“I was born into the Fancy Dress Business !”

About Us – Fantasy World Costumes

A Family-Run Costume Business Since 1974

Fantasy World is a proudly family-run costume business with a story that begins back in 1974—and like many great theatre tales, ours started by accident.

My grandfather was an estate agent who once accepted a collection of theatre costumes in lieu of rent from a struggling actor. Those costumes were carefully laundered, placed on a rail in the corner of his office, and advertised in the local Evening Press. After an astonishing 400 replies, it became clear that something special had been created—and Fantasy World was born.

More Than a Job – A Way of Life

I took over the business from my grandparents straight after leaving school, and for us, Fantasy World has never been “just work”. It’s a way of life.
Our shop has always been a fun, welcoming place, where people arrive curious and leave excited—ready for parties, performances, pantomimes, Halloween, Christmas, World Book Day and everything in between.

We genuinely love seeing customers get into the spirit of an event, whether it’s a child trying on their first costume, a school planning a production, or an adult reliving the joy of dressing up.

A Business with Deep Roots in Yorkshire

Over the years, Fantasy World has proudly served customers across Yorkshire and beyond:

• Originally established in Fulford, York

• Then based for many years at Clifton Moor, York

• We also ran a second store in Ossett, West Yorkshire

• In 2024, after the challenges of recent years, we downsized and relocated to Anlaby, Hull

The COVID pandemic nearly closed the business, as it’s incredibly difficult to survive when parties, events and performances are banned. Thanks to loyal customers and sheer determination, we are still here—and now look forward to serving the people of Hull and East Yorkshire for many years to come.

Personal Service & Real Accountability

As proprietor of Fantasy World, I believe in personal service and accountability.
You are not dealing with a faceless company—I like to know we’re doing our best.

I can always be contacted directly for:

• Questions

• Feedback

• Suggestions

• Complaints (yes, really!)

📧 Direct email: heavyheaven@yahoo.co.uk

Supporting Charities & Good Causes

We receive daily requests from charities, as fundraising events so often involve fancy dress.
Rather than choosing between causes, we offer a standard charity discount to every registered charity.

If you’re organising a fundraising event, school fair or community project, please get in touch—I will always do my best to help.

A Family Business in Every Sense

My partner and I are also foster carers, and the children we care for are incredibly important to us. Because of this, our opening times can occasionally be a little unusual, and we appreciate your understanding.

What we can promise is this:

• You are buying from a genuine family-run business

• With decades of experience

• Real people, real stock, and real care behind every order

Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about us—and for supporting an independent business that has been part of the costume world for over 50 years.

We truly appreciate your custom.

Justin Heaven
Proprietor, Fantasy World Costumes