Bouncy Castle and Inflatable FAQs
Welcome to the Imperial Bouncy Castles FAQ page! Below, we’ve answered the most common questions from our customers about hiring bouncy castles and soft play in Liverpool, Widnes, St Helens, Wirral, and Birkenhead.
If you still have a query after reading through, feel free to get in touch.
Which areas do you cover?
We offer reliable delivery across Liverpool, St Helens, Widnes, the Wirral, Birkenhead, and surrounding parts of Merseyside. If you're outside of these areas, just let us know—we'll do our best to help.
How do I book an inflatable?
You can book directly through our website, call us on 07411 879303 or 0151 721 0152, or send us a message via Facebook or Instagram if you're using those platforms.
What payment methods do you accept?
Payment can be made online prior to the booking or by cash on delivery. If paying on the day, please ensure you have the correct amount ready when we arrive.
What services do you provide?
We offer a wide range of inflatables and entertainment including:
All equipment is cleaned and disinfected after every hire.
Can I use face paint, party poppers, or silly string?
No. Items like face paint, party poppers, silly string, streamers, glitter, and confetti can permanently damage our inflatables and are strictly forbidden. The hirer is liable for any cleaning or repair costs.
Can food or drinks be consumed on the inflatable?
No. Eating or drinking on the inflatables is not allowed, as it can cause staining and hygiene issues.
Are pets allowed near the inflatable?
Please ensure your garden is clean and free from animal mess before we arrive. If using artificial grass, the area must be jet washed beforehand. During overnight hire, pets must be kept away from the inflatable to prevent hygiene issues or damage.
Can I move the inflatable after it’s set up?
No. Once our team sets up the inflatable and secures it with anchor pegs, it must not be moved. This is for your safety. Removal or tampering with the pegs is strictly prohibited.
What happens if it rains or is too windy?
For outdoor hires, we follow strict safety guidelines and will not set up in unsafe wind conditions (typically above 24mph). If bad weather is forecast, we may suggest rescheduling.
Do I need to supervise the children?
Yes. A responsible adult must supervise children at all times during use. Shoes, badges, and sharp objects must be removed before playing, and overcrowding or mixing small and large children is not advised.
Can I hire for overnight use?
Yes, overnight hire is available. However, electrical equipment such as blowers, extension leads, artwork panels, and speakers must be stored indoors overnight. You are responsible for keeping them safe.
What if something is left on the inflatable?
If we collect and find that a personal item has been left inside a deflated inflatable, contact us right away and we’ll arrange for its return. However, we cannot accept responsibility for damage caused during deflation.
Which products are best for toddler parties?
For toddlers and very young children, we recommend our Soft Play Hire packages, such as the Cbeebies Soft Play or the Pastel Blue Soft Play. These sets include safe, cushioned play shapes, ball pits, and ride-ons that are ideal for little ones. You can also pair soft play with smaller inflatables like the Balloons Bouncy Castle or the Unicorn Bouncy Castle.
Do you have inflatables suitable for older children and teenagers?
Yes! Larger products like the Mega Obstacle Course, Obstacle Course Bouncy Castle, or the Mega Slide Bouncy Castle are perfect for older kids, teenagers, and even adults. These options provide more space, climbing features, and slides for a bigger challenge.
Are any of your inflatables suitable for adults?
Our larger units, such as the Mega Obstacle Course and the Mega Slide Bouncy Castle, can be enjoyed by both children and adults. These are ideal for community events, school fairs, and football presentations where guests of all ages want to join in the fun.
Which products are best for themed birthday parties?
We have a wide range of themed inflatables to match different party ideas. Popular options include the Avengers Bouncy Castle for Marvel fans, the Paw Patrol Bouncy Castle, the Minecraft Bouncy Castle, and the Toy Story Bouncy Castle. For football-themed parties, we offer both LFC Bouncy Castle and EFC Bouncy Castle.
Can I combine products for a full party package?
Absolutely! Many customers book both a bouncy castle and a soft play set to cater for a mix of ages. For example, pair the Pink Slide Bouncy Castle Combo with the 18 Piece Softplay set, or hire the Large Front Slide Bouncy Castle Combo alongside the White 10ft Square Ball Pit for a bigger setup.
What inflatables are best for school or community events?
For larger events with multiple participants, the Mega Obstacle Course, Obstacle Course Bouncy Castle, and Disco Dome are always popular. These allow for more children to play at once and are great for fun days, sports presentations, and fundraisers.
