Function bands
Background musicians
Function bands
Background musicians
Hosting a party? Whether it’s an anniversary, birthday, corporate or engagement party, our live party bands will kick the celebrations off in style.
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Lively northern brass ensemble pumping out everything from pop hits to traditional German tunes, perfect for parties and Oktoberfest!
Vintage Jukebox, with highly talented jazz and blues musicians, sets an unmatched musical standard. From jazz standards to the latest pop hits, Vintage Jukebox are capable of catering to events and weddings, offering tailor-made entertainment for any occasion.
Slick and versatile, this band delivers a high-energy blend of soulful covers and original mashups, spanning from soul, funk, pop and R&B.
High-energy 80s show reviving the decade’s biggest hits, thrilling crowds with nonstop music and unforgettable party vibes!
Energetic and lively country band performing the biggest country hits by Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks to Shania Twain and Faith Hill. They'll have everyone hitting the dance floor and line dancing the night away!
Flawlessly performed rock, indie and soul hits from all eras as well as guilty pleasure pop anthems.
Exceptional semi-acoustic duo featuring guitar, keyboards, vocals and the use of a looper to create a full-band sound without the cost! DJ set available.
When The Shots aren't sharing the stage with the likes of Sting and Jamiroquai, they can be found playing soul, pop and R&B covers at some of the coolest parties in the country. Fronted by an alumnus of The Voice UK 2019.
The ultimate 80s party band playing number one smashes from one of the most eclectic eras of all time, the 1980s.
A sassy, swingin' jazz band from Cardiff to get your party jumping, playing the best tunes from the last 100 years in a vintage style with a contemporary sound.
A function and party band based in Cheshire who are guaranteed to keep the dance floor full and keep the party going all night long!
Experience a thrilling throwback to the flamboyant era of the 1980s – the golden age of pop, rock, and new wave. This retro extravaganza is guaranteed to engage your audience!
With a vast repertoire of songs to draw from to suit any occasion, this is a widely experienced duo with beautiful vocals, funky riffs and smooth harmonies. Choose between their party duo (with backing tracks) or acoustic background music.
Explosive brass band delivering a funky blend of soul and pop songs for dancing. The band can also offer costumed oompah sets for Oktoberfest or New Orleans roaming sets if required.
An intoxicating blend of swing, jazz and contemporary pop performed by experienced, world-class musicians. Additional musicians and afternoon sets also available.
Youthful big band with a killer brass section, this Manchester-based outfit delivers a versatile show blending Rat Pack and swing classics with contemporary hits.
With outstanding male and female vocalists, The Monophonics seamlessly blend artists as varied as Stevie Wonder, The Killers, Lizzo and Queen.
Versatile and polished acoustic roaming band, offering a fusion of soul/Motown, rock 'n' roll, and modern pop tunes to sing along to, for either intimate or lively settings.
Energetic and talented, this all-female brass ensemble blends pop, jazz, funk, and soul into an electrifying musical experience that captivates audiences worldwide.
Brass Fever serve up irresistible arrangements of the best current and classic pop hits as well as New Orleans parade music.
We understand that this process may be new to you, and we're here to make it as stress-free as possible. Here are the most frequently asked questions about booking a party band.
Almost everything! Whether you’re commemorating a milestone or staging a one-off celebration, our party bands have got you covered.
Our bands have provided the soundtrack to Bar Mitzvahs, birthdays and retirement dos. They’ve helped surprise employees at annual office parties and brought in New Year in style.
Whatever the occasion, our bands will give your guests something to remember long after the music has stopped.
A complete list of songs is available on each band’s profile page but, typically, our party bands perform well-known pop music covers across all the eras, for dancing.
A typical band set-list might include: 1950s rock'n'roll music, 1960s Merseybeat, 1970s funk and disco, 1980s pop anthems, 1990s Britpop and R&B, 2000s garage rock and the latest chart-toppers.
So you can expect to hear songs by artists as diverse as Chuck Berry, Oasis, Stevie Wonder, The Killers and Dua Lipa. We find that this sort of mix is ideal for events with a wide cross-section of ages.
