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.
Excellent
1022 reviews on
To check availability, please add your event date to the menu above.
Animated and up-tempo Scottish ceilidh band with an energetic and contemporary approach – ideal for dancing at weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties or community parties. Caller included. DJ service available.
Luxury function band made up of outstanding musicians from London that deliver an engaging, energetic and unforgettable show, guaranteed to get the audience dancing all night.
Acoustic guitar-led festival band covering indie folk and acoustic artists such as Mumford & Sons and Ed Sheeran. Expect upbeat, feel-good performances tailored to your preferences.
Internationally acclaimed Cuban band with incredible female lead vocals, a driving intensity and irresistible rhythms guaranteed to turn any event into a fiesta!
After starting out as a tribute to 90s dance classics the band now play high-octane club floor-fillers from the 70s to the present day. Using mash-ups, medleys and segues, songs are blended into one seamless night of entertainment.
Incredible versatile band with a song list ranging from 70s classics to the present day that includes current charts as well as all your favourite soul and Motown throwbacks!
Combining New Orleans horns, traditional British Brass and some original arrangements of modern favourites, Hardcore Horns are the easiest way to create a party atmosphere with immediate effect!
A supreme events band, performing globally since 2012, The Impressions offer vivid energy and musical brilliance, wrapped in a luxurious package.
Performing globally since 2010, an energetic and experienced act, creating musical performances for you to treasure, always!
Say yes to cheese, high energy & a totally rad repertoire! Totally Rad are an 80s tribute band like no other. Each member is wireless and will be in the crowd as much as they're on the stage.
An incredible DJ and sax pairing with more live roaming musicians available, such as percussion and e-violin. The ideal choice for clients wanting to bridge the gap between a DJ and a live band.
From pop favourites and feel-good funk to afrobeats and updated jazz classics, The DBs turn the traditional brass band format on its head and drag it kicking and screaming into the 21st century!
Whether you need upbeat entertainment for a lively celebration or a relaxed atmosphere for a drinks reception, Daylight Duo can cater to your needs.
Compact in size but delivering a grand sound, The Slick City Swingers masterfully recreate the vibrant swinging tunes of the classic big band era.
Unique throwback to the Jazz Age of the 1920s & 30s, when The "Charleston" was all the rage, and the swells were "Putting on the Ritz". Also available as a roaming option!
Fresh and talented, this acoustic duo will wow your guests with their silky smooth voices, heavenly guitar solos and melodic harmonies. Add in their loop pedal and you've got a mesmerising show!
Americana Bluegrass trio with stunning three and four part vocal harmonies! Also available as a 4 and 5-piece (banjo and fiddle).
Popular Scottish Ceilidh band featuring a charismatic caller and a former Scottish National Fiddle Champion! This internationally acclaimed group have performed all over the UK and Europe. Solo fiddle, accordion & fiddle duo, fiddle & guitar duo, string trio or quartet also available!
Tropicalia DJ Band is a DJ act with live musicians, bringing an exotic, vibrant performance to your event. The act performs floor-filling mash-ups and remixes of classics from the 70s to the present day.
North East based duo featuring male vocals, keys & guitar, and perfect for wedding ceremonies, dinner and background music. Option to add backing tracks for evening entertainment and DJ service available.
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.
Our party bands bring the ultimate soundtrack to any event, performing a wide range of popular music across decades and genres to keep everyone 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 perform at a wide variety of events, from birthdays and weddings to corporate parties and milestone celebrations, ensuring every occasion is unforgettable.
Almost any celebration can come alive with live music! Our bands have provided the perfect soundtrack for Bar Mitzvahs, Christmas parties, birthdays, and wedding receptions. They’ve also helped surprise employees at office parties and set the tone for New Year’s Eve celebrations.
No matter the occasion, our professional party bands ensure your event is memorable, keeping guests entertained long after the final note has been played.
We can help you choose the perfect party band for your event, whether it’s a wedding, birthday, or corporate celebration, ensuring the music fits your style and keeps your guests entertained.
Having handpicked each and every party 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.
Party band line-ups vary from small 3-piece bands to full 12-piece ensembles, allowing you to choose the right size and sound for your event, from intimate gatherings to large celebrations.
If you're into soul and 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.
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.
Yes! All our party bands come fully equipped with their own PA sound system, microphones, amplifiers, and instruments ensuring top-quality audio and stage effects for parties of up to 200.
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.
To ensure a smooth performance, party bands usually need access to a power supply and a flat, level area to play, with shelter if the event is outdoors.
As a guideline, a 4-piece band typically requires around 4m wide by 3m deep, with an extra square metre for each additional band member. While a raised stage can help the band make a bigger visual impact, it isn’t essential.
Some acts may also request a changing room to prepare before the performance, or a basic meal as part of their rider, depending on how long they are required to be at your venue. These are standard industry requirements and help the band deliver the best possible show for your event.
Our party bands typically perform for two one-hour sets, making them ideal for after-dinner entertainment at weddings, parties, and corporate events.
Bands 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.
Party bands usually require 60–90 minutes to set up and soundcheck, ensuring top-quality performance for weddings, parties, and corporate events.
Set-up usually begins between 5 and 6pm. 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.
Our party bands can take song requests submitted in advance, helping you tailor the music to your wedding, birthday, or corporate event.
You can browse each band’s full repertoire on their profile page and send over your preferred songs ahead of time. Most bands are unable to accept spontaneous “on-the-fly” requests, as these songs may not be part of their repertoire or have the necessary arrangements to perform them well. By sticking to their set list and giving the band time to rehearse your chosen tracks, you’ll ensure a polished, high-energy performance that keeps your guests entertained all night.
Yes, all of our party bands are fully insured and have up to date PAT tested equipment.
Our party bands are selected for both their exceptional performance and reliability, so cancellations are extremely rare. If a band member falls ill or unexpected circumstances arise, we provide a 24/7 service to arrange a professional replacement, ensuring your live music for weddings, parties, and corporate events goes ahead as planned.
You don’t always need a separate party DJ, as our live bands can play recorded music during their intervals to keep your wedding, birthday, or corporate event 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.
Absolutely! If you’d like to avoid mainstream pop, there are plenty of fantastic alternative party bands to choose from:
Many of these acts also perform popular songs, but reimagined in their own style – for example, a swing version of Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit or an Afro-Cuban arrangement of Bon Jovi’s Livin’ on a Prayer.
Vintage and era-themed bands:
Whether you’re planning a vintage-themed party or simply want to avoid modern pop music, these options provide lively, memorable entertainment for all your guests.
Our party bands specialise in providing live after-dinner and evening entertainment for weddings, corporate events, and private parties, keeping guests dancing long into the night.
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.
Looking for tips on hiring a party band on a budget? We can help you save money on live music for weddings, birthdays, and corporate events without compromising on quality.
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.
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.
Loading...
Back to top
