Festival of Fun: costumes and party supplies in York

Festival of Fun is a family-run fancy dress and party shop at 75 Goodramgate, in York city centre. The shop occupies three floors, with a costume hire department on the third floor, so it covers both last-minute party accessories and more complete outfits. Goodramgate is easy to reach on foot from the city centre and is one of York’s oldest streets, lined with historic timber-framed buildings. The shop’s telephone number is 01904 655777, and its website is festivaloffun.com.

The range is broad rather than limited to one type of event. You’ll find Halloween costumes, Christmas outfits, 1920s through to 1980s themes, pirates, cowboys, superheroes, cosplay, fairytale and fantasy clothing, historical outfits, Oktoberfest items, Pride accessories and more. There are also wigs, hats, masks, face paint, theatrical make-up, face jewels, jewellery, gloves, inflatable props and novelty weapons. For parties, the shop stocks jokes, hen and stag party items and practical jokes. Prices in the current catalogue include Face Jewels at £4.99, a Banana Hat at £7, a Velvet Hooded Cape at £19.99, a Skeleton Jumpsuit Costume at £17.99 and an IT Pennywise Costume at £25, giving a useful idea of the range. A Silly String Spray costs £4, although it is available for in-store collection only because of Royal Mail restrictions on pressurised cans.

The atmosphere seems practical and busy, especially around Halloween and before New Year. Customer reviews regularly mention helpful staff and advice when choosing an outfit, while some people have found the shop very crowded at peak times. One review also noted that closing times have occasionally varied, so it is sensible to check before travelling if you are visiting late in the day. The listed opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 10:00–17:30, and closed on Sundays. With its central location, three floors and costume hire section, Festival of Fun is set up for browsing, hiring a full costume or picking up a few finishing touches without leaving York city centre.