A COLOURFUL party business has opened its first premises in Southminster.

Tiddlywinks has opened its party room on the high street in the village, offering a wide range of enchanting party packages with a focus on princesses from fairy tales.

Owner Mandy Silcock, originally from Southminster, has been running the business alongside her full time job as a primary school teacher for the past seven years.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Owner Mandy Silcock with princess Megan Vickers

However, this summer she took the plunge to lease her own space to host her parties, giving up her teaching job to take it on full time.

The business aims to offer parties of up to 20 children, with adult parties also in the pipeline, which could potentially see up to 30 people at once.

Packages range from 30 minute, 60 minute to two hour appearances from princesses and other characters, with best friends and one on one appearances also on offer, with starting prices from approximately £100.

Mum of one Mandy said: “I always wanted to have my own place but obviously it’s hard to nail somewhere down.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

“I’ve been doing this business for seven years now, and it all kind of happened by accident getting this place.

“One of the biggest challenges is not the kids, but all the adults that come with them, as many kids bring along their families, so it can get really crowded before you even realise.

“I’d love to do other events such as baby showers, and possibly wedding related things.

“I’m from Southminster originally but I’ve spent a lot of time in Southend, and everyone down there is very much party hard.

“Coming back here felt like the right place to do it, because for many there’s nowhere particular to go out in Southminster, people go to the cinema in Burnham, or Let’s Go Bonkers, or go to Maldon.”

Tiddlywinks had its grand opening on Sunday, with its services now available for booking.

Maldon and Burnham Standard:

Ms Silcock added: “I’ve had some very nice support from people in the area, some have said this kind of thing is exactly what the high street needs.

“Thanks must go to JS Precision for coming in day in day out for eight weeks, pretty much living in here to get it all done up.”

Visit www.facebook.com/TiddlywinksChildrensPartyTime.