Member Article

Birthday Dilemma Behind North East Business

A DILEMMA over what to give a friend’s daughter to make her birthday unique has led to the launch of a successful business for a North East couple.

Husband and wife Dee and Christine Dowling run Ginger Parties from recording studios at Gateshead’s Stonehills, offering people of all ages the chance to capture the memories of their special day with a music video.

And the couple revealed that the company – which is now in great demand for everything from corporate team building events to family celebrations –was created after coming up with the idea as a birthday gift.

Dee, a professional musician and Christine, a former dancer and entertainer who worked with Ant and Dec, run Ginger Music Company which, along with specialist bass guitar shop, The Bass Base, is also a studio and rehearsal space.

“It was the birthday of one of our friend’s daughter and we couldn’t think what to get her,” said Christine.

“So we came up with the idea that she and her friends could come into the studio, I’d teach them some choreography to their favourite song and then we could make a video out of it.”

The party was such a success that Christine and Dee realised that they could extend the concept and offer the package for everything from hen dos to corporate team building days.

Ginger Parties have been held for people celebrating landmark birthdays and for youngsters who want to behave as mini pop stars to mark their special day.

“It turns out that the parties seem to appeal to people of all ages,” said Christine.

“And we are also now starting to attract companies who want to carry out a team building exercise with a real difference.”

Christine uses her choreography skills to teach party goers the dance moves to their favourite song and then the finished version is filmed and sent to the organiser, along with being uploaded to Ginger Music’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.

The finished video can also be downloaded on to keyrings which can be given out as a reminder of the party, which have proved particularly popular with hen parties.

At the same time schools have also used the facilities, creating fund raising CDs to support a particular charity.

“The possibilities are endless,” said Christine.

“And it doesn’t matter about the age of the people or the occasion they’re celebrating, the parties just give them an opportunity to have a really unique experience.”

Further details on Ginger Parties are available by visiting www.gingerparties.co.uk or call 0191 469 6988.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sorted PR .