains chargeable.
Payments, Hire Times and Cancellations
Do I have to pay a deposit?
No deposit is required for bookings.
How do I pay?
You can pay by cash on delivery, or at the time of booking by Square payment or Apple Pay. If you require an invoice, it must be paid before the booking date. Please let us know as soon as possible if there are any issues.
How long is the hire for?
Standard hire is available for up to 8 hours. Let us know the times you need and we will accommodate you as closely as possible.
Do you offer overnight hire?
Yes. Overnight hire is charged at double the value of the original booking.
What if we want to cancel?
If you need to cancel, please give as much notice as possible. Cancellations must be made by phone, text or WhatsApp. Please do not email to cancel.
Safety, Testing and Cleanliness
Are you insured?
Yes. We have £5,000,000 public liability cover.
Is your electrical equipment PAT tested?
Yes, all electrical equipment is tested yearly in line with health and safety requirements.
Are your inflatables tested?
Yes. Our Bouncy Castles, Inflatable Slides, Disco Domes and other inflatables are tested annually through the PIPA scheme in line with Health and Safety Executive guidance. Certificates are available on request.
Are your products clean?
Yes. All inflatables, Soft Play sets and other hire items are cleaned before every hire so they arrive ready for your event.
Are you members of the British Inflatables Hirers Alliance?
Yes, we are members of BIHA.
Do you allow face paint?
No. Face paint is not allowed because it can stain and damage inflatables.
Can food or drinks be taken onto the inflatables?
No food or drinks are allowed on any inflatables. This includes sweets, chewing gum and fizzy drinks, as spills can cause slipping and staining.
What should children wear on the inflatables?
We recommend comfortable clothing and socks. Shoes, badges, jewellery and sharp objects must be removed before use to help prevent injury and avoid damage to the inflatable.
What happens if someone damages the inflatable?
Damage caused by misuse, prohibited items or failure to follow safety guidance may be chargeable. This includes damage caused by face paint, food, drinks or sharp objects.
Venues, Setup and Weather
How long does it take to set up and collect a bouncy castle?
Setup usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes and collection is usually the same. This can vary slightly depending on the item and the access to the venue.
Can bouncy castles go indoors?
Yes, but you must check the ceiling height before booking. The ceiling must be higher than the inflatable you choose. Sizes and heights are listed on our website. Please also make sure there is suitable access and that we can deliver without going up staircases. If you are unsure, we can help advise what is likely to fit in halls across Cheltenham, Gloucester, Tewkesbury and other nearby areas.
Who is responsible for checking hall sizes and heights?
It is your responsibility to check the size and height of any hall or venue you book. We are always happy to help, but measurements must be confirmed before your booking date.
What happens if the inflatable does not fit the venue?
Please note it is your responsibility to check access, sizes and ceiling heights before booking. If an inflatable does not fit on arrival, the hire remains chargeable. If you are unsure, contact us beforehand and we will help you choose a suitable option.
What surfaces can inflatables be set up on?
We can set up on grass, artificial grass, hard standing and indoors on suitable flooring. Please let us know the surface when booking so we bring the correct anchoring equipment.
Can inflatables be set up on artificial grass?
Yes. Artificial grass is usually suitable, but the anchoring method may differ. Please tell us in advance so we bring the correct fixings.
Do your bouncy castles have rain covers?
Yes, most of our Bouncy Castles have rain covers, which helps in light to moderate rain. Blowers and fans may still need shelter from rain.
What happens if it is raining?
We assess each outdoor booking on the morning of hire. If heavy rain or strong winds are forecast, we may need to cancel or reschedule. If you have paid upfront, a full refund will be issued.
Can I use a bouncy castle in the rain?
We advise waiting until the rain has passed before using the inflatable.
Do you hire bouncy castles outside during winter?
No. We do not hire bouncy castles for outdoor use during winter. Indoor hires are available.
Can I use a bouncy castle in the wind?
No. We do not provide outdoor bouncy castle hire when wind speeds or gusts are above 24mph. This is for safety and follows current guidance.
How much does it cost to power the fan?
Running the fan usually costs around 20p to 25p per hour, depending on your electricity tariff. We need access to a mains power supply, although generators may be available at an extra cost for some events.
Do you supply extension leads?
Yes, we can supply extension leads if needed. Please let us know where your nearest power source is so we can plan safely. For events without mains power, generators may be available at an additional cost.
Products, Suitability and Event Types
Do you have bouncy castles for grown-ups?
Yes. We have a range of Adult Bouncy Castles. These can also be used by children and have a larger capacity than our Childrens Bouncy Castles. Please note that all users on a bouncy castle at any one time should be of a similar size. Adults should not bounce with children on standard inflatables.
Can adults and children use the inflatable together?
We advise that users on an inflatable at the same time are of a similar size. Adults should not bounce with children on standard inflatables. If you want something suitable for grown-ups too, please look at our Adult Bouncy Castles.
Do you offer soft play?
Yes, we offer Soft Play for toddler parties, family celebrations and indoor events across Gloucestershire. Soft play is a great option for younger children, especially at venues in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury.
Do you offer themed inflatables?
Yes. We stock a wide range of themed inflatables within our Childrens Bouncy Castles collection, including popular character, animal and colour-themed designs.
Do you offer package deals?
Yes. We offer a range of Party Packages that combine popular inflatables and extras. These are ideal for birthdays, school events and family fun days, and they can offer better value than hiring items separately.
Can inflatables be used at schools and nurseries?
Yes. We regularly supply schools and nurseries with inflatables, Soft Play and games. This includes events across Cheltenham, Gloucester, Stroud, Tewkesbury and nearby areas. All equipment is insured and tested, and paperwork can be provided if required.
Can you supply equipment for large public events?
Yes. We regularly supply larger events with multiple inflatables, games and structured layouts. Please contact us to discuss requirements for schools, councils, sports clubs and community organisers across Gloucestershire.
Do you provide staff to supervise the inflatables?
Standard hires are unsupervised and require a responsible adult to oversee use. For larger events, schools or corporate bookings, staffed hire may be available on request.
Can you help choose the right inflatable for my event?
Yes. If you are unsure what will fit your space or suit your age group, we are happy to advise. We can recommend options from Childrens Bouncy Castles, Adult Bouncy Castles, Soft Play and more, depending on your event and venue.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially for weekends, school holidays and popular products. Availability can fill up quickly across Gloucestershire, particularly in Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury during peak times.
If your question is not covered here, please visit our Contact Us page. You can also browse our Delivery Areas page for more information on the towns and villages we cover across Gloucestershire.