Why Is Entertainment Important For A Charity Event?
Try to remember the last party you attended. Now try to remember what hors d'ouvres were served during cocktail hour. Tough one, right? How about this, do you remember the table centres? Maybe, maybe not. Now here's an easy one: Did you have a good time? Did you dance all night? Was the entertainment great? Or was it horrible and disappointing?
You are no doubt competing with other charity fundraising events and our live bands & top function entertainment helps you to have a hugely successful party and helps you to sell more easily the tickets for next year's fundraiser.

If you're like most people, chances are you'll remember the entertainment more than anything at a party. Entertainment leaves the most indelible memory so it only stands to reason that the guests you invite to your fundraising party will have the same impression. Long after the memory of how the tables looked has faded from their minds, long after they've forgotten about those invitations you sent out, they'll remember how great a time they had, dancing the night away.

How Early Should You Book?
As early as possible! This varies based on the time of year and day of the week but many months prior to your date is definitely not too soon. The busiest time for charity events is between September and June. Weddings tend to be in demand between the beginning of May and the end of September and all Bank Holiday weekends. Fridays & Sundays are increasingly popular charity event dates & Christmas is hugely popular for company parties. So book early. If you find an entertainer that you like, don't let them get away. Fabulous live party bands & DJs are hard to find and they book up seasons in advance. Nothing will disappoint you more than going through the whole process, setting your heart on something and then waiting a week to call and finding out they're now booked on your day for another event. It happens, but don't let it happen to you. Once you've decided, pick up the phone & confirm your booking. If they aren't available on your date, at least you'll have plenty of time to find another.

How To Find Your Entertainment.
Although, some entertainers do mix public club events with private events, many of the top bands or DJ's aren't found playing in clubs. Where do you begin? If you've been to a charity event recently, ask the organiser how they found their entertainers. To give you the best options & advice call a professional entertainment agency.

Why Use a Professional Entertainment Agency?
Use an agent experienced in booking entertainment for charity and fundraising events. You will save time and money by using a good agency, and still maintain complete control over your event. Your event is much too important to worry about whether the band are 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.
A good agent has worked with many professional entertainers of all types. They know who shows up and who doesn't. They know who'll make your fund raising event memorable and who won't. They'll know who'll help make your charity ball stand out from competing fundraising events. They have access to a great variety of musical styles across a broad range of pricing structures, and their job is to fit the entertainment to your needs. For you to go out in the midst of planning a party and find an appropriate band, chase down their contact person, make a deal, and then hope they show up just doesn't make any sense when an agent will do the work for you and usually at no additional cost. (The agent takes his commissions from the acts). Many bands hear the words "charity ball" and their prices escalate substantially, whereas agents know the pricing history of the bands they work with. Bands are also generally more accommodating for an agent (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 at a big charity fund raising event? When enlisting the help of Lancashire Entertainment, your options and choices are greatly expanded. We have already done the groundwork. We are able to provide you with a selection of entertainers available on your date, proven professionals that fit your needs and budget. We will ask you many questions & listen and understand exactly what it is you desire. This helps us to suggest the most appropriate acts for you to consider.
When Should We Entertain Our Guests? It is now common practice to entertain your guests throughout the evening. There are several alternatives open to you, which will make your bash a memorable one for everyone that attends. The occasion splits up into 2 main categories (from an entertainment point of view).

Here are just a few ideas for the smooth running of the event.

Pre-Dinner Drinks & Meal Entertainment.
To create a happy warm welcome for your guests the alternatives include a Piper, Harpist, String Quartet, and Pianist. These instruments 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 guests' tables one by one performing his magical art. Other speciality performers such as Caricaturists will keep your guests occupied between courses. (You could also charge the guests for each drawing or ask for a donation). They also give your guests a special present to take home. For the larger gatherings 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 party to discuss your requirements. He will ensure that caterers, entertainers, photographers and videographers etc. all know what to do and when. If you wish, he will announce the arrival of each guest, and introduce the speeches. Most have a great sense of humour and are often a good source of entertainment. Employing the services of a toastmaster allows the event organisers to relax and enjoy their evening.

Fundraising
There are a number of different ways to raise funds, the most obvious of which are raffles, tombolas, and party games (Irish bingo and 'heads & tails' are currently the most popular). Another brilliant way to persuade your guests to part with their cash is to book a Las Vegas Charity Fundraising Casino.

