Probably the most popular choice for entertainment and with good reason - they can be a cheap and reliable way to fill a room with human-curated noise. The huge market for DJs however hides a lot of range and diversity, making it crucial with this type more than any other that you first research the DJ and establish communication early. Entry level DJs will simply show up with a playlist of music, hopefully in line with your event and what you’ve asked for! They might even venture onto the mic to announce a happy birthday or congratulations, but that’s about it.

More serious DJs put a lot of effort into both their playlisting and their performance. They might create their own medleys or mixes, with tracks harmonised with each other or with the transition into new tracks carefully timed for maximum audience reaction. More than anything, a good DJ will embody the spirit of the event with their performance. They might be jumping or dancing to the music they play and leading the audience to engage.

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Description text goes hereThe clear winner if you want to provide entertainment that people won’t expect. Not many people think about percussionists as solo entertainers, but they can easily captivate an audience with a whole range of struck instruments and leave guests with a story to tell!

Some percussionists will include melodic instruments, or may play a backing track. Their key tools are displays of skill and the energy of their performance, constructing an eye-openingly wide range of sounds and textures with their gear of choice.

Another advantage of percussionists is that they won’t need much in terms of electrical equipment (although do ask them!) This is especially useful for venues without easy access to mains or without a good PA system already set up, but it also leaves the performer free to move around without being tethered to wires, opening up all sorts of possibilities for audience interaction.

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In many ways the classic option for live music entertainment, we’ve included solo and duo performers in this category. Characterised by universal appeal and vocal-dominant performance, they can be split into pure singers and those who play an acoustic instrument alongside. In either case, expect a wide range of songs covered, often customisable by you in advance if you ask, centred around a charismatic individual who will capture an audience. They will make them smile, make them laugh and make them dance.

Those who play instruments can add extra sound textures to their set, often making use of loop pedals to layer up and build rich tapestries. Although pure singers don’t use this, the fact that they don’t have to carry an instrument allows them to give a more expressive physical performance and are often more able to move around the space. In both cases they offer a range of energy levels to suit both your event and different phases of their performance, and are known for their audience interaction and storytelling. This is one of their key advantages - by connecting the entertainment to their individual human story, this type of entertainer is best placed to leave an emotional impression.

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The legendary saxophone already occupies a hallowed place in the psyche of a live music audience, and saxophonists take full advantage. A beautifully expressive instrument able to adopt a full spectrum of moods, they can be smooth and romantic or, at their upper end, an untamed riot of joy and celebration. In all cases, the saxophone is a classy instrument, and those who play them professionally no less so. Choosing this type of entertainer will endow some of this elegance to your event, showing that you know how to put on a polished show.

Being a powerful acoustic instrument, they are matched only by the percussionists in their ability to fill a room with sound without the need of amplification - although some will use it in order to ensure they are heard evenly through the space. Some will offer extra services, like a DJ set they will play along to and playlisting so that the music doesn’t stop between sets.

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You might think all there is to a drag act is some great makeup and a wig. Nothing could be further from the truth - there is a huge range of entertainment. Often there is an element of stand up comedy, blended with singing, dancing or other talents. Not only this, but you are tapping into an integral part of western entertainment heritage and the ongoing story of LGBTQ+ visibility, in the footsteps of RuPaul, Adore Delano and Danny La Rue. Known for being raucous and irreverent, you are showing not only that your event is culturally aware, but also that you’re putting on a night that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

From a technical point of view, the diversity of drag acts means that prior communication and research is paramount. Many drag acts only need a microphone but some might need (or supply, at cost) more involved equipment to provide their full service.

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Generally counting as three or more musicians, bands use their advantage of numbers in two ways - firstly, it allows them to create a richer and more adaptable sound that a solo musician can generate, even with a loop pedal. Secondly, a good band will draw the audience into their group dynamic, creating a social dynamic that can set the mood for your event. The fullness of their sound and their physically bigger size suggests a bigger event, and shows that you’ve pulled out all the stops.

Although bands can be found in any style or genre, most fall into one of three categories: folk bands who produce a timeless sound on largely acoustic instruments, although most will still need (or supply) at least a PA to support the vocalist. There are also jazz and big bands who require similar technical support to the folk acts. Where the folk acts generate a fun and rustic atmosphere, the jazz or big band brings a smooth, classy element – similar to the saxophone player, but at scale. Finally, there are rock bands who, although covering quite a range of subgenres, will usually require the most in terms of electrical outputs and equipment. Be sure to communicate ahead of time. The upside of this is that rock bands often produce the most noise and energy, which may or may not be what your event needs!

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Finally, there are tribute acts out there to almost any band or artist that has ever graced the charts! Something of a wild card category in that tribute acts can also fall into any of the categories above, with all the technical implications that go with it.

The advantages of hiring a tribute act are plain - you are importing the legacy of a famous performer at a fraction of the cost! It is worth mentioning however that reputable tribute acts of the most famous bands and artists can be among the most high-paid performers in the business, but if you shop around and do your research, you can bring your guests’ favourite obsession to life right there at your event!

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