Little Monster Show

So what is the secret of Little Monster’s success?

The Little Monster Baby and Toddler Show is the creation of North Somerset’s Caroline Sparks. Hannah Chapman investigates the success of the annual event

If you’re tired of trawling the internet or magazines looking for things to do with children, things to buy them or local classes and groups then have no fear; Little Monster could be just the fair for you. Once a year Ashton Gate Stadium is transformed into a baby and toddler emporium and this year promises to be the best yet.

It’s got to be said that Caroline Sparks is a women who gets things done. The first Little Monster show was held in 2007 and five years later it’s still going strong. Caroline says, "We’re thrilled to be celebrating our 5th birthday. It proves that whatever the state of the economy, people will always be having babies!" And it’s true! The first show saw visitors arrive in their hundreds, with 753 people walking through the entrance while last year’s event witnessed more than 1,000 visitors. Caroline has remained motivated for each show and it’s down to her hard work that it’s the success it is today. She says, "I love working on something that results in something tangible and the feeling of everything finally coming together on the day."

But why are shows like these so popular? It’s a combination of parents from all over the South West coming to see what local businesses have to offer, the bouncy castle, the face painting and as Caroline says "It’s a great opportunity for parents and kids to try out the classes and have some fun! I started the shows because when I had my babies there was no ‘one place’ to go and find out what was available locally for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. At the time you had to go to London or Birmingham to a visit a baby show and it occurred to me there was a gap in the market to hold a baby show catering for parents and parents-to-be in Bristol and the surrounding area."

It’s clear that being local is important to the show; it means that parents know the services they are seeing are available in their area or at least nearby, rather than having to travel to a national fair and worry the service aren’t in Bristol. Imagine how annoying it would be to see a service you like the look of and spend time speaking to someone about it, only to find that the closest one isn’t local at all; by making sure that business are available in the area Caroline has ensured that parents from all over Bristol will benefit from the vendors on show. It’s also a brilliant way of smaller businesses getting much needed exposure directly with their target audience. The cost to exhibit at the show can be about the same as the cost of small advert in a magazine but with the benefit of being able to talk to future customers and answer any questions or concerns first hand.

There are all sorts of exhibitors to look at when you arrive, whether you are interested in activities for you and your baby, baby boutiques or photographers that specialize in children’s portraiture. All of the vendors will be on hand to answer any questions you might have and many offer a demonstration of their product. Some of the exhibitors will even be offering products to take home on the day; for example Epic Photography will be taking photos and printing them on key-rings for free. There will be free goody bags for visitors arriving at 10am and 2pm, free demonstrations and taster sessions of local children’s activity classes, free face painting, balloons and a bouncy castle (£1 for 5 minutes).

Believe it or not it is not just the local businesses and parents who benefit from the show. Little Monster gives back to the community as much as possible. "This year we’re supporting the Cots for Tots Appeal, which is part of Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal. The appeal is raising £1 million to provide a much needed expansion of the Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital Bristol, which will provide 4 further intensive care cots and dedicated family accommodation for parents." The unit is currently the only one of its kind in the South West. Due to recent advances in the care of premature and newborn babies there has been a higher demand for the services they provide, so the money raised will help to support the Unit’s continued hard work.

Little Monster opens its doors at 10am on Sunday 6 March and will be held at Ashton Gate Stadium. Entry is £3 on the door or £2.50 booked in advance and accompanied children under 16 get in for free.

For more information about Little Monster or to book tickets, visit www.little-monster.co.uk