IT'S been a bumpy ride recently for the owners of the Funky Playbus, but they're back on the road and providing unique parties onboard two very special double deckers.

Established in 2012 by husband and wife team Simon and Iwona Beckingham, Funky Playbus has been bringing joy to little party-goers at birthdays, weddings, fetes, fun days and christenings ever since.

"Our party buses are a great mix of traditional party mixed with soft play energy burning fun," Simon told the Daily Echo.

ALSO READ: Teepee sleepovers parties for youngsters

"They are suitable for two to eight-year-olds. We are never affected by the weather and we do our utmost to create that unique birthday party experience. We always try and tailor the party to the birthday child's likes and interests, the right music tracks, themed colouring sheets and the games they would like to play including musical statues, pass the parcel or a fun treasure hunt on the bus."

The buses, which travel all over Hampshire, can be parked on your drive, on the road or even in a pub car park. They just need a standard plug socket, a toilet nearby for the children and enough space to park a double decker bus.

"We bring the party to you," adds Simon. "We can take care of everything, even the rubbish and clearing up. A perfect stress-free party really is a thing!"

Daily Echo:

Funky Playbus was also providing Lego based after school clubs until Covid struck.

With the lockdowns in place, all parties were either refunded or postponed.

But the most heart-breaking thing for Simon and Iwona was in August 2020 when vandals broke in to the buses, parked at Arlington Fleet Services in Eastleigh, and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Daily Echo:

As reported by the Daily Echo at the time, a well supported fundraiser, helped save their business.

"It still really hurts," said Simon. "But the crowd funding page gave us the lifeline of a return to action. So thank you to everyone that got us back on the road. You kept the Funky Playbus alive."

Customers, which have included ex Saints striker Charlie Austin, keep coming back because of the joy it brings their youngsters.

Daily Echo:

Simon adds: "We love what we do and I hope this is visible at any of the parties we have delivered over the years.

"The kids love us and happy children equal happy parents.

"We provide what we would expect for our own children."

To book or to find out more, visit funkyplaybus.co.uk

  • Funky PlayBus is our trader of the week. If you'd like us to feature your local business, click on the link below or visit dailyecho.co.uk/trader