loving

a mixture of home parties and events: “Spring has started hot with two coronations - one for a UK King and another for the winner of Eurovision. So assuming the weather plays ball in summer, it could be really big as this is the first year since the end of Covid that events can be planned without fear of a Covid cancellation.

“Glastonbury kicked off with selling 160,000 tickets in under an hour (=approximately £66 million) and from what I can tell most other music festivals are experiencing the same effect. This is a really good start to the party market summer even with the cost-of-living crisis, as it is evidence of spending (if you have it) on having a really good time.

sure to set the scene for hosting lots of gatherings all summer long.”

The freedom of the post-Covid era may still get people out partying, according to Erwin van Dijk, account manager at OppoSuits: “I don’t really think people will start hosting more events at home this summer. In fact, I actually think people will more often choose to go outside of their houses because 2023 is probably the first year that festival season is a big thing from start to end since Covid.”

Mark Brett, sole UK agent for Boland predicts

“All of which promises a great summer of dress up and party decoration. Moreover, those of us who are cash strapped are more likely to spend on a party at home rather than a swanky and overpriced venue.”

Others agree that there is likely to be parties at home and further afield. Sarah O’Hara, product manager at Amscan, comments: “Here at Amscan we’re all looking forward to a hot summer and can’t wait to get the BBQ out.

“We expect to see a mix of both celebrations at home as well as people still enjoying going out socialising with friends and family. And with a summer packed with events, there’s plenty to entice people outside.”

When it comes to what parties will look like in 2023, there are some key themes. Elliott continues: “Customers continue to use party décor and balloons to level up their living space when celebrating all types of occasions. Our new Piñata range has proved popular and adds another fun element to summer parties and BBQs.

“The trend for DIY photobooths or photo walls remains strong; our hats, inflatables and accessories such as feather boas are popular in this category and make a fun and creative group photo.”

Julie sees some clear opportunities when it comes to celebrations: “Some themes we expect to be big this summer are ‘big and bright’: We predict big balloons in bold colours will be adding instant impact to birthday parties everywhere.

“After a few years of disruptions, graduation ceremonies are back on the agenda. From nursery through to university, we’re expecting lots of ‘Class of ‘23’ style celebrations.

“Rainbow décor is sure to be everywhere this June and July as Pride celebrations take place all across Europe. And for kids’ parties, we’re predicting mermaids/under the sea and football to be among the top trends this summer.”

Licences are key for Opposuits, as Erwin explains: “We offer a broad variety for men for this summer season. You can dress up as your favourite superhero such as Superman or Batman with our Suitmeister summer sets, or be more fashionable with our collection OppoSuits summer sets.”

Sarah expects the garden to play a pivotal role in summer party trends: “We’re sure consumers will still be continuing their love affair with their own outdoor space; from DIY Tiki cocktail bars, to transforming their gardens into watering holes or tropical paradises for the summer.”

Turn the page to find out what’s new for summer parties this year.