Swing & Jive Bands for hire in Cardiff

Find the perfect live swing band in Cardiff for your wedding, party or corporate event. Whether you want to jive the night away, or lindy hop into the early hours, our professional bands will definitely keep your guests on their feet. Browse our selection of over 290 swing bands right here.

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Swing & jive bandsinCardiffforany price, sort bybest match
All the bands below are available to travel to Cardiff
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Hire Mista Trick Collective Swing & jive band with Encore
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Swing & jive bandBristol

Live Multi Genre Knees Up Experience with Live Drum and Bass. We’ve played Glastonbury, Boomtown and SGP

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Hire St Louis Express Swing & jive band with Encore
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From£800
Swing & jive bandPontypridd

6/7 piece Swing / Jazz/ Jump Jive band. Fun music from the 1920's to 60's to get feet tapping & people on the dance floor.

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Hire Trudgeon's Trad Jazz Troubadours  Swing & jive band with Encore
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£1500 - £3500
Swing & jive bandBristol

Early Swing, New Orleans Jazz, and Traditional Jazz from the 1920s to 40s. Bringing the sounds of the good old days back..

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Hire The Misophone Collective Swing & jive band with Encore
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£900 - £1300
Swing & jive bandBristol

The Misophone Collective are a vintage themed gypsy Jazz band based in Bristol. We love what we do, and we hope you do too!

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Hire What's New?! Swing & jive band with Encore
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£500 - £2250
Swing & jive bandCardiff

What's New?! A vibrant young Jazz band providing for all your swing needs! 8 Piece customisable band for all occasions to give that spark!

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Hire Hot Gin Swing Band Swing & jive band with Encore
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£9 - £640
Swing & jive bandBristol

5/6 piece Jazz Band/Quartet /Trio/Duo(sax/clarinet double bass keyboards drums male/female vocals. (Duo guitar backing tracks for drum/bass)

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Hire Award Winning Capitol Swing Swing & jive band with Encore
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From£640
Swing & jive bandClevedon

Swing/jazz band (duo up to 10 piece) specialising in entertainment for weddings, parties and corporate events. 🏆 Best Musical Act TWIA

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Hire The Transatlantic Hot Club Swing & jive band with Encore
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Swing & jive bandCardiff

Sample the magic of France with Adrien Chevalier (violin) and Ben Creighton Griffiths (harp) and their unique hot club swing band!

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Hire Chopra-Heaton Duo Swing & jive band with Encore
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From£320
Swing & jive bandCardiff

Long-standing duo Kumar Chopra (guitar) and Josh Heaton (sax) play all your favourite jazz, swing and Latin tunes

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Hire Swingin' Bill's Vintage Revue Swing & jive band with Encore
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£1125 - £1875
Swing & jive bandCardiff

SWINGIN' BILL'S VINTAGE REVUE Purveyors of the finest jumping jive, western swing, jazz standards and showtunes

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Hire Late Night Arrangement Swing & jive band with Encore
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£250 - £1400
Swing & jive bandCardiff

Late Night Arrangement is a lively function band with amazing sets ranging from dancefloor filling pop to smooth jazz with a pop twist!

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Hire Rendezblues Jazz band Swing & jive band with Encore
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£1500 - £2250
Swing & jive bandBristol

Classics • Swing • Soul • Bossa Nova • French Chanson Duo | Trio | Quartet | Full Band

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Hire Barrel House Vipers Swing & jive band with Encore
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Swing & jive bandBristol

Bristol based jazz and swing band

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Hire Elly & Sam Swing & jive band with Encore
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Swing & jive bandBristol

Vibrant and Soulful Jazz Duo available for all sorts of occasions

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Hire JJ Gatsby Swing & jive band with Encore
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£800 - £1500
Swing & jive bandBristol

We are a Bristol based band playing old and new songs in a swing, latin and jazz style.

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Hire Josh Attrill Quartet Swing & jive band with Encore
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£400 - £1000
Swing & jive bandCardiff

Experienced South Wales based jazz 4-5 piece perfect for dinner parties, background music, conferences, pubs, concerts, weddings and more!

