Will we need to provide any equipment?
No – all our bands, musicians and DJs provide all the equipment they
need. Most bands' sound systems are suitable for up to 200 guests, and
many bands provide stage lighting too. If you're expecting more than 200
guests, let us know so that we can check that the act’s PA is big
enough.
How much space will the act need?
This is listed on the act's page, under "performance information". As
a guide, a 4-piece band will usually need a stage space measuring 4
metres wide and 3 metres deep. The act's profile page only lists the
space their starting line-up needs, so you'll need to consider the space
any additional band members might take up. As a guide, allow an extra
metre of width per additional act member.
Does the act need a raised stage?
A raised stage can help an act make a bigger impact, but as long as
you can provide a level performance area that meets their minimum space
requirement, this is enough.
How much power will the act need?
Most acts won’t need more than 5 kilowatts (5000 watts), and usually
use a lot less than this. Most acts need at least two independent,
domestic-style 13-amp plug sockets, and one socket is usually enough for
soloists, duos and trios. Ideally, the sockets should be either side of
the performance area, but most acts will carry extension cables.
Will the act bring lighting?
Look under "performance info" on the act's profile page to see what
lighting the act provides, if any. Most acts only provide stage
lighting, unless they say otherwise. If your event is in a very large
room, or lighting is important to you, you might want to consider hiring
extra lighting from another supplier. We usually find that, as long as
the band is well-lit, extra dancefloor lighting doesn’t add much to the
event – it's music that creates the atmosphere and makes your event
memorable!
Can we borrow the act’s microphone on the night?
Yes - most of our acts will be happy to lend you a microphone for your speeches or announcements.
Our venue uses a sound limiter - is this a problem?
Sound limiters or meters are designed to restrict the amount of noise
a band can create during their performance, and more and more venues
are using them. Most acts are happy to work with a sound limiter set at
approximately 92db or higher, but always prefer these to be switched off
during the performance. This is because most sound limiters work by
cutting off the power to the band when the band or the crowd’s applause
exceeds a certain volume, which can damage band equipment. If your venue
uses a sound limiter, let us know the decibel limit, and we’ll suggest
bands that work best at that volume level. For example, smaller acts
playing to recorded backing tracks can adjust their volume easily and
still produce a great sound.
Can your acts provide PLI and/or PAT certificates?
All our acts have, or can obtain, PLI (Public Liability Insurance)
and PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) certificates, but please make sure
you ask for these at least three months before the event in case the
act’s certificates need to be renewed.
What is a "rider"?
Most bands booked for evening events will have a rider, which will be
listed on your booking form. This will usually consist of food and
drink and changing rooms.
1) Food and drink
Bands booked for evening events are often away from home more than 14
hours, and up to seven of these might be spent at your venue. This is a
long time, so we ask you to provide a hot meal for each band member,
either immediately after the band have set up their equipment or during
their interval. You don’t need to give them the same meal as your
guests, but they'll need something more substantial than sandwiches and
crisps. If you’re having a buffet, it’s fine to offer this to the band
as well as your guests, but make there is enough time for the band to
queue before eating. If your venue can’t provide a meal for the band,
you will need to make a small extra payment so that the band can buy
food elsewhere. The band should also be provided with water or soft
drinks while they are at your venue, within reason. (You don’t need to
provide alcoholic drinks for our acts, but they appreciate it when you
do!)
You don't need to provide a hot meal for acts booked for afternoon
events unless they are at your venue for over three hours, but they
would appreciate water or soft drinks.
2) Changing rooms
All bands and DJs booked for evening performances need a private room
where they can eat, change and prepare for the performance. Ideally,
this should contain a mirror and chairs. Changing rooms are particularly
important for tribute acts and any female-fronted acts (for hair and
make-up), so please let us know in advance if no changing room is
available.
Any other requirements?
Most classical acts, including string quartets, classical guitarists
and harpists will need armless chairs in a well-lit area (so they can
read their music). Some DJs may need a small table.
