Why Is Entertainment Important At A Function?
Try to remember the last corporate event you attended.
Did you have a good time? Was the entertainment great?
Did you dance all night? If you’re like most people,
chances are you'll remember the live entertainment more
than anything at a function. Quality corporate entertainment
leaves the most indelible memory so it only stands to
reason that the guests at your event will have the same
impression.
How Early Should You Book Entertainment?
As early as possible! This varies based on the
time of year and day of the week but many months prior
to your event is definitely not too soon. The busiest
time for charity events is between September and May.
UK wedding parties tend to be in demand between the beginning
of May and the end of September and all Bank Holiday weekends.
Company functions
occur throughout the year in the uk. Christmas
is also of course, hugely popular for a company &
corporate function. So book early. If you find a act that
you like, don’t let them get away. A fabulous band
& top disco is hard to find and they book up seasons
in advance. If the act isn’t available on your date,
at least you'll have time to find another one.
How To Find Your UK Corporate Entertainment.
Although, some entertainers do mix public club events with
private events, many of the top function bands or Discos aren't
found playing in clubs. Where do you begin? If you’ve
been to a function recently, ask the party organiser how they
found their party entertainers. To give you the best options
& advice call a professional entertainment agency.
Why Use a Professional Entertainment Agent?
Use an entertainment agency experienced in booking corporate
entertainment and you’ll will save time and money
by using a good agent, and still maintain complete control
over your event. Your event is much too important to worry
about whether the band is a reliable outfit, will be set
up on time, know how to make any introductions, be dressed
appropriately, and be cooperative about the volume, etc.
Yorkshire Entertainment agency has worked with
many top professional entertainers in the UK.
We know who shows up and who doesn't. We know which
entertainers will make your function memorable and who
won't. Yorkshire Entertainment
Agency knows who’ll help make your function
stand out from competing company events. Our agents have
access to a great variety of top UK function bands at
all price levels, and our job is to fit the entertainment
to your needs. For you to go out in the midst of planning
a corporate event and find an appropriate act, chase down
their leader, make a deal, and then hope they show up
for your party just doesn't make any sense when Yorkshire
Entertainment Agency will do the work for you and usually
at no additional cost. (We take our commissions from the
act). Many acts hear the word “corporate”
and their prices escalate substantially, whereas Yorkshire
Entertainment agents know the pricing history of the acts
we work with. An act is also generally more accommodating
for our entertainment agency (from whom they get regular
repeat business), than they are for someone using them
on a one-time basis.
How do you really know if a band has the
experience of playing for these type of events?
When enlisting the help of an agent at Yorkshire Entertainment
agency, your options and choices are greatly expanded.
Our UK agency has already done the groundwork. We are
able to provide you with a selection of acts available
on your date, proven party professionals that fit your
needs and budget. An agent will ask you many questions
& listen and understand exactly what it is you desire.
This helps our us to suggest the most appropriate party
entertainers for your event.
When Should We Entertain Our Guests?
It is now common practice to entertain your party guests throughout
the function. There are several alternatives open to you, which
will make your corporate party a memorable one for everyone
that attends. The occasion splits up into 2 main categories
(from an entertainment point of view).
- Entertainment for the pre-dinner drinks, and meal.
- Party entertainment for the dancing.
Here are just a few ideas for the smooth running of the
corporate event.
Pre-Dinner Drinks & Meal Entertainment.
To create a happy warm welcome for your guests the alternative
entertainment includes a Piper, Harpist, String Quartet, and
Pianist. These entertainers lend an air of sophistication and
elegance but if you require a more informal ambiance, a mobile
Jazz Band is an excellent and very popular option.
Any entertainment you supply throughout the meal would
need to be ’background’ rather than 'full
on'. As well as continuing with the appropriate live music,
another option would be a close-up magician. He will visit
your party guests’ tables one by one performing
his magical art. Other speciality performers such as Caricaturists
will keep your guests occupied between courses. They also
give your party guests a special present to take home.
Their paper can be modified to contain your company logo
and this will be seen each time they look at the caricature.