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Hire Triple Scoop Big Band Swing & jive band with Encore
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£625 - £950
Swing & jive bandBristol

Lively Bristol-based big band playing a range of jazzy tunes (both traditional and modern) available for events in and around Bristol.

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Hire The Swing Ninjas Swing & jive band with Encore
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£1250 - £1750
Swing & jive bandBrighton

High energy, 4-part harmony, singing swing band combing the best of New Orleans and UK swing - playing well known and original swing.

Latest reviews of our Swing & Jive Bands in Cardiff

St Louis Express
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star

"St. Louis Express was absolutely perfect at our wedding. They are not only the most excellent musicians with a great variety of songs that really anyone can dance and have fun to, but they are so kind as well and really added to the atmosphere of the wedding. They learned a song for us and it could not have been better as well !! Amazing all around. They kept our guests on the dance floor which is a lot considering we started at 9pm! We highly recommend them :)"

Michaela hired St Louis Express for a Wedding (available in Cardiff)

Verified Review, 2 September 2024
St Louis Express
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star

"This band was simply amazing.everyone that attended the party could not believe how good they were. In a word they were absolutely fantastic. They made the whole night go with a bang.Thank you very much indeed. Roger Hopkins (very satisfied customer)"

Roger hired St Louis Express for a Private event (available in Cardiff)

Verified Review, 26 May 2024
St Louis Express
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star

"St Louis Express played in the evening at our wedding this weekend. They arrived well ahead of time and were very flexible with timing their set up around our day. When it came to their set, they started with our first dance song, Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis (which they had learned specially by request). Their arrangement of this song was fantastic, and we loved the saxophone they had added to the piece in particular. The rest of their set was a mix of songs which were perfect for those dancing, and enjoyable for those who just wanted to listen and watch. The whole set was a perfect ending to our day, and the band were very friendly and in spirit with the happy and fun day we had- both when playing and when we spoke to them throughout the evening. We cannot recommend booking St Louis Express enough for an event like a wedding- they were friendly and incredibly accommodating in working around our schedule, and the music was excellent, with amazing vocals and superb instrumentals throughout. Thank you so much for being part of our amazing day!"

Rhys hired St Louis Express for a Wedding (available in Cardiff)

Verified Review, 6 August 2022

FAQs about hiring Swing & Jive Bands in Cardiff

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What is a swing band?

A swing band is a musical ensemble specialising in swing music, a genre popularised during the 1930s and 1940s. It typically comprises brass instruments such as trumpets, trombones, and saxophones, accompanied by a rhythm section including piano, bass, drums, and guitar. Swing music is characterised by its upbeat tempo, syncopated rhythms, and a lively "swing feel" that encourages dancing. Big band leaders like Benny Goodman and Duke Ellington were instrumental in its popularity. Today, swing bands often feature vocalists and continue to perform at corporate events, drinks receptions, and clubs, preserving the energetic and nostalgic spirit of the Swing Era.

What's the difference between jazz and swing?

Jazz and swing are closely related musical genres, but they have distinct differences in terms of style, era, and influence. Jazz: Jazz is a broad musical genre that originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily in African American communities in New Orleans, United States. Jazz encompasses a wide range of styles, including Dixieland, bebop, cool jazz, and fusion, among others. It emphasises improvisation, complex chord progressions, and varying rhythms. Jazz musicians often explore experimental and avant-garde techniques. Jazz can be slow and soulful or fast and energetic, and it allows for a high degree of individual expression and creativity. Swing: Swing is a subgenre of jazz that became popular during the 1930s and 1940s, particularly in the Big Band Era. Swing music is characterised by its lively and infectious rhythm, often referred to as the "swing feel." It features a strong emphasis on the offbeat or upbeat rhythms and typically includes a brass section, woodwind instruments, and a rhythm section. Swing music is highly danceable and is known for its catchy melodies and arrangements. While swing is a style within the larger jazz genre, it specifically refers to the music that was popularised during the Swing Era. In summary, swing is a specific style of jazz known for its energetic rhythm and danceability, while jazz is a broader musical genre encompassing various styles, including swing, with an emphasis on improvisation and creativity.

What does a swing band consist of?

