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FAQs about hiring Entertainers in the UK
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How to entertain adults at a party?
Live music is the best choice for party entertainment as it’s vibrant and versatile. You can hire musicians to provide ambient background music which still allows your guests to mingle and then ramp up into a more engaging performance when you want your guests to let loose and dance. Live performances in general engage audiences in a way that recorded or pre-scripted entertainment cannot. The interaction between performers and the audience adds a dynamic and personal element to the event. Similarly, the excitement and energy generated by live musicians is unmatched by other entertainers.
How to book entertainment for an event?
Booking live entertainers has never been easier with Encore. Our website allows you to browse through thousands of musician profiles, watch videos of their performances, and read customer reviews to get a better sense of their stage presence and audience interaction. After narrowing down your options, simply submit an enquiry through our website and receive quotes in a matter of hours. If you prefer a more personalised approach, you can also contact one of our experts directly. Simply answer a few questions about your event and preferences, and our team will provide you with tailored recommendations to suit your needs and tastes. This way, you can be sure to find the perfect live entertainment for your event.
How much entertainment at corporate party?
The cost of corporate party entertainment varies widely depending, but below are some rough estimates for popular corporate entertainers based on a 2-hour performance. - Function band (4-piece) - £1,200 - Jazz band (4-piece) - £1,041 - DJ - £400 - Saxophonist - £300 Please bear in mind that these averages will vary depending on the experience and professional background of the entertainer, the location of your event and the time of year, with the festive season typically being the busiest and most expensive period.
How much do birthday party entertainers cost?
The cost of birthday party entertainers varies widely depending on the type of entertainer, time of year and location of your party but below is a rough guide of prices for popular birthday entertainers based on a 2-hour performance. - Party band (4-piece) - £1,100 - Soul & Motown band (4-piece) - £1,041 - DJ - £400 - Acoustic duos - £650
How do I find an entertainer near me?
We represent thousands of live performers throughout the UK at Encore Musicians. You can search for entertainers near you by entering your location and filtering by 'distance (closest)'. If you prefer, you can use our easy and quick enquiry form to receive personalised quotes from local musicians.
Do you tip birthday party entertainers?
You are not expected to tip a birthday entertainer, but it is considered a nice gesture. If you feel that the musician went above and beyond to make your birthday a success, you can tip them anywhere from £50 to £100. In cases where you're on a tight budget, you can tip them less. It's just the gesture that counts, and it's not required.
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Entertainers by Party Type
What entertainers will best suit your needs will depend on your venue, the number of guests, your musical tastes and the amount of crowd interaction you prefer from your entertainers. However, below we’ve broken down some popular party entertainment ideas by party type to make your party planning a little easier.
Summer Party Entertainment
For a summer party, you’ll want entertainment that will enhance the summer vibes. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Steel Drum Bands
Nothing quite says summer like the sound of the steel drum. Typically associated with calypso, reggae, and soca, our steel drum bands at Encore play a mix of traditional Caribbean music and covers of modern hits.
Mariachi Bands
Get the party started with a lively Mariachi band. Between the infectious rhythms of Mariachi music and their interactive, energetic performances, Mariachi bands are guaranteed to keep guests all of ages entertained.
Brazilian Bands
From the lively rhythms to the colourful percussion instruments, Brazilian music evokes a sense of summer fun and tropical paradise, transporting your guests to a vibrant celebration.
Many Brazilian bands encourage audience participation, inviting guests to dance, sing along, or even try their hand at percussion instruments. This interactive element adds a fun and inclusive aspect to the party.
Birthday Party Entertainment
Your perfect birthday party entertainment will depend on your taste, but here are some of top recommendations:
DJs with Live Musicians
A fresh alternative to the usual party entertainment, DJs with live musicians are the best of both worlds - an endless selection of songs and a more lively, engaging set than a solo DJ. DJ and saxophone player duos are particularly popular as they can play a wide range of genres, including pop, dance, funk and jazz.
Party Bands
Nothing gets the party started better than a party band. Their main strength is playing popular hits and dance music across various genres, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy. They play a range of music from classic rock and pop to Top 40 hits, country, and disco, keeping the energy high and the dance floor packed.
Singers
If your birthday is more of an intimate affair, you might want to consider a solo singer whose vocals can warm a smaller space without overpowering it. Our singers are skilled professionals who can cater to various musical styles and genres, from soulful ballads and classic covers to upbeat pop hits and even jazz standards.