For the larger event, engaging the services of a Toastmaster
is a very wise move. His job is to make sure that everything
runs smoothly. He will advise you on etiquette and will
usually meet with you before the function to discuss your
requirements. He will ensure that caterers, band, mobile
disco, entertainers, photographers and videographers etc.
all know what to do and when. If you wish, he will announce
the arrival of each party guest, and introduce the speeches.
Most have a great sense of humour and are often a good
source of corporate entertainment. Employing the services
of a toastmaster allows the event organisers to relax
and enjoy their evening.
Band or Disco?
When choosing entertainment for your corporate event
and company party, there is always the age-old question,
"Party Band or Disco?" If you can squeeze it
in the budget, you may want to consider both. If budget
is an issue for you, you may want to consider hiring a
top quality Disco who can play a huge variety of songs
and at a lower cost. Whatever you do, don’t book
a ‘cheap’ DJ !!
Advantages Of Hiring A Live Band
A good live band will have an amazing effect on the atmosphere
and even the ‘stuffiest’ of guests will find
it hard not to get up and dance. Hiring a live
function band is a great way to ensure a "lively"
reception that will create lasting memories and make your
corporate function stand out from the crowd. For most
of your guests the live party music will encourage excited
activity and they will spend the majority of their time
on the dance floor. For others, who might have less of
a desire to dance, music from a live group provides an
equally enjoyable concert or lounge-type atmosphere. The
bottom line is that live party entertainment is both a
participatory activity and a spectator sport all rolled
into one. This is the unequalled ‘entertainment
value’ of live party music. It is clearly demonstrated
by the millions of people who attend music concerts, symphonies,
outdoor festivals, jazz clubs and nightclubs throughout
the uk to hear a live party band perform each year. There
is an inherent power and energy in live party band entertainment
that captivates and appeals to the audience.
What Style Of Band Should I Book?
Generally, there is a wide range of ages and musical tastes
at most company and corporate
hospitality functions and versatility and adaptability of the
group is the key ingredient to the success of your function!
An experienced, versatile live party band will play a selection
of well-loved hits from a huge repertoire of music designed
to appeal to all of your guests. They are open to song suggestions
and, given enough notice, are happy to rehearse your personal
party favourites and special requests. Other bands are also
very popular in a range of different styles including a Soul
band, Big Band Swing, Jazz band, Rock n Roll band, and a Tribute
Band. If you’re holding a corporate theme night, Yorkshire
Entertainment Agency will offer you a range of excellent uk
party alternatives to choose from. Ceilidh bands (pronounced
kay-lee) are also popular. However, unless a large proportion
of your guests are of a Celtic descent we would generally only
recommend this type of band to do one long set and to follow
this with a disco. Ceilidhs are fabulous for corporate audience
involvement, but as the function wears on (and the alcohol takes
effect), the guests sometimes find it difficult to remember
the callers’ instructions! This is part of the fun of
course, but it can lose its impact the second time around.
If I Book A Band Do I Also Need A Disco?
Probably! It all depends on the timings of your event
(again, here our agents at Yorkshire Entertainment Agency
will ask you all the right questions and offer you some
friendly impartial advice). The most important thing to
remember is that a live band will usually play 2 sets
– lasting between 45 minutes to an hour each. (Any
more than this and the party music will lose it’s
dynamic impact and special nature). Once the band stop
for a break, the mobile
Disco will keep the dancing going until the party
band are ready to start there second set. If you don’t
do this, the drop in atmosphere will make it much harder
for the band to get the audience back in the mood. Depending
on when the party and finish, the Disco can keep people
dancing till the early hours if you wish, and for far
less cost. (You are only paying for 1 person). All of
our party bands can however supply party music on CD during
their breaks and again this may well be the best option
– mainly depending on the timings of your corporate
event, and the atmosphere you wish to create at your function.
Why Should You Book A Band & DJ From
The Same Source?
Most corporate party DJ’s supplied from alternative sources
are not used to working alongside the party bands. They will
often play some of the party band’s material (even though
they may say that they will not!) causing antagonism on the
event. Our experienced professional corporate entertainers will
liaise with the party bands and they can share equipment when
space is at a premium. They expertly announce the party band
on and off stage and ensure a smooth and continuous flow of
party entertainment, removing your worries and helping you to
celebrate your corporate function in style.
