Are bouncy castles allowed in the village hall you've booked?

Cheddar Village Hall have recently announced that bouncy castles are no longer allowed in their venue. They are trying to contact anyone with an upcoming party booked to let them know about this change of policy.

The change of what's allowed in their party and wedding reception venue is apparently due to the fact that they've recently had a new floor fitted, and they don't want it to get damaged. A new floor is a major investment for a hall, and despite comments on Facebook from locals suggesting it can't be a very good floor if they think an inflatable might damage it, it makes sense that a community organisation would want to be cautious with their recent investment.

This will be quite a blow though, for anyone who has an upcoming party booked and has already arranged their bouncy castle hire. I hope anyone and everyone effected can get a refund on their entertainment, or find a different venue in time!

It also made me think of the importance of checking with a hall what you intend to do with it. Just because you've seen a giant inflatable maze, or paint balling (OK that might be an extreme example!) or crazy golf at another village hall, doesn't mean it'll be allowed at the one you've booked. Or in this case, even if you've seen that type of entertainment at the very hall you're booking, it doesn't mean they're going to allow it in the future. They may stop for a tangible reason like Cheddar, with their new floor, or they might stop just because they've had problems in the past with insurance or mess or damage caused and so they've decided it's easier going forwards to not allow certain things.

Village halls are brilliant for cost effective parties, right on your doorstep, but don't forget to communicate your intentions with your venue - no matter their size or scale - to check that your ideas and expectations are aligned!

Image courtesy of Unsplash.