Anniversary Party Entertainment
For an anniversary party, you want entertainers who will complement the romantic atmosphere. Here are some of our top entertainers for anniversary parties:
Soul & Motown Bands
Many classic soul and Motown songs celebrate love, commitment, and joy, perfectly aligning with the celebratory spirit of an anniversary. Whether it's heartfelt ballads or upbeat dance tunes, the music creates a romantic and uplifting atmosphere that is ideal for an anniversary party.
Swing & Jive Bands
Swing and jive bands have a unique ability to create a lively and upbeat atmosphere that is perfect for celebrating special occasions, such as anniversaries. The playful nature of swing and jive music sets a lighthearted and fun mood, encouraging guests to let loose and enjoy themselves.
Tribute Bands
If you’ve been married a long time, it might be a nice idea to revisit the music that was popular when you first got together. The nostalgia of the music can create a sentimental atmosphere that will remind you of those early puppy love days.
Engagement Party Entertainment
For an engagement party, you want entertainers who want romantic, intimate entertainment. See below some of our top suggestions:
Acoustic Duo
The mellow tones and natural sound of acoustic instruments create a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for an intimate gathering celebrating an exciting new chapter in a couple's life.
Romantic repertoire: Many duos specialise in romantic ballads, love songs, and acoustic covers of popular hits, setting the perfect mood for an engagement celebration focused on love and joy.
Singing Guitarists
Singing guitarists are a popular choice for entertainment, providing raw, acoustic covers that are perfect for creating a romantic atmosphere at an engagement party. They often specialise in love songs and ballads meaning they are well-suited for an engagement party.
Violinists
If you’re having a smaller engagement party, you might want to consider entertainment which doesn’t take up too much, such as the violin. The violin's unique timbre creates a beautiful and emotionally resonant sound, perfectly suited for the romantic and celebratory nature of an engagement party.
Cocktail Party Entertainment
A cocktail party is a classy event which calls for classy entertainment. See below some of our top entertainment recommendations that can elevate your event:
Cellists
The deep, resonant tones of the cello create a warm and elegant atmosphere, perfectly setting the mood for a sophisticated cocktail party. Its sound is richer and deeper than a violin, adding a touch of luxury and refinement to the event.
Jazz Bands
The smooth, sophisticated sound of jazz adds an elegant touch to cocktail parties. Whether it's a classic jazz standard or a contemporary interpretation, jazz music exudes class and style, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the event.
Singing Pianists
For smaller venues, you might want to consider a soloist such as a singing pianist, who requires minimal setup space but will still be able to provide a stunning performance that will blow away your guests.
Fundraiser
For a fundraiser, you want entertainment that will engage your audience, and get them involved and interested in your cause to increase donations. Here are some of our best options:
Roaming Bands
Roaming bands are ideal for fundraisers. Unlike a stationary band, roaming bands move throughout the event space, interacting directly with guests. As a result, the band interacts directly with guests, enhancing their experience and also acting as a great icebreaker.
Brass Bands
Brass bands are great for creating an uplifting atmosphere and for drawing crowds. They're a popular choice for celebrations due to their upbeat tunes, striking uniforms and audience interaction.
Electric Violin
If you’re hosting a smaller event, you might want to consider an electric violinist. The electric violin offers a unique and modern twist on the classic sound of the violin, instantly grabbing attention and setting your fundraiser apart from others with typical live music options.
Dinner Party Entertainment
If you are planning a dinner party, you should hire entertainers who can seamlessly transition between soft background music and livelier entertainment. Below are some of our top recommendations:
Singing Waiters
Singing waiters might be the best choice of entertainment for a dinner party. The surprise factor alone will leave your guests with a lasting impression, and it will set your dinner party apart from all the others.
String Duos
The rich and resonant tones of string instruments create a warm and elegant atmosphere, perfectly suited for a sophisticated dinner party. Compared to large bands, their sound is less intrusive, providing a more relaxed conversational environment.
Saxophonists
The smooth and soulful sound of the saxophone creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. Whether performing soft background music or more upbeat tunes, saxophonists can set the perfect mood for the evening, making the dinner party more enjoyable for everyone.
A guide to hiring Entertainers
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