Function Bands for hire in Kent
What our expert says...Function bands are the backbone of live entertainment - versatile, polished, and built for any crowd. They know how to handle mixed-age audiences and keep everyone, from teenagers to grandparents, on the dancefloor.
— Perrine Gouarne, Managing Director at Encore Musicians
Latest reviews of our Function Bands in Kent
"The LKG trio performed at our wedding in France recently and they were great. Punctual, very friendly, and played an amazing set list. They even let us borrow their microphone for our speeches which was much appreciated, and learned a bespoke first dance song for us to perform. Their performance was a great way for us to our day and we would highly recommend them. "
Sally hired LKG for a Wedding (available in Kent)
"Thank you so much to The Hysterics for a fantastic performance at our annual summer work party. Charlie was absolutely brilliant from start to finish - communication was clear, professional, and friendly throughout. The set was spot on and captured exactly the vibe we were after. Everyone had an amazing time. We couldn’t have asked for more!"
Nicole hired The Hysterics for a Corporate event (available in Kent)
"We booked Ginger and her band for our family festival celebrating 3 special things,everyone has said how good they were and even after a minor adjustment with the stage set up they still managed to get everyone up dancing to their own incredible set list,we particularly enjoyed Gingers repartee with the crowd, thanks again,Lisa and Gerry."
Gerry hired Project F for a Private event (available in Kent)
FAQs about hiring Function bands in Kent
Take the stress out of hiring musicians with Encore
What do function bands do?
Function bands perform live music at events, engaging audiences with diverse songs from various genres. They tailor their sets to fit specific occasions, encouraging guests to dance and participate. Function bands create memorable experiences by interacting with the crowd, offering customisation options, and ensuring a lively atmosphere. From weddings to corporate events, function bands enhance events with their musical expertise, making them popular choices for entertainment.
How many people are in a function band?
Most groups have a minimum of three members, and it increases from there. Most function bands are willing to adjust their size to fit your budget.
What styles of music can a function band play?
Function bands can perform various genres, including pop, rock, R&B, soul, funk, jazz, and even classical music. Their versatility allows them to cater to different audiences. From classic hits to contemporary chart-toppers, function bands tailor their repertoire to suit the crowd, making them a popular choice for most events.
Do function bands take requests?
Function bands will know a lot of songs, and if they don't know yours, they can learn it. Your booking may incur an extra fee as a result, but it will be well worth it to hear your favourite music played exclusively for you. A function band can gauge which songs will get people on the dance floor and which songs will change the mood, so give them your best music and let them give you a live performance that will keep the dancefloor filled.
How long do function bands play for?
Typically, function bands are hired for two one-hour sets or three 40-minute sets, with breaks of 15 to 30 minutes in between. As such, we advise to not look at hiring a function band during a wedding meal (if booking for a wedding). It's important to note, that your function band will also require around one hour for setup and soundcheck.
Do I have to pay for the band's travel?
With Encore, all fees (travel, VAT, and other expenses a musician may need) are included in the quote, making booking a function band simple. The only additional add-on fee is the optional Encore Cover package we offer which means on top of your Basic Protection (full refund in the unlikely event of a musician cancellation), you will also get a tailored replacement search, out-of-hours support, and if the replacement act is more expensive than the original musician booked, we’ll cover the cost. As such, you can have complete peace of mind you will have the perfect entertainment for you event. As with all musicians, the closer they are to your chosen venue, the lower the fees will be thus we always advise to consider local bands first.
Do bands need insurance?
All professional function bands should have PLI, and your venue may need it. PLI, or third-party insurance, is short for Public Liability Insurance. PLI insures damage to another person or their property that occurs during your event, for as if a guest trips over the band's amplifier. It's easy to find and book bands with PLI on Encore, as all our bands with PLI will be marked with a badge on their profile.
Will the function band provide all their own equipment?
Yes—most function bands will be fully equipped with their own PA system, music gear, and usually even lighting! Many will also provide a sound assistant, as well as a DJ service. A DJ service will keep the music going while the band take short breaks, but is also perfect add-on if you and your guests want to boogie into the far-reaches of the night!
What kind of performance should I expect from a function band?
Good question! There are essentially three types of function band performances: headline, background, and roaming. Headline bands are the most common; perfect for filling the dancefloor and getting the crowd moving. Background function bands are usually jazz bands—they can provide a great ambience for whatever event you might have in mind. Roaming bands are great for outdoor weddings or events where you want the band to get around to all the guests and provide a bit of audience interaction. Roaming bands are only possible as an acoustic act, so they come cord-free!
Hiring a Function Band in Kent
Often referred to as the Garden of England, Kent is as rich in musical culture as it is in scenic beauty. From stately homes and coastal towns to vibrant venues in Canterbury and Maidstone, the county is ideal for hosting events of all sizes. Whether you're looking for a Function band for your celebration or corporate function, Kent has an impressive array of local musicians ready to perform.
Useful information
Function bands in Kent typically play Pop, Rock, Folk, and most respond to enquiries within an hour. Demand peaks in June, July, August, so if your event falls in that window, it's worth getting in touch early to secure your preferred act.
How much does it cost to hire a Function Band in Kent?
Prices for Function bands vary depending on experience, set length, and the size of the act. As a guide, budget Function bands typically charge around £220 per performer, mid-range acts around £330, and high-end Function bands from £400 per performer upwards.
A guide to hiring Function Bands
Take the hassle out of hiring Function Bands with Encore Musicians
