What time can a garden party last until?

Planning an outdoor party? Here’s how to keep it fun—and friendly with the neighbours!

Garden parties are a fantastic way to celebrate birthdays, especially for kids. You’ve got fresh air, plenty of space, and the freedom to be loud and silly (which we fully support!). But one question we get asked all the time at Non Stop Kids Entertainment is: “What time can a garden party go on until?”

It’s a great question, because the last thing you want is to upset the neighbours or break any local noise rules. So let’s break it down: what’s the best time to host a garden party, and when should things start winding down?

What Are the Official Rules on Garden Party Times?

Technically, there’s no specific law that says when you must end a garden party, but there are noise regulations in the UK that you need to be mindful of. Here’s what you need to know:

Local authorities can take action if noise becomes a nuisance, especially after 11:00 PM. According to the Environmental Protection Act 1990, your local council can investigate noise complaints and issue warnings, or even fines, if the party is considered a disturbance.

That said, for a children’s birthday party, we’re usually not talking late-night raves and blaring music!

What’s a Good Time Frame for a Kid’s Garden Party?

Here’s what we recommend for Non Stop Kids parties and what tends to work best for both parents and neighbours:

Ideal Party Duration: 2–3 hours

Kids are buzzing with energy at the start, but by hour three they’re ready for cake and a bit of calm!

Best Start Times: Between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM

This gives you the warmest part of the day, avoids nap times for little ones, and leaves plenty of time for clean-up before dinner.

Suggested Finish Time: By 5:00 or 6:00 PM

This keeps things neighbour-friendly and avoids the party running into tea time or bedtime routines.

Want to go a bit later during the summer? That’s fine too, just be mindful of volume levels if you're running music or games into the evening.

Best Days to Host a Garden Party

Saturday or Sunday afternoons are the gold standard. They give families time to prep in the morning and relax afterwards without a school run the next day.

Bank holidays are also a great option, just be sure to give your neighbours a heads-up if you’re planning something bigger.

Weeknights? Generally not ideal unless it’s a very small gathering - most people are tired from work and won’t appreciate high-energy party noise midweek.

Top Tips for a Stress-Free Garden Party

Give neighbours a heads-up. A quick note or friendly chat goes a long way. Bonus points if you invite their kids!
Keep music at a reasonable level. It should be loud enough for fun, but not rattling the windows!
Hire professional entertainers (like us!) to keep the party structured, upbeat, and under control - no rowdy chaos or overstaying guests.
Finish with a clear “wind-down” moment, like cake or party bags, so everyone knows it’s time to head home.

Make the Most of Your Garden Party with Non Stop Kids Entertainment!

We specialise in high-energy, outdoor-friendly party packages that keep the kids entertained and the grown-ups smiling. From magic shows and games to themed adventures and superhero parties, we bring the fun so you don’t have to do it all yourself.

Whether you’re throwing a mid-morning bash or a mid-afternoon celebration, our entertainers keep everything running smoothly - and we’ll make sure the party ends on a high (and respectful!) note.