One Year On: When Halloween Got Too Spooky for The Fun Experts

When Halloween Turned from Fun to Fright

Halloween night 2024 was meant to be about sweets and spooky costumes - not smoke and sirens. But for The Fun Experts, it became a night we’ll never forget.

Operations & People Director Ryan Lee was at the McDonald’s Drive Thru after an evening of Trick or Treating with his kids when, before placing his order, saw two fire engines race past...heading in the direction of our warehouses. Curious, Ryan pulled up the CCTV feed and was met with a sight no one wants to see: thick black smoke filling the screens.

"Welcome to McDonald's, can I take..." With son in tow, Ryan quickly drove away from the Drive Thru before being able to place the order. By the time he reached the site, the two fire engines he saw pass - one of which had 'Major Incident' down the side - had joined five more on scene! 

The Night the Fun Experts Rallied

It would quickly transpire that a neighbouring building was the source of the original fire, which while it had started hours before, had very quickly been put out. However the fire had been smouldering for some time which created the amount of smoke which had made it's way not just into our own offices and warehouses but other neighbouring buildings.

Ryan was soon joined by Directors of Fun Sunny and James Sandwell, after a quick phone call explaining what was happening. The fire crews would have to remain on site for hours before giving the 'all-clear'. Drones were being used to ensure there were no other 'heat' spots and a very, very expensive looking robot controlled by a master fire technician was brought in to enter certain areas of the site.

Sales Director Camille Bradshaw joined the team in the early hours as everyone waited for the all-clear from fire crews. When it was finally safe to enter, the sight was surreal: offices covered in soot, equipment coated in residue, and a lingering smell of smoke everywhere.

Halloween had turned scary for a whole new reason.

From Fire to Festive Season: The Show Must Go On

The timing couldn’t have been worse - it was the eve of our busy festive season, when The Fun Experts deliver joy, laughter, and entertainment to corporate Christmas parties and events across the UK.

Heading into November it's very much about celebrating the festive season; our equipment is 'swapped' out to our winter range, Christmas recruitment begins and all the planning and delivery that goes into a busy period. This couldn't have happened at a more inconvenient time - though to be fair, to have not happened at all, at any time would be the ideal.

But if there’s one thing The Fun Experts know, it’s how to turn challenges into opportunities.

During those early morning hours, a plan was in motion:

• Office teams (Sales, Accounts, Marketing, Logistics, Management) began working remotely - huge thanks to our friends at Shout Connect for providing office space.
• Cloud-based systems ensured phones, emails, and bookings stayed up and running.
• The Logistics Team, specifically within the Warehouse side led by Danny and Adrian, went above and beyond to make sure every piece of event equipment was cleaned, checked, and ready for action.

Even amidst a mammoth clean-up operation, events continued to roll out. Clients and guests still experienced the same unforgettable fun and all had no idea what was happening behind the scenes!

Teamwork, Resilience, and the Spirit of Fun

The weeks that followed were a whirlwind of cleaning, organising, and restoring. But thanks to the determination and positivity of every Fun Expert, we were back on our feet quicker than anyone imagined. Unknow skills came out which ensured some tasks could be done ourselves...who knew Fun Expert Stuart could fit carpets!

The experience became a powerful reminder of what makes The Fun Experts truly special:

• A team that refuses to give up.
• A commitment to delivering fun, no matter the circumstances.
• And a shared passion for spreading joy - even in the face of fire!

One Year Later - Stronger, Smarter, and Still Spreading Fun

One year on, we look back with gratitude and pride. What could have been a disaster became a story of resilience, teamwork, and the unstoppable Fun Experts spirit.

To our incredible team, to Shout Connect for their support, and to every client who continued to trust us to bring their events to life - thank you.

Because no matter what happens, you can’t stop The Fun Experts from spreading smiles, laughter and unforgettable fun.

Here's to the 2025 Christmas Event Season!