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My Fortyfest!

Turning 40 is a real milestone and because I’m a firm believer that you’re a product of the people you surround yourself with, I wanted to celebrate the special people in my life with a real party to remember!  It was just so incredibly special, and so many people put in a lot of hard work to make it happen.

I wanted a festival theme, so I got in touch with Chantelle Walsh, the winner of Ultimate Wedding Planner, and asked her to organise the biggest and most exciting party she’d ever done. And she absolutely knocked it out of the park!

Bradbury Glade, a stunning wedding venue not far from us in Durham was the perfect setting for an all-out festival-themed 40th. With three massive tipis, surrounded by a 60-acre forest and magical glade, the venue set the scene perfectly.

Chantelle drafted in her fellow Ultimate Wedding Planners to make it even more special with Tash Nichols crafting up a beautiful backdrop, Toby Hawker bringing the glam with his stunning headpieces.

Jack Quenby was running things from the teepee and keeping the dancefloor jumping with the guys from The Mix Tapes!  And, the wonderful Shabana Shabir couldn’t be there in person but brought in some fabulous vendors she works with often like Lucy’s Glitter Box and the amazing team from Recreate Laser and Front Cover Booth. I also brought in some brilliant local companies that I know and love. A huge thank you to Parkers who made sure guests arrived in style, Molly Robbins made the most amazing (and delicious!) cake.

Fortyfest! Gallery

Photography by Nicky Johnston
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The Garden Cinema Company set up the gaming area and the Party Time Inflatable guys had the little ones entertained for hours a huge inflatable bouncy castle circuit plus retro lawn games. Also, it’s become a signature after having them at my wedding, 30th birthday and my mam’s 50th so it had to be done, bumper cars from Turners Funfairs.

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