Fancy Dress

The History of Dressing up in Fancy Dress costumes has been around since the beginning of time, It was originally used as a form of disguise and enabled the wearer to change his identity for a whole variety of reasons. Jesters are Probably the most iconic form of Fancy Dress, The jester originated in Europe during the Middle Ages. During the 14th Century all British Royal Courts employed a jester, Jesters were believed to touched by God with a child-like madness. This allowed for the mentally handicapped to sometimes find employment by dressing up and behaving in an amusing way. In a harsh medieval Europe, it was the only employment they could find, without it they would struggle to survive. Entertainment included music, clowning, ball juggling, and telling of jokes. Jesters and clowns were often featured in William Shakespeare's plays. The tradition of Court Jesters came to an end in Britain when Charles I was overthrown, England under the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell had no place for such fripperies as jesters. English theatre also suffered and a good many actors and entertainers relocated to Ireland where things were little better. Modern Day Fancydress Over time has become more associated with the element of fun rather than entertainment, and the number of Fancy Dress parties being held has risen dramatically. No longer is it just reserved for Halloween and New Years Eve parties, people are dressing up for birthdays, Hen Nights, and just about any occassion possible. At the hen parties the chief bridesmaid will find novelties that would make any a women blush and on Stag nights the bestman will normally dress the groom in womens fancy dress.

sporting events are great for dressing up in fancy dress, just for the fun of it. This trend has led to Fancy Dress companies, like Smiffys, to massively increase their range of costumes, allowing for party-goers an almost unlimited choice of outfits. Fancy dress shops now stock a large range of Fancy Dress costumes and accessories , from Nuns and Vicars, Cowboys and Indians to Police, Hippies and Pirates. Alongside the traditional costumes there are costumes form the 50s, 60s, 70s They have started to introduce more contemporary ideas. For example the official licensed Little Britain range - you can choose from any of your favourite characters from the BBCs hit TV show, be it Im the only gay in the village. - Daffyd, to Yeah but, No but..... - Vicky Pollard. With companies like Smiffys constantly developing their licensing programme, Your choice of fancy dress will increase massively over the coming months to include favourites like Doctor Who, Spongebob Squarepants, Noddy, Postman Pat, Desperate Dan and more.