If you’d prefer your party band to stick to one genre, browse our dedicated rock and indie bands, soul and funk bands or swing and big bands, or 80s tribute bands.
Our party bands range from a 3-piece guitar bands (ideal for pint-raising rock and indie), right up to 12-piece bands with horn section, percussion and backing vocalists (recommended for bigger spaces and bigger budgets).
If you're into soul, Motown, contemporary pop or dance music, we recommend as large a line-up as possible, since the addition of keyboards, synths and brass will allow them to reproduce these genres with greater authenticity.
Feel free to check out the band’s song list on their profile page and send over any preferred song choices in advance. Party bands are unlikely to accept “on the fly” requests as they may not be part of their repertoire and the band may not have the appropriate musical or vocal arrangements to do them justice. Sticking to their song list and giving them chance to rehearse in advance will ensure your party band can give you their very best performance.
The bands on this page specialise in after-dinner and evening entertainment for events when the lights have dimmed, the dancefloor is lit up, and guests are in the mood for making some shapes!
But if you're looking for music for an afternoon cocktail hour, garden party or similar occasion, check out our roster of background musicians in the "browse acts" menu at the top of this page. You might also find what you need on our wedding bands page.
Yes! All our party bands bring their own PA sound system, microphones, amplifiers and instruments.
Do let us know if you're expecting more than 200 guests though, just so we can check that the band’s system is big enough.
Most bands also bring stage lighting to ensure they're not playing in darkness. Check the band's profile page for more details.
All you need to provide is access to a power source and a flat, level performance area. Shelter is essential if the band is to perform outdoors.
As a guide, it’s best to allow for 4m wide x 3m deep for a 4-piece band – then add an additional square metre for each extra band member.
A raised stage always helps a band make a bigger impact but isn’t essential.
Some acts require a changing room, where they can prepare for the performance. Others may ask for a basic meal as part of their "rider", depending on how long they're required to be at your venue. This is a standard industry requirement.
Party bands ask for a 60-90 minute window from 5pm or 6pm at the earliest in order to set up and soundcheck their equipment.
It’s ideal if your venue is free of guests at this point, although some bands are happy to do a noiseless ‘line check’ to test instruments and equipment instead of a full, front-of-house soundcheck, if you need them to keep the volume down.
Most of our party bands are booked for after-dinner dancing, and typically would perform 2 x 60 minute sets from 9.30pm through to midnight, with a half hour interval.
For performances later than midnight (whether band or DJ service), a later fee usually applies.
Yes! It's worth considering any of the following options:
Most of these bands also include popular songs in their repertoire, but arranged and performed in the style of their genre. (For example, a swing arrangement of Smell's Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana, or an Afro-cuban arrangement of Living On A Prayer by Bon Jovi).
For a vintage themed party, or just to avoid modern pop music altogether, you could also check out:
Before you book more musicians for afternoon background music, check whether members of your party band can provide this – it'll save you additional costs, such as travel.
If you haven't yet set the date for your party, consider booking a midweek or winter event to take advantage of the most competitive rates.
Always consider hiring a party band from your local area, to save on travel and accommodation costs. We have bands based in most major towns and cities across the UK.
Not necessarily – all our party bands will play recorded music during their interval, through their PA, free of charge. This means they'll be able to keep the music going until closing time.
Many bands are able to upgrade to a more advanced service using virtual DJ software so that they can mix songs and take your guests’ requests.
If you have specialised music requests, require extra lighting, or you're planning a very late finish, we'd recommend booking a professional party DJ.
As long as you have cover to protect the band and their equipment from the elements and a good power supply, your band should be able to play outdoors. Let us know when booking if you’re planning an outdoor event and we’ll be happy to provide you with a checklist of all you’ll need.
Having handpicked each and every band ourselves, we know them pretty well and so we’re perfectly placed to help you choose the right one for you.
If you’re not quite sure what you’re looking for, tell us what part of your day you need music for, and your musical preferences, using our quick contact form, and we’ll suggest suitable acts.
You can also read our handy guide on how to book a band for a wedding or party.
Function Central is the leading UK wedding band hire agency. Use the menu below to find outstanding local bands for parties nationwide.
Hiring a local party band can save money on travel and accommodation costs.
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