Black Country goes gaga for baby rave as hundreds snap up tickets

The charity event at Wolverhampton's Bantock Park will offer youngsters the chance to slip on the Kandi bracelets and bop the afternoon away to the latest bangers.

It will also feature a bubble party, foam pens and a tented chillout zone, while talks are ongoing to set up a DJ tent in a field next to the site.

Originally, organisers wanted to host the rave for free but were ordered to make it a ticket-only affair by Wolverhampton council due to overwhelming demand.

Carly Birchell, from Wolverhampton-based Sling SwingUK and Hartbeeps, said: "As soon as we put the idea out there the volume of people that came forward saying they wanted to come was incredible.

"Because of the high demand we had to make it ticket-only, but the first 500 went in 45 minutes. We put another 250 up and they lasted about five minutes and then another 200 which also went in no time."

A fun day is set to take place alongside the event, which is aimed at under-fives.

It will feature stalls, classes, dancing, singing, soft play, face painting, baby and preschool taster sessions and bouncy castle.

"I think the word 'rave' has really peaked the interest of parents, many of whom are no doubt excited at the prospect of sharing a fun experience with their children," added Mrs Birchell, aged 35, from Penn, Wolverhampton.

"The world of baby entertainment is really growing and parents are always on the lookout for a day out that offers something a little bit different from the norm," she added.

Baby raves are the brainchild of Hartbeeps, which runs interactive sessions and parties for youngsters across the country.

In recent years similar events have taken place in Birmingham, although most of them have taken place indoors.

Mrs Birchell said: "This is very much aimed at young children.

"A lot of other events marketed as baby raves are basically somewhere for adults to go and enjoy themselves accompanied by their children.

"We want to make sure the emphasis is on the youngsters."

The event will raise money for Molly Olly's wishes, a charity that supports children with terminal or life-threatening illnesses in the Midlands.

It takes place on August 7, from 11am until 3pm. Entry costs £3 for a child accompanied by an adult.

For more information see Sling Swing and Hartbeeps on Facebook.

To donate to Molly Olly's wishes visit www.mollyolly.co.uk