Do you have options for indoor venues?
Yes! Many of our smaller inflatables like the Balloons Bouncy Castle, Spiderman Bouncy Castle, and Unicorn Bouncy Castle fit comfortably in halls and community centres. Our Soft Play Hire packages are also ideal for indoor events like christenings and toddler parties.
Do any products come with built-in music or lights?
Our Disco Domes are equipped with internal lights and a Bluetooth speaker system, letting you play your own music while the kids bounce and dance. Some combo units like the Pink Slide Bouncy Castle Combo can also be disco-ready—ask when booking!
What are the most popular items for football events?
For football club presentations or match-day entertainment, our LFC Bouncy Castle and EFC Bouncy Castle are top picks. Many organisers also choose larger inflatables like the Mega Slide Bouncy Castle to keep children active and entertained before and after presentations.
Do you offer inflatables with slides?
Yes, our Slide Bouncy Castles combine bouncing and sliding for extra fun. Options include the Blue Slide Bouncy Castle Combo, Pink Slide Bouncy Castle Combo, and the Large Front Slide Bouncy Castle Combo.
What’s the difference between an obstacle course and a regular bouncy castle?
Obstacle courses like the Mega Obstacle Course and Obstacle Course Bouncy Castle have tunnels, climbing sections, and pop-up obstacles, making them more interactive and competitive. Regular Bouncy Castles are better for free play and younger children.
What is your refund/cancellation policy?
Bookings can be cancelled for a full refund up to 14 days before the event. Within that 1-week period, bookings cannot be refunded but can be rearranged for a different date. Cancellations must be made via email or phone.
Who is liable for damage or injury?
The hirer is responsible for the safe use of the equipment while on hire. Our public liability insurance covers us as a business, but you are advised to obtain your own cover for your event. Damage due to wear and tear is not charged, but negligence or misuse will result in repair fees.
Do you have any gender-neutral party options?
Yes! Castles like the Party Bouncy Castle, Party Time Bouncy Castle, and Balloons Bouncy Castle are perfect for mixed groups. They feature fun, colourful designs suitable for boys and girls.
Can I hire inflatables for multiple days?
Yes, multi-day hire is available for many products. This is popular for bank holidays or weekend-long events. We’ll arrange safe overnight storage of equipment such as blowers, extension leads, and speakers.
What’s included in soft play hire?
Soft play packages such as the 18 Piece Softplay set, Cbeebies Soft Play, and Pastel Blue Soft Play typically include soft shapes, a ball pit, safety mats, and ride-on toys or hoppers. The pastel blue package also allows personalisation for birthdays.
What’s the largest inflatable you offer?
Our biggest items are the Mega Obstacle Course and Mega Slide Bouncy Castle. These are ideal for larger outdoor spaces, schools, and events where you want a big impact.
Do you offer inflatables with popular characters?
Yes! We have themed inflatables featuring superheroes (Avengers Bouncy Castle, Spiderman Bouncy Castle), gaming favourites (Fortnite Bouncy Castle, Minecraft Bouncy Castle), and family-friendly classics like Paw Patrol Bouncy Castle, Micky & Minnie Bouncy Castle, and Toy Story Bouncy Castle.
Can inflatables be set up on tarmac or concrete?
We can set up on some hard surfaces by using weights or sandbags, but you must tell us in advance. Some larger inflatables (like the Mega Slide Bouncy Castle) must be set up on grass for safety.
Do you provide inflatables for weddings?
Yes! Our White 10ft Square Ball Pit and Pastel Blue Soft Play are especially popular at weddings and christenings, as they fit well with formal themes while keeping young children entertained.
What’s the difference between small, standard, and large castles?
How much space do I need for an inflatable?
Each inflatable has specific space requirements. As a general rule, you need a flat area a few feet larger than the unit on all sides. For example, the Blue Slide Bouncy Castle Combo is 12x17ft, but you’ll need extra clearance for safety and anchoring.
Are all inflatables cleaned after use?
Yes. Every bouncy castle, soft play set, and inflatable is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each hire, so you can be confident your equipment arrives in excellent condition.
Do you have options for indoor parties in colder months?
Yes! Products like the Balloons Bouncy Castle, Spiderman Bouncy Castle, and any of our Soft Play Hire packages are perfect for hall parties, community centres, and nurseries during the winter.
Can I personalise any of your products?
