Ice cream vans add a magical touch of nostalgia to events and can serve up to 200 tasty treats every hour. These beloved vehicles work great for events big and small. The cheerful jingles and bright exteriors tell quite a story – many businesses like Mr Whippy Ice Cream Ltd started as family ventures back in the 1960s and now their grandchildren run the show.

The cost to rent an ice cream van starts at £150 for smaller events, though most professional vendors charge around £495. Your final price depends on the date, where you’re hosting, and how many guests you’ll have. You’ll find plenty of vehicle choices to match your event’s style – from sleek Mercedes fleets to eye-catching vintage Rolls-Royce ice cream vans. This piece will help you pick the perfect treats-on-wheels for your next event, whether you’re looking locally or in places like Dublin.

Types of Events You Can Hire an Ice Cream Van For

Ice cream van rental provides flexible catering solutions that work great for everything from brand promotions to wedding receptions. These beloved vehicles create lasting memories for people of all ages. Let’s take a closer look at events where an ice cream van can add something special.

Corporate events and brand activations

Ice cream vans have become excellent marketing tools that work perfectly for corporate events and brand activations. A branded vehicle catches the eye of about 3,000 people every hour. This makes it a great chance to maximize brand exposure.

These vans are perfect for:

• Office visits and employee reward days
• Product launches and brand awareness campaigns
• Trade shows and exhibitions
• Company fun days and team-building events

Companies can tailor their ice cream van experience with branded cups, wafers, or special treats that match their event theme. A simple refreshment becomes a powerful marketing tool that builds brand recognition and creates positive connections.

Weddings and private parties

Wedding ice cream van rental has become more popular over the last several years. These charming vehicles give couples a fun alternative to traditional desserts and create amazing photo opportunities.

Wedding ice cream vans come with:

• Custom ribbon decorations that match your color scheme
• Special menu boards with the couple’s names
• Options from simple Mr. Whippy cones to fancy sundaes
• Choices for dietary needs including vegetarian, vegan, and halal-friendly options

Ice cream vans bring extra fun to birthday celebrations, engagement parties, anniversaries, family gatherings, and even hen or stag parties. Everyone rushes to get their favorite frozen treats when they hear that familiar music.

School fairs and community events

School events, community festivals, and local gatherings come alive with ice cream vans. Schools love them for sports days, end-of-term treats, and fundraising activities.

Many rental companies give special rates to schools and charities. Payment options include pitch fees or a percentage of sales, which works well for fundraising.

These vans add something special to:

• Local fairs and village fetes
• Charity fundraisers and fun days
• Sports tournaments and festivals
• Neighborhood block parties

People naturally gather around ice cream vans at these events. They create a fun atmosphere and serve cool treats that everyone loves.

TV, film, and media productions Enter Ice Cream Van Rental

tainment industry professionals also need ice cream van rental services. Many companies provide vans for TV shows, films, commercials, and photo shoots.

Production companies look for vans that are:

• Clean and camera-ready for TV appearances
• Available with or without staff in uniform
• Ready to work around production schedules

These vans have appeared in many shows like BBC’s Luther, Casualty, Not Going Out, The One Show, plus various ITV and Channel 4 programs, films, and music videos. They serve two purposes – they look great on screen and keep the cast and crew happy during long shoots.

Companies can provide both vintage-style vans for period pieces and modern vehicles for contemporary settings.

What’s Included in an Ice Cream Van Rental

Ice cream van rental gives you much more than a freezer on wheels. The standard package has everything you need to create a smooth and fun experience. You should know what your rental includes to get the best value and avoid surprise costs.

Trained staff and hygiene standards Ice Cream Van Rental

Professional ice cream van rentals come with a skilled team that knows how to handle both equipment and customers. The team holds valid food hygiene certificates and follows strict health and safety rules.

Good rental companies keep their vans and equipment spotlessly clean. They sanitize their vans before each event with professional cleaners. The team wears proper uniforms and follows strict hand-washing rules that meet food safety guidelines.

Quality providers carry complete public liability insurance that protects vendors and event organizers. Their coverage ranges from £5-10 million, which gives everyone peace of mind.

