Happy New Year from Rainbow!

Well that was a year none of us expected, but despite the trials and tribulations of a global pandemic we’d like to start the New Year on a high by taking a look back at Rainbow’s best bits of 2020!

At the start of the year – before the days of social-distancing, zoom calls and virtual trade shows – Rainbow characters were seen mixing with guests at a number of events including Toy Fair London, the Sonic the Hedgehog Movie premiere and Orinoco even met Boris Johnson at the Houses of Parliament to launch the 'Great British Spring Clean'.

As the first Lockdown loomed and the world came to a halt, a team of Rainbow staff volunteered their time to make scrubs, gowns and wash bags for NHS staff which were donated to local hospitals, care homes and hospices. We are extremely proud that the team played their part in the fight against COVID-19.

During this time, Rainbow invested in staff training, sourced new fabrics and acquired new innovative technology – a 3D printer and a RotaCaster – all providing us with a long-term global competitive edge and allowing us to remain at the forefront of worldwide costume character manufacture.

Lockdown also saw new Managing Director and owner, Simon Foulkes, take up the Rainbow reins after the retirement of David Scott.  Simon even got his twins in on the action as they helped Orinoco launch the postponed 'Great British September Clean'.

As clients started to welcome guests back, we couldn’t wait to put characters back in front of their fans with our new Adapted Character Engagement (ACE) programme.  The Minions first appeared at Camel Creek at the end of July leading to a successful run of events as PAW Patrol visited Knebworth House, the Trolls met stars Fern McCann and Alisha Dixon and the Gruffalo spent 16 days at Kew Gardens.

And even when we were asked to stay at home, Rainbow characters graced our TV screens. As Lockdown 2.0 hit, the nation settled down to watch the new series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! which saw Sir Mo Farah and Victoria Derbyshire take on the Castle Coin Challenge wearing Rainbow designed costumes!   Then on Boxing day, Laa-Laa from theTeletubbies made a guest appearance on Channel 4’S Big Fat Quiz of the Year!

To top the year off, we’re thrilled to add the Smurfs to our licensed character list along with the welcome return of Warner Bros. favourites Scooby-Doo, Bugs Bunny, Tom & Jerry and the DC Super Heroes Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman.

Finally, take care and bring on the joy of the 2021 vaccinations!