Yes! Some of our soft play packages, like the pastel blue set, can be customised with your child’s name or a birthday message (e.g. “David Turns 2” or “Charlie’s 1st Birthday”). Just let us know in advance when booking.
Do you offer themed bouncy castles?
We do! Popular themes include LFC, EFC, Marvel Avengers, and Toy Story. These are perfect for fan-based parties and are available in compact 12x14 sizes that suit most gardens and indoor venues. Explore our full Themed Bouncy Castles range for more ideas.
Are your inflatables suitable for indoor use?
Yes, many of our bouncy castles and soft play sets are suitable for indoor hire, especially in colder months or when unpredictable weather is expected. Just make sure the venue has enough space and suitable access. Low-height inflatables are ideal for venues with height restrictions—see our Indoor-Friendly Castles.
How big are your soft play sets?
We offer soft play packages in various sizes. For example, our pastel blue soft play includes 18 soft play pieces, a large 6ft ball pit, up to 1,500 balls of your choice, a safety mat, ride-on cars, and bouncers. Everything is sized appropriately for toddlers and young children.
Do you provide equipment for toddler parties?
Absolutely. Our Toddler Party Hire options are specially designed for little ones, with low-risk, cushioned play zones like soft play, ball pits, and hoppers. These are perfect for christenings, first birthdays, and nursery events.
Can I hire more than one product at a time?
Yes! We regularly supply complete party packages with multiple inflatables, soft play areas, and add-ons like ride-on toys. If you're planning a larger event, consider combining Disco Domes, Slide Castles, and Ball Pits for maximum fun.
Is setup and collection included in the hire?
Yes, we deliver, set up, and collect the equipment for you. Our team will also discuss where you’d like the inflatable placed and ensure it’s pegged down securely. Just ensure we have a clear path from the van to the setup area before we arrive.
What if I have artificial grass in my garden?
If hiring an inflatable on artificial turf, we ask that the area be jet-washed beforehand to remove any animal urine and general debris. This ensures hygiene and prolongs the life of the inflatable. Let us know if you're using artificial turf when booking.
How far in advance should I book?
Weekends and school holidays book up quickly, especially for our most popular products like themed castles or soft play. We recommend booking at least 2–3 weeks in advance to avoid disappointment—especially if you're after something like our Football Range or Princess Range.
Can castles be placed on hard surfaces?
Yes, but we must be informed in advance so we can bring appropriate weights and sandbags. Note that some outdoor hard surfaces (like tarmac or concrete) may limit anchoring options. We'll advise on the safest setup for your space.
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Are your inflatables tested and insured?
Yes. All of our bouncy castles and inflatables are fully tested and safety checked before every hire. We also hold valid public liability insurance to protect us as a company. However, you the hirer are responsible for the safe use of the equipment during the hire period and are advised to take out your own insurance if needed, especially for public or corporate events.
What happens if it rains or the weather is bad?
We closely monitor the weather and follow industry guidance on wind speeds and conditions. For safety reasons, we will not proceed with an outdoor hire if winds exceed 24mph . If the weather looks unpredictable, we’ll contact you to discuss your options, including rescheduling if needed.
Can I hire inflatables for schools, nurseries, or community events?
Yes, we regularly provide inflatables and soft play for school fairs, nurseries, sports presentations, and local community events. Products like our Mega Slides and Event Inflatables are perfect for larger crowds. Contact us to discuss bulk bookings or tailored packages.
Do you hire to corporate events?
We sure do. Whether it’s a staff family fun day, a charity fundraiser, or a football presentation, we have inflatables suitable for both children and adults. You can combine products like our Adult Bouncy Castles, Giant Games, and Obstacle Courses for a full event setup.
How do I pay for my booking?
Payment can be made online when booking through our website. Alternatively, cash on delivery is accepted , but you must have the correct amount ready when we arrive. We also accept bank transfers and other digital methods if arranged in advance.
What’s your cancellation policy?
You can cancel and receive a full refund up to 14 days before your hire date . If you cancel within the final 14 days, we cannot offer a refund—but we’re happy to rearrange your booking for another date. Just get in touch via phone, email or our Contact form.
What should I do before you arrive?
Before we arrive, please ensure:
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The setup area is clear and free from obstacles
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All animal mess is cleaned up
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Vehicles are moved if they block access
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You let us know in advance about artificial grass or tight access
This helps our team set up quickly and safely.
Are your staff trained ?
Yes. Our delivery team is experienced and trained in safe setup procedures.