From Father to Daughter: The Story Behind Big Top Carnival Co. 🎡

They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree but in our family, it usually lands on something bouncy or colourful.

If you’ve ever wondered why we are so passionate about what we do at Big Top Carnival Co., the answer lies in a mix of nostalgia, family tradition, and a little bit of "heavy lifting" during my childhood summers.

The "Bounce-Time" Era

The spark for this business didn't start in an office; it started in 2002. Back then, my dad ran a very small bouncy castle business called Bounce-Time. If it was a Sunday, a Bank Holiday Monday we would be at his car boot unrolling in Flamborough or Wednesday and Friday in Filey.

While other kids were playing tag, I was dragging out heavy PVC, rolling out mats, and learning the ropes of the leisure industry. Those summer holidays spent setting up inflatables in the garden weren't just chores they were the foundation of everything I know today. Eventually, My Dad stopped this due to us moving away but that "spark" never really went away.

From the East Coast to London: A New Chapter

Fast forward a few decades. Living in London and a bit more space poor than my childhood.
COVID-19 hit and like most parents everywhere, I was faced with a massive challenge: How do I keep my daughter, Sophia, entertained while the world is on pause? The massive bouncy castles of my youth weren't an option in a London garden, but the desire to create joy was stronger than ever. That’s when the idea for Big Top Carnival Co. was born. We realized you don't need a 20ft inflatable to have a 20ft-sized impact. You just need a game that’s clever, engaging, and built with heart.

Small Footprint, Huge Impact

Big Top Carnival Co. is a true family collaboration. While I handle the heavy lifting (some things never change!), Sophia is the Master Planner. Together, we sit down and design these games. We focus on:

Handcrafted Quality: Building games that last and look beautiful.

Smart Design: High-engagement games that fit into smaller spaces perfect for city events, garden parties, and weddings.

The "One More Go" Factor: Creating that addictive carnival magic we fell in love with years ago.

Why We Do It

The industry has changed since 2002, but the feeling of seeing a child finally land that winning toss remains exactly the same.

It started as a small family business with me and my dad on the coast. Now, it’s a small family business with me and my daughter in the city. We aren't just creating any bog standard game; we’re creating a legacy of fun, one game at a time.

---

Want to see what Sophia and I have been building lately? Explore our full range of handcrafted carnival games here.