Menu options: Mr Whippy, slush, and more

Mr Whippy soft-serve remains the most popular choice. Modern ice cream vans offer plenty of other options too:

• Traditional favorites: Soft-serve ice cream with toppings, 99 flakes, chocolate dips, and waffle cones
• Specialty frozen treats: Gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, and dairy-free alternatives
• Complementary offerings: Slush puppies, milkshakes, coffee, and hot chocolate options
• Packaged goods: Pre-wrapped lollies, ice cream sandwiches, and novelty character treats

Most providers cater to dietary needs with gluten-free cones, dairy-free options, and vegan treats. Premium packages often include unlimited servings instead of per-item charges, which makes it easier to budget for big events.

Quality varies between providers. Premium services use local dairy products and natural flavors. You should ask about ingredient sources to understand the quality you’re getting.

Eco-friendly and electric van options

The ice cream van industry now offers greener choices to address environmental concerns. Old-style ice cream vans used diesel generators for refrigeration, but newer models work much better.

Electric ice cream vans produce zero emissions while serving, which makes them perfect for indoor venues and eco-conscious events. These quiet vans run for 8-10 hours on one charge, which works well for most events.

Semi-electric hybrid vans offer a practical middle ground. They use low-emission Euro 6 engines to travel and switch to battery power while parked. This setup cuts down both carbon footprint and noise.

Many companies now offer eco-friendly serving options:

• Biodegradable cups and spoons
• Compostable napkins
• Reduced plastic packaging

More clients now ask for these eco-friendly options. You should talk about sustainability with your rental provider to match your event’s values while still enjoying the classic ice cream van experience.

Ice Cream Van Rental Price Breakdown

The right budget for your ice cream van rental starts with a clear understanding of the costs involved. The pricing structure might look complex at first, but you can plan better and save money by breaking down each component.

Base rental cost explained Ice Cream Van Rental

Ice cream van rental prices start from £150 for small private visits, while professional services usually begin at £495 for standard packages. These base prices include a trained staff member and simple ice cream offerings.

Corporate and special events have different pricing models:

• Pre-paid service options begin at £199 with ice cream included
• “Free hire” deals with commission sharing (up to 20% of gross takings) for charity events
• Fixed packages based on guest numbers cost around £225 for 100 guests

Your base rental covers the vehicle, staff, standard menu items, and transportation within a reasonable distance. Public events work differently – vendors often attend without charging hire fees and offer either a fixed donation or percentage of sales instead.

Factors that affect pricing

Your final ice cream van rental price depends on these key variables:

• Number of servings: This drives the overall cost. More guests require more products and extra staff.
• Event timing: Weekend and holiday bookings cost more than weekday events.
• Duration: Longer events raise costs due to extended staff hours and continuous engine operation for freezers and machines.
• Location: Travel distance from the vendor’s base changes fuel costs and staff pay. Central London or high-demand areas usually cost more.
• Menu selection: Ice cream types change the pricing:
  • Simple options (ice lollies, single soft scoop): From £1.60 per person
  • Standard options (single/double cones with sauce): From £2 per person
  • Premium selections (large tubs, luxury toppings): From £3 per person
• Additional services: Custom features, branded items, or extra menu options add to the cost.

Many vendors provide budget-friendly rates through package deals when you book multiple services.

How to get a custom quote

Vendors will ask for these details to give you an accurate price:

1. Event date and time (including duration)
2. Location details
3. Estimated guest count
4. Menu priorities
5. Any special requirements or customization needs

Each event has unique requirements, which is why prominent companies quote bookings individually. This tailored approach will give a fair price without surprises.

Large festivals or public events might qualify for better terms like free attendance or pitch fees when you can guarantee substantial foot traffic. Some vendors also reduce prices for advance bookings or multiple-day services.

You should talk to several providers if you have a tight budget – prices vary based on location and business models.

Customization and Branding Options Ice Cream Van Rental

A branded ice cream van can create lasting impressions at events that go beyond just serving treats. Your brand identity or event theme comes alive through a well-customized ice cream van.

Vehicle wraps and signage

An ice cream van works like a “mobile billboard” that catches the attention of about 3,000 people every hour. You can choose from three main customization options:

• Windows only (no extra hire days needed)
• Windows and partial body wrap (needs +1 day to fit, +1 day to remove)
• Full body wrap (needs +2 days to fit, +2 days to remove)

Vinyl wrapping gives you amazing flexibility with designs and colors that fit your vehicle’s specific shape. Remember to plan ahead since most companies need extra time to prepare branded vehicles.

