Throwing a home party can be brilliant — no curfews, no venue hire, and everyone’s already got slippers if things go late. But how do you keep guests entertained — especially when your guest list spans sugar-hyped kids and fun-seeking grown-ups?
Whether you're planning a birthday, a garden gathering, or an impromptu “why not” celebration, here's our list of the top 10 party entertainment ideas that will turn your next home event in Greater Manchester or Cheshire East into a memory-making masterpiece.
1. Party On the Drive – Mobile Gaming & Karaoke Party Entertainment Bus
🎮🎤 When the party comes to you… on wheels!
If you haven’t heard of Party On the Drive, you’re in for a treat. This fully-equipped mobile gaming and karaoke bus pulls up outside your home and instantly becomes the main event. Kids will be glued to the high-tech gaming stations while the grown-ups can unleash their inner Beyoncé with LED-lit karaoke inside the plush, party-ready bus.
It’s a total game-changer (literally) for birthdays, family celebrations, and teen parties. No mess in your living room and no stress with tech setups — just non-stop fun all together, that rolls right up to your door.
2. Outdoor Cinema Night
Swap your sofas for bean bags and fairy lights for an unforgettable back garden movie night. You can rent a projector and screen from local providers in Manchester or Cheshire East, or go DIY with a white sheet and a borrowed projector. Add popcorn, snacks, and blankets, and you’ve got yourself a Netflix-worthy night under the stars.
Bonus idea: Do a double feature — something animated for the kids early on, and then a classic rom-com or thriller for the adults later.
3. Silent Disco
Ever seen a bunch of people dancing in silence? It’s hilarious, and more importantly, it’s FUN. Silent discos are perfect for home parties in residential areas, especially where noise restrictions apply.
Headphones = no neighbour complaints. Two or three channels = people of all ages dancing to their favourite tunes. You can rent a silent disco kit locally — many companies in Greater Manchester offer quick drop-offs and pickups.
4. Magician or Mentalist
Great for breaking the ice and adding some real “how did they do that?” moments to your event. A magician can wow kids with tricks, while a mentalist can blow the minds of adults with clever illusions and mind-reading feats.
Look for entertainers who specialise in Greater Manchester family parties — many offer age-flexible shows that can be split into kid-focused and adult sets.
5. Garden Games Olympics
Bring out the competitive spirit with oversized games like Jenga, Connect Four, sack races, limbo, and tug of war. Split the party into teams — parents vs. kids, anyone? — and throw in a few cheeky prizes.
These are easy to rent locally or even make yourself if you're feeling crafty. Just make sure there’s a prize for “best effort” — the adults will need it!
6. DIY Pizza Bar or BBQ Challenge
Everyone loves food — but making it together is even better. Set up a DIY pizza station with dough, sauce, cheese, and toppings, or run a BBQ challenge where teams cook their best burgers.
This works especially well with kids (cheesy faces, anyone?) and adults who fancy themselves as the next grill master. Bonus points for party guests who name their food creations!
7. Photo Booth Fun
Rent a selfie mirror or DIY your own booth with props, backdrops, and a ring light. Photo booths are always a hit and make for brilliant party mementos — especially for birthdays or anniversaries.
You can find lots of photo booth hire services that cater to both small home events and big garden parties.
8. Craft Corner or Mini Workshop
Perfect for younger kids (and their patient parents), set up a crafting station with paints, beads, paper masks, or slime kits. For adult fun, try a cocktail-making mini-class or cupcake decorating challenge.
You can even hire local creatives in Greater Manchester to run a 45-minute craft session tailored to your theme or age group.
9. Inflatable Fun Zone
From bouncy castles to inflatable obstacle courses, this is a sure hit with kids and teens. Just make sure you check your garden size first! Many companies offer inflatable setups with delivery and safety instructions included.
Also… don’t be surprised if a few adults sneak in for a bounce. It’s basically a childhood dream come true.
10. Live Entertainment – Music, DJs, or Even a Puppet Show
Whether it's a local acoustic singer in the garden, a family-friendly DJ, or even a puppet show for younger kids, live entertainment adds serious wow factor to any home party.
You can find tons of talented performers in Manchester who offer short sets perfect for intimate events.
Final Thoughts
Throwing an unforgettable home party in Greater Manchester or Cheshire East isn’t just about decorations and finger food — it’s all about the experience. Whether you’re going big with a mobile gaming and karaoke bus (seriously, Party On the Drive is worth booking early) or keeping it classic with a few garden games, a bit of creativity goes a long way.
And remember — it’s your party. Have fun with it, mix and match ideas, and most importantly, don’t stress about perfection. Some of the best moments come from spontaneous dance-offs, slightly-burnt marshmallows, and karaoke solos that should have stayed private (but now live forever on video).
Party on, Greater Manchester and Cheshire East — your ultimate home bash awaits!