Makaton, Bubbles and Big Smiles at Banbury Fayre
Community fayres are at the heart of what we do, and Banbury Fayre was a lovely example of why. Families from across the town came out for a day of stalls, food and entertainment, and we were there with our giant bubbles and our inclusive approach to circus fun, using Makaton alongside speech so that everyone could join in.
The bubbles were, as always, a big draw. Children came running from across the field to chase them, and parents stopped to film the biggest ones as they drifted overhead. But what made this day special for us was seeing children of all abilities taking part together, with Makaton signs helping us to communicate with everyone, not just those who find spoken language easy.
What Is Makaton and Why Do We Use It?
Makaton is a language programme that uses signs and symbols alongside speech. It is widely used by children and adults with learning or communication difficulties, and it is taught in many schools and nurseries across the UK. Signing key words as we speak helps children understand what is happening and gives them another way to respond.
Our team are Makaton trained, and our coordinator Shaun is an experienced SEND and PMLD teacher. We use Makaton naturally throughout our workshops and walkabouts, signing words like “bubble”, “more”, “again” and “finished”. It costs nothing extra, it never gets in the way of the fun, and for some children it makes all the difference between watching from the side and feeling part of the show.
Why Bubbles Are So Inclusive
Giant bubbles are one of the most accessible activities we offer. They are:
- Visual, with rainbow colours and huge shapes that are easy to follow.
- Sensory, as children can reach out, touch and pop them.
- Calm, with no loud bangs or sudden noises.
- Flexible, so children can join in for a few seconds or a whole hour.
For children who are wheelchair users or who prefer to stay in one place, we bring the bubbles to them. For children who love to run, there is plenty of space to chase. Everyone can have a moment of wonder at their own pace.
Inclusive Entertainment for Fayres and Fun Days
We believe every public event should be welcoming to every family. As well as Makaton, our team have experience with basic BSL, low tech and high tech AAC devices and sensory adaptations. If your event has a quiet zone or an accessible area, we can plan time there too, with gentler bubbles and smaller groups.
Alongside bubbles, we offer circus skills workshops, stiltwalkers, LED glow shows and balloon modelling, all of which can be adapted for different needs. Many event organisers tell us that our inclusive approach is one of the main reasons they book us.
Simple Signs Anyone Can Learn
During the day we taught a few easy Makaton signs to children and parents who were curious. “Bubble” is a lovely one to start with: you mime blowing and then draw a round shape with both hands. “More” and “again” were very popular, especially when the biggest bubbles had just popped. It was great to see families using the signs together, and a reminder that inclusive communication can be fun for everyone, not just for those who rely on it.
A Day to Remember
By the end of the afternoon, the field was full of families who had stopped to watch, chase and sign along. Some of the children had learnt a couple of new Makaton signs from us, and several parents came over to say how nice it was to see their children included without having to ask. That is the kind of feedback that means the most to our team.
Thank you to everyone at Banbury Fayre for having us, and to all the families who came to say hello.
Banbury Fayre FAQs
Do you charge extra for using Makaton?
No. Makaton is simply part of how we work, at every booking.
Can you work with SEND schools as well as public events?
Yes. We work with SEND schools, specialist provisions, respite services and hospices, and we can provide references from organisations we have worked with.
Do you cover Oxfordshire and the Midlands?
Yes. Our team travel across Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and the Midlands, and we have performers based across the UK.
We would love to come back to Banbury next year, and we are always happy to talk to other fayre and fete organisers in the area about bringing inclusive circus fun to their events, whether that is bubbles, workshops, stiltwalkers or a mix of everything.
Book Inclusive Circus Entertainment
If you are organising a fayre, fun day or community event and want entertainment that welcomes everyone, call or WhatsApp 07866 261346 or email info@bezerkaz.co.uk.