Branded cups and menu boards

Your brand message becomes stronger when it extends beyond the vehicle. Custom ice cream cups act as “mini-billboards” as guests carry them around your event. Providers typically give you:

• Three cup sizes to pick from
• Water-based or PE-coated paper (water-based cups are compostable, PE-coated ones are recyclable)
• Full-color exterior printing with food-safe inks

Custom menu boards can turn a practical necessity into a marketing asset. Digital boards let you schedule special promotions throughout the day. Traditional boards add an artistic touch that stands out from standard corporate designs.

Tailored experiences for your audience

Quality ice cream van rental services know each event needs something special. Your customization options go beyond visual branding:

• Ice cream flavors that match your event theme or colors
• Staff uniforms that fit your overall design
• Serving options from simple cones to fancy sundaes
• Options for people with allergies and dietary restrictions

Many rental companies take care of everything in-house. They handle graphic design and branded materials, which makes things easier for clients. Each branded element adds to the final price, but the marketing benefits often make it worth the investment.

Real Stories from Happy Clients

Customer experiences tell the real story when choosing ice cream van rental services. Clients from events of all types share excited feedback that shows why these nostalgic treats-on-wheels bring joy to guests of all ages.

Corporate feedback expresses

Big brands keep coming back to ice cream vans for their employee appreciation and marketing events. Amazon’s warehouses have made ice cream treats part of their staff incentive programs at multiple sites. Their teams say “the ice cream is always amazing and the staff love it”. Virgin Media found the experience “so simple from start to finish” with “superb” staff.

TV and film productions love these services, especially when you have tight schedules. Channel 4 loved the “easy booking process.” Universal Studios mentioned how “each and every time they arrive the van is spotless, the staff are very helpful and always have a smile on their face”. The core team at ITV Studios Manchester said they “have nothing but positive comments” about both the company and staff.

Wedding and private event testimonials

Ice cream vans create magical moments that newlyweds love to share. One couple loved how their provider “went above and beyond to make sure it was perfect for our wedding day” and even “matching the color of the ribbons to our theme”. The vintage van caught another bride’s eye who said it “looks great in my wedding pics”.

Birthday parties become extra special with these sweet treats. Clare Wilson booked one for her daughter’s 7th birthday and said it “made about 70 kids and parents very happy”. Clare Walker’s experience showed how friendly service “made a little girls 3rd birthday extra special”.

Large-scale event success stories

Festival and carnival organizers report amazing results consistently. An ice cream truck at Lollapalooza served around 125,000 people daily over four days. They earned “about as much money as they would in an entire summer’s worth of business”. Their social media presence soared with “a 200% increase in organic Instagram engagement”.

These mutually beneficial alliances work great for community events too. The Hazle Grove Carnival Committee shared, “We have used this company now for 5 years for our carnival. They are very professional and the service they provide for us is beyond amazing”. Schools and charities find these partnerships valuable, with one school getting generous percentage donations from their sales.

Conclusion Ice Cream Van Rental

Ice cream van rental changes ordinary gatherings into unforgettable experiences without doubt. As I wrote in this piece, these nostalgic vehicles serve everything from corporate functions to weddings, community festivals, and film productions. These mobile ice cream stations create countless possibilities, from classic Mr. Whippy soft-serve to customized branded experiences.

The pricing becomes clear once you understand the key factors. Options exist for almost every price point, whether you have a £150 budget for a small gathering or plan a large-scale event with detailed branding. On top of that, many vendors now provide eco-friendly alternatives that keep the classic ice cream van charm while meeting environmental concerns.

Something magical happens when guests hear those familiar jingles coming closer. Children’s eyes light up and adults connect with their childhood memories. Your event creates a moment that stays with everyone. Client testimonials highlight not just the ice cream’s quality but also the complete experience these services bring.

You should explore customization options, talk about menu priorities, and think over your specific event needs before booking your ice cream van rental. The best ice cream van experiences come from clear communication with vendors about your vision and requirements. Ice cream vans bring sweet success to events of all sizes, whether you need a simple treat station or want a branded marketing chance.