A swing band, also known as a big band, typically consists of a group of musicians playing instruments that contribute to the characteristic lively and rhythmic sound of swing music. Here's what a swing band commonly includes: 1. Brass Section: - Trumpets: Usually multiple trumpets provide the bright and bold melodies. - Trombones: Trombones add depth and richness to the brass section. - Saxophones: Alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones provide the harmonies and often play the famous saxophone solos in swing music. 2. Rhythm Section: - Piano: The pianist provides harmonies, chords, and sometimes solos. - Double Bass (or Electric Bass): The bassist plays the low-end rhythm, anchoring the band. - Drums: Drummers maintain the swing feel with their rhythmic patterns, including the distinctive ride cymbal pattern. - Guitar: The guitarist plays rhythm guitar, providing additional harmonies and accents. In some bands, a guitarist might also play solos. 3. Vocalists: - Some swing bands features vocalists who sing the lyrics, adding another layer to the performance. 4. Occasional Instruments: - Clarinet: Clarinets are sometimes used in addition to saxophones, especially in earlier swing bands. - Flute: Flutes might be used in specific arrangements to add a different texture to the music. - Additional Percussion: Some swing bands incorporate additional percussion instruments for specific songs or effects. The combination of these instruments creates the dynamic and energetic sound that defines swing music. Swing bands are known for their versatility, allowing for various instrumental combinations and arrangements to suit different songs and styles within the swing genre.

What is gypsy swing music?

Gypsy swing, or Gypsy jazz, is a style that emerged in 1930s France, blending Romani music with American jazz and swing. It's characterised by fast, virtuosic acoustic guitar and violin performances, driven by a rhythmic "pompe" technique. Improvisation plays a significant role, and musicians often use unique Manouche guitars. Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of France popularised the genre. Gypsy swing remains vibrant, with musicians worldwide honouring its lively, improvisational spirit, making it a cherished subgenre in the jazz world.

What music does a swing band play?

A swing band typically plays swing music, a genre that became popular during the 1930s and 1940s, particularly in the United States during the Big Band Era. Swing music is characterized by its lively and infectious rhythm, often referred to as the "swing feel." Swing bands play a variety of tunes, including: 1. Swing Standards: Timeless classics such as "In the Mood," "Take the 'A' Train," and "Sing, Sing, Sing" are common in swing band repertoires. 2. Big Band Jazz: Swing bands perform famous compositions by renowned bandleaders like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Glenn Miller. 3. Dance Tunes: Swing music is highly danceable, and swing bands play tunes like the Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, and Charleston, encouraging dancers to showcase their skills. 4. Vocal Jazz: Swing bands often feature vocalists who sing jazz standards from the Great American Songbook, adding a vocal element to their performances. 5. Latin and Blues Influences: Swing bands may incorporate Latin rhythms and bluesy tunes into their repertoire, showcasing the diversity of the swing genre. 6. Original Compositions: Many contemporary swing bands compose and perform their own original swing music, adding a modern touch to the traditional style. Overall, swing bands play a wide range of music that embodies the lively, rhythmic, and upbeat spirit of the swing era, delighting audiences with both instrumental virtuosity and vocal prowess.

Are swing bands good for weddings?

Swing bands are an excellent choice of wedding entertainment due to their danceable tunes, timeless appeal, and versatility. The infectious rhythm of swing music encourages guests of all ages to hit the dance floor, providing a lively atmosphere for the celebration. Classic swing tunes, with their nostalgic charm, add an elegant and vintage touch to the wedding. Swing bands also often cater to diverse musical preferences, offering a mix of romantic ballads and high-energy tunes, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone. You can look through Encore's curated collection of swing bands for weddings or talk to one of our experts to get more tailored advice.

Hiring a Swing & Jive Band in Cardiff

Useful information

Popular genres:
Jazz, Pop, Rock
Average response time:
1 hour
Busiest times:
June, July, August

How much does it cost to hire a Swing & Jive Band in Cardiff?

The typical price per group member for Swing & Jive Bands is:
£Budget£220
££Pro£330
£££High-end£400+

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A guide to hiring Swing & Jive Bands

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