Advantages Of Booking A Disco.
If you go for the option of a solo corporate disco,
remember that you trust the whole function entertainment
to just one person – make sure you get the right
one!! A corporate mobile party disco is the most practical
and cost effective form of corporate entertainment available
to you. The disco will perform for longer periods of time
and play a wider range of music to suit the ages of your
guests. If you have some favourite tracks or particular
styles of music you would like played he will be able
to accommodate you. Corporate party DJ’s are especially
good for a small to medium sized function. Yorkshire Entertainment’s
professional corporate Discos all carry high quality sound
and lighting (which has all the relevant safety certificates).
They will play the party music you and your guests want
to hear and at a volume that is not offensive.
How Much Will The Corporate Entertainment
Cost?
The costs vary quite considerably, partly due to the
location and date of your event and of course to the popularity
of the party entertainers. Our Yorkshire based acts however
are generally less expensive than acts from other areas
of the UK, as their overheads and cost of living tends
to be lower. Live party music provides exceptional value
and can be more affordable then you might think. If you
complete our on-line Yorkshire Entertainment agency questionnaire
or call an agent at our head office we can offer you a
fully inclusive quote by return with absolutely no obligation
on your part.
Where Do Our Acts Perform?
Our party entertainers have performed at many prestigious venues
outside of Yorkshire and across the UK, including The Royal
Albert Hall, The Savoy, Claridges, Waldorf & Governor House
Hotels in London, dozens of Town Halls including Manchester,
Guildford and Cheltenham, The International Conference Centre
in Birmingham, The Roman Pump Rooms in Bath, Scotland’s
St Andrews Golf Club, The Salle Royal in Marrakech and Le Meridian
Hotel in Paris. They have entertained at every conceivable function
including Private Houses, Stately Homes, and Marquees.
Can I See An Act Before Signing A Contract?
Yes. There is usually a function where they are performing
at where you can get to see them. However this sometimes
proves difficult to arrange as an increasing number of
people are based in a different part of the uk from their
party venue. The vast majority of our corporate entertainers
are aware of this and we have a selection of party band
CD’s to send to you. We would recommend caution
when listening to most party bands’ CD’s.
As an corporate entertainment agent we receive hundreds
of recordings each year from acts wanting to get on our
agency books. We cannot begin to count the number of party
bands we thought sounded amazing on the CD, only to go
and see them ‘live’ and be hugely disappointed.
Many corporate party bands add ‘talent boosting’
effects and digitally enhanced techniques in the studio
to their recordings and they are just not the same in
a live situation. Yorkshire Entertainment agency party
bands have genuinely not done this. What you hear IS what
you get.
Is It Customary To Feed The Party Band At An
Event?
In almost all cases, the party band is away from home for
a substantial period of time (including travelling, set-up,
performing, & de-rigging) and it is therefore customary
to feed the acts. If you are having a very elaborate corporate
function, you do not need to serve the entertainers the same
meal you are providing for your guests but a hot meal is usually
required.
Should I Pay For The Entertainers Parking?
At a venue that requires paid parking, it is entirely
at the discretion of the event organiser whether to validate
or reimburse for the party band parking. However, if you
know that the venue has particular difficulty with parking
arrangements this should be discussed beforehand to ensure
the acts will have the access needed to unload equipment,
to ensure they will be ready to perform on time. Similarly,
if you are aware your function room is not on the ground
floor, please inform us at the time of booking. (We do,
of course ‘double-check’ all venues).
Can I Request A Special Code Of Dress For The
Acts?
Generally speaking, the party entertainers have appropriate
attire for the various types of functions they normally perform
at. It should be made clear upfront and stated in the contract
what type of attire you would like at your corporate function.
If your request is not out of the ordinary there will not be
any added charge for attire. For example, it is reasonable to
request a party band to wear standard black tuxedos.
Are There Any Special Considerations For Marquee
Events?
If you book a band or Disco, if possible, we recommend that
the marquee company arrange an access flap or doorway, close
to, or directly behind the stage area. This allows the party
band / Disco to quickly set up & pack down with the minimum
disturbance to the guests.
