Fancy Dress, Retro and Decorative Balloons

Dr. Funkenstein holds an impressive range of fancy dress costumes for sale or hire, specialising in 60s, 70s and 80s outfits. Our retro shop on the first floor of our Sunderland branch sells retro and alternative clothing, collectables, badges, patches posters and memorabilia. We also provide distinctive decorative balloon service all of your functions.

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Latest News

  • Welcome

    Welcome to Sunderland's premier Fancy Dress & Party shop!


    Established in July 1997, Dr Funkenstein has steadily grown in size and reputation, and we have a vast range of over 2500 costumes for hire alone!!

    With branches in Sunderland and Whitburn, in the North East of England, we offer both a traditional and contemporary fancy dress selection.  Both our shops also carry a very large selection of accessories, wigs, make up and much more.

    We provide a bespoke balloon decoration service and cater for a variety of functions including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, engagements and corporate events. Our services include clusters, arches and aluminium foil balloons, available in almost any colour, using the highest quality balloons. 

    Our balloon delivery service covers the Sunderland, South Shields, Gateshead, Durham, Chester-le-Street, Newcastle & Washington areas.


  • Shop with us on eBay!

    We are now up and running with our ebay shop, if you want to save your legs you can shop till you drop online....just click the link below

  • The British Costume Association

    Dr. Funkenstein is a member of the BCA


  • Costumes, costumes....

    and more costumes!

    If you're looking for something a bit different for a fancy dress party simply browse our online brochure for costume ideas.  It's all in alphabetical order so take your time and have a good look!

  • If you don't want to hire you can buy

    In the 'THINGS TO BUY' section of the website you can now order from us and have them delivered to your door!!

    WIGS • GLASSES • PACKET COSTUMES • ACCESSORIES • PLATFORM SHOES • WPC STUFF • HEN NIGHT • CHRISTMAS • PIRATE AHOY! • 60'S 70'S & 80'S GEAR • HATS •