Band or Disco?
When choosing entertainment for your evening party, there is always the age-old question, "Live Party Band or DJ?" 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 DJ 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 Band.
A good live function 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 party band is a great way to ensure a "lively" reception that will create lasting memories and make your charity ball stand out from the crowd. For most of your guests the live 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, live music provides an equally enjoyable concert or lounge-type atmosphere. The bottom line is that live entertainment is both a participatory activity and a spectator sport all rolled into one. This is the unequalled 'entertainment value' of live music. It is clearly demonstrated by the millions of people who attend concerts, symphonies, outdoor festivals, jazz clubs and nightclubs to hear live entertainers perform each year. There is an inherent power and energy in live 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 most charity balls and versatility is the key ingredient to your party's success! Experienced, versatile function bands play a selection of well-loved hits from a huge repertoire designed to appeal to all of your guests. They are open to song suggestions and, given enough notice, are happy to rehearse your personal favourites and special requests. Other bands are also very popular in a range of different styles including Soul, Jazz, Rock n Roll, and Tribute Bands. If you're holding a theme night, Lancashire Entertainment will offer you a range of excellent 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 audience involvement, but as the night wears on (and the alcohol takes effect), the guests often 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 at Lancashire Entertainment our experienced consultants will ask you all the right questions and offer you some friendly impartial advice). The most important thing to remember is that live bands will usually play 2 sets - lasting between 45 minutes to an hour each. (Any more than this and the music will lose it's dynamic impact and special nature). Once the band stop for a break, the DJ will keep the dancing going until the 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 band finish, the DJ 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 music during their breaks and again this may well be the best option - mainly depending on the timings of your evening, when and how you plan to do the fundraising, and the atmosphere you wish to create.

Why Should You Book A Band & DJ From The Same Source?
Most DJ's supplied from alternative sources are not used to working alongside the 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 DJ's will liase with the bands and they can share equipment when space is at a premium. They expertly announce the band on and off stage and ensure a smooth and continuous flow of entertainment, removing your worries and helping you to celebrate in style.

Advantages Of Booking A Disco.
If you go for the option of a solo DJ, remember that you trust the whole nights entertainment to just one person - make sure you get the right one !! A mobile disco is the most practical and cost effective form of entertainment available to you. The DJ 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. DJ's are especially good for small to medium sized parties. Lancashire Entertainment's professional DJ's all carry high quality sound and lighting (which has all the relevant safety certificates). They will play the music you and your guests want to hear and at a volume that is not offensive.

How Much Will The Entertainment Cost?
The costs vary quite considerably, partly due to the location and date of your fund raising party and of course to the popularity of the entertainers. Live music provides exceptional entertainment value and can be more affordable then you might think. If you complete our on-line questionnaire or call 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 entertainers perform throughout the uk & perform at many prestigious venues outside of Lancashire including The Royal Albert Hall, The Savoy, Clarities, Waldorf & Governor House Hotels in London, dozens of Town Halls including Leeds, 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 in every conceivable situation including Private Houses, uk Stately Homes, and Marquees.

Can I See An Act Before Signing A Contract?
Yes. As they travel around the uk there is usually an event 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 acts are aware of this and we have a selection of CD's to send to you. We would recommend caution when listening to most bands' CD's. As an agency, we receive hundreds of recordings each year from acts around the uk wanting to get on our books. We cannot begin to count the number of acts we thought sounded amazing on the CD, only to go and see them 'live' and be hugely disappointed. Many 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. Our acts have genuinely not done this. What you hear IS what you get.

Is It Customary To Feed The Band?
In almost all cases, the acts are away from home for a substantial period of time (including travelling, set-up, performing, & de-rigging) and it is therefore customary to feed the entertainers. If you are having a very elaborate charity ball, you do not need to serve the entertainers the same seven-course meal you are providing for your guests but a hot meal is usually required.

Should I Pay For The Acts Parking?
At a venue that requires paid parking, it is entirely at the discretion of the party-giver whether to validate or reimburse for parking. However, if you know that the venue has particular difficulty with parking arrangements this should be discussed beforehand to ensure the entertainers 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 Entertainers?
Generally speaking, the entertainers have appropriate attire for the various types of affairs they normally perform at. It should be made clear upfront and stated in the contract what type of attire you would like at your special event. 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 musicians or groups to wear standard black tuxedos for a charity fundraising function or corporate event. However, if you request an unusual colour tuxedo or particular colour shirt or accessory to match your colour scheme, you should expect to be charged extra for this request

Are There Any Special Considerations For Marquee Events?
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 musicians to quickly set up & pack down with the minimum disturbance to the guests.

Is It Essential To Provide A Stage?
Whilst it is not essential to supply a stage - it does allow the party band to be seen when the dance floor is full. 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?
It is essential that a safe, properly earthed and constant power supply be provided. Venues that regularly stage entertainment should already have the correct supply, but please check with them. The exact requirements depend on the artists 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 artiste and should never be shared with anything else. Where the band 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 artiste's 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
Please provide a warm, clean, well lit and lockable changing room with clothes rail for the artistes. At established 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 Acts' Performance Area
This again depends on the size & type of entertainment booked. For a live party 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 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 marquee events please provide a solid base and a sturdy table approx 6ft x 3ft with a cloth.

Waiting Area.
For various reasons you may prefer that the entertainers 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 directions to be sent to us, if we don't already have them on file, but for parties that are not taking place in established venues, it is very helpful if you can provide written directions or a location map.

Emergency Contact.
At Lancashire Entertainment we check all our acts right up to the day of your special event, 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, 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 occasion.

Lancashire Entertainment Agency

LO-Call 0845 345 1945
(All calls charged at your local rate)
e.mail info@Lancashireentertainment.co.uk
www.Lancashireentertainment.co.uk