Is It Essential To Provide A Stage For A Band?
Whilst it is not essential to supply a stage - it does allow
the party band to be seen when the function is in full swing.
If you are able to supply a stage, it must be safe and soundly
constructed. A minimum ceiling height above the stage of 6ft
6ins should be allowed. (Please take note of sloping marquee
linings where necessary).
What Sort Of Power Supply Is Required Does A
Band Need?
It is essential that a safe, properly earthed and constant
power supply be provided. Venues that regularly stage
events should already have the correct supply, but please
check with them. The exact requirements depend on the
band you have booked but as a (very) general guide, for
an average sized band & DJ - 2 separate 13 amps or
1x30 amp 240-volt mains supply is required. This should
terminate on stage in 13 amp sockets. These supplies must
be totally independent of each other (i.e. not drawn from
1x13 amp source via a mains extension). This supply should
be for the sole use of the entertainers and should never
be shared with anything else. Where the band & DJ
have to share the available power with the caterer, it
is most advisable that a 3-phase supply is available,
with each party having a separate dedicated phase. The
alternative is for a high-powered generator to be provided,
to accommodate for the heavy demand of heating ovens and
other high usage requirements of a catering contractor,
together with the lighting and PA system. An incorrect
or unsafe supply will jeopardise your event. (Please ask
us or seek the advice of a professional electrician if
you are unsure).
Changing Room For A Band
Please provide a warm, clean, well lit and lockable changing
room with clothes rail for the entertainers. At established
corporate entertainment venues, you may need to arrange for
the use of a hotel bedroom if there isn't a specialist changing
room available. Note: Professional artistes should not be asked
to change within toilet or kitchen areas - suitable rooms must
be made available.
How Big Is The Band Performance Area?
This again depends on the size & type of party band booked.
For an average sized party band (5/6-piece) band an area approximately
12ft deep (front to back) by 20ft wide (left to right) is needed.
Additional floor space (approx 4ft square) on the front left
and right hand corners should be allocated for band speaker
systems (These usually are not placed on the stage). Please
try to ensure guest’s tables are not placed directly in
front of the speakers.
DJ Requirements.
Additional floor space should be allocated for DJ’s
speakers and equipment (approximately 5ft either side of the
stage for speakers and lighting effects and a minimum area of
approximately 6ft square for the DJ and the rest of his equipment).
When a DJ is working alongside a band, it is preferable to place
the DJ next to the stage, not on it. (This prevents CD’s
from `jumping’). For a marquee function please provide
a solid base and a sturdy table approx 6ft x 3ft with a cloth.
Waiting Area At Corporate Events.
For various reasons you may prefer that the party band do not
circulate in the marquee or function room. It is therefore helpful
if a quieter area (possibly the changing area) is utilised for
refreshments, meals and resting between spots.
Directions
We will contact the hotel/conference venues to arrange for
directions to be sent to us, if we don’t already have
them on file, but for a corporate party that is not taking place
in an established venue, it is very helpful if you can provide
written directions or a location map.
Emergency Contact.
At Yorkshire Entertainment agency we check all our acts right
up to the day of your special function, so you don’t have
to worry about a thing. However for your peace of mind, if you
feel it necessary to contact the artistes on the day of your
event, we’ll give you their mobile contact numbers.
I hope you have found this article helpful. Whilst it is very
detailed, it is not a totally exhaustive list and consequently
if your questions are not answered here I welcome your e-mails
if you have a particular issue that you would like me to cover.
We're here for the long run, and cooperation and mutual respect
are crucial to longevity in the music business. We're very proud
of the good reputation we have established in corporate entertainment
circles, and the many friends we have made over the years. I
hope we have the opportunity to provide the entertainment to
help make your fundraising event a huge success. If not, we
wish you every success for a truly memorably party.
Yorkshire Entertainment Ltd
Head Office
25 Chanterlands Avenue
Hull
HU5 3SS
01482 441190 (5 lines)
LO-Call 0845 345 1945
(All calls charged at your local rate)
e.mail duncan@yorkshireentertainment.co.uk
www.yorkshireentertainment.co.uk
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