What happened to the Thurstons after the tragic bouncy castle incident?

The Thurstons were jailed for 3 years following the death of 7-year-old Summer Grant, who was killed when the bouncy castle they were operating blew away in strong winds.

What concerns have been raised about the Thurstons' staff management?

Former employees have accused the Thurstons of hiring a manager who frequently used cocaine while on the job and harassed women and girls, raising safety concerns about the staff running their rides.

Home / Crime and Justice / Jailed Bouncy Castle Owners Now Run Rides at Winter Wonderland

Jailed Bouncy Castle Owners Now Run Rides at Winter Wonderland

Q: How are the Thurstons involved with Winter Wonderland in 2025?

Despite their past, the Thurstons now operate the Avalanche waltzers at the annual Winter Wonderland event in London's Hyde Park, which attracts over 3 million visitors each year.

15 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Couple jailed for 3 years after 7-year-old's death on their bouncy castle
Now operate Avalanche waltzers at Winter Wonderland in London
Former employee accused of frequently using cocaine while on the job

Jailed Bouncy Castle Owners Now Run Rides at Winter Wonderland

In November 2025, it was revealed that William Thurston Jr, 36, and his wife Shelby, 34, who were jailed for 3 years in 2018 following the death of a 7-year-old girl on a bouncy castle they were running, now operate the Avalanche waltzers at the annual Winter Wonderland event in London's Hyde Park.

The tragic incident occurred in March 2016 when 7-year-old Summer Grant was inside a bouncy castle at a fair in Harlow, Essex, that blew away in strong winds, killing her. The court heard that the Thurstons had failed to properly anchor the bouncy castle or monitor weather conditions, and had even packed up the attraction before police arrived.

Now, despite their past, the Thurstons continue to be involved in the fairground industry, with their Avalanche waltzers becoming a popular attraction at Winter Wonderland, which attracts over 3 million visitors each year. However, the couple's troubles don't end there, as former employees have raised concerns about the safety practices of the staff hired to run their rides, particularly a manager who was allegedly frequently under the influence of cocaine.