Category Archives: Entertainment

Ideas for a Toga Party

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A Toga party! A night to celebrate your pledged Greek loyalty by participating in traditional toga wear and drinking games. We should preface this guide to Greek-glory-seeking by recommending you party responsibly by hiring Party Buses or Chauffeurs to get you where you need to go. Now grab your bedsheets and your beer, and let’s have a Toga Party!

The Attire

There are only a few requirements for throwing a Toga Party. First and foremost: dress code. No Toga, no party. To create your Toga, you will need white bed sheets, rope sandals, and an ivy headdress. Cut, wrap, and tie your bedsheets into a Roman-inspired dress. This is a universal look, but creativity is expected. Construct an ivy halo from materials found at your local craft store (if you’ve been day-drinking and this sounds difficult, the halo is optional). Throw on the hippie rope sandals you’ve been saving in your closet since freshman year, and you’re ready to go!

The Drinking Games
Organised games for your party-goers are a must. Expect your guests to be three sheets to the wind at this point, so keep game rules buzz-friendly. Choose games like Chariot Races, where participants will pair up for a piggy-back race to the finish line without spilling their beers, or Still As Roman Statues, where your party-goers will pose as Greek statues and see who lasts the longest. Beer Pong and Flip Cup are also acceptable.

The Entertainment
Although Grecian-inspired games and drinking contests are entertaining in their own right, it’s best to have multiple forms of event entertainment for your guests. Book a DJ or Band to keep the party alive all night long. Hire a Bartender to serve up Roman-inspired cocktails and beer.
Togas, drinking, and Roman-inspired games – it’s pretty hard to mess this up. Just have fun and drink responsibly, and don’t forget Toga! Toga! Toga!

All the fun of the fair

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Fairground rides are a firm favourite for old and young, they date back to the Victorian era where the carousels were a family favourite. Nowadays funfair rides can have a little bit more ‘thrill factor’ about them, whether it be whizzing around upside down that are not for the faint hearted – but even so lots of fun. Hired fairground rides can range from these white knuckle rides, ghost trains, dodgem cars, cup and saucers or the old favourite horse carrousels.

Rides such as these could be booked for a charity event, launch party, corporate party, private party or maybe a wedding with a difference if you were inviting a lot of ‘young at heart’ guests.
Fairground stalls and games

Fairground stalls for hire are great fun; it may be a candy floss stall, hotdog stall or a skill game where you win a prize at the end or not forgetting ‘hook a duck’. These fairground stalls would be perfect for that something different for your event. These stalls could be just for fun or for profit.

You may be organising a fete, charity event, corporate event or just a private party where you want to impress your guests with a few stalls and games. The smell of hotdogs and candyfloss will tempt your guests and then they can play a few games!!

This would be great for an older child’s party or a teenager. You would also probably get a lot of respect for organising such an event too!!

If you need a dancer…

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Dancers are very entertaining, and if you had an event that demanded some dancers then why not consider hiring some great dancers from Red Masque entertainment directory.

Hire a Dance Group to dance in sync where the choreography would be done to perfection, it could be any style of dance that your taste desires from Street Dance to River Dance, Male to Female Dancers. We think we have just about all Dance groups covered advertised within our Red Masque entertainment directory.

If you having a launch party that would require some eye candy of the female variety? If so, why don’t you hire some Podium dancers, a risqué burlesque dancer or some showgirls that would be quite a classy type of Le Lido but here in the UK.

These girls are professional, classy and have trained for hours to put on the perfect show for you.

You will be dazzled by the splendid costumes which will be worn by the Showgirls and Podium Dancers even though they’re maybe little of them!!! The burlesque will titillate and tease but done in the best possible taste!!

Salsa and Tango dancers are very now, most people want to learn the art of these sexy, sensual dances. You could hire some dancers to teach. Or if you are quite familiar of these dances you could simply hire to put on a quite splendid show that would be breath-taking and remarkable, leaving you wishing you were indeed as talented as these dancers.

Snake and Belly dancers of course seem to go hand in hand, these amazing creatures – love them or hate them have something mesmerising about them that you cannot fail to be intrigued to watch or even (if you dare) handle them.

Belly dancers have been around for centuries and it’s also a great way to keep fit. If you ever wanted to master the art of Belly Dancing, then why not hire a Belly Dancer to teach you. You will have great fun, and if your tummy is not your most favourite part of your body – well rest assured a rounded belly is considered sexy in some parts of the world!!

Or, if you wanted some themed dance acts for your special event, then why not look on our gallery of special dance acts that will enlighten your guests and create that nostalgia needed for your themed evening.

They will be dressed in the most appropriate costumes and do all the dance moves from that era it will be truly like stepping back in time and feeling the past again.

Have a look on our directory to see which dance act you could hire for your next party!

Music is for life

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Imagine the scene; a launch party for your new wine bar has finally been arranged and there is the sound of people talking and laughter -in the background is a professional pianist. A complete success and the right ambience has been created making you stand out a little from the competitors.

A wonderful sound of classical instruments being played is second to none, the haunting sounds of a Harpist, or the classical sound of a Pianist, the timeless sound of a Violist or a string quartet. If you wanted an upmarket affair than these are the artists to hire.

Solo musicians albeit a group of musicians they will add that extra je ne sais quoi to your special event. Karaoke has become the world’s most favourite entertainment, we are all closet singers but put a microphone in front of us when we’ve had a few sherbets and we turn into Shirley Bassey or Tom Jones!!

Live band karaoke takes traditional karaoke to another level where your live band can play along with you – so if you do make a few mistakes then your live band is able to pick up where you left behind (making you look like the star you were born to be!!) You must admit this would be great fun to hire this at a Wedding, Birthday or even a corporate event where even the shyest of persons will turn into a Diva for the night!!

Why not get some culture in your life and hire some Latin or Middle Eastern music musicians? The mystique of beautiful ladies and gentlemen dancing to this music, it could be belly dancing or Salsa – the rhythm is definitely going to get you!!

Motown and Soul is the best music of days gone by, it was so cool, black soulful funky groups to the delightful sound of Diana Ross.

Motown really turned the music industry around and today we still hear sampled copies of Motown and Soul being used today – but Motown and Soul is most synonymous with the outlandish clothing and big hair!!!

Whatever your memories of Motown and Soul bands, no doubt it will always have a place in your heart. Why not hire a tribute band so they can play all your favourite songs in that era, and maybe have a fancy dress too – now that would definitely be fun!!!

To hire only the best just look on the Red Masque directory to find just what you’ve been looking for to give your special event that extra special sparkle!!

Wedding Anniversary ideas

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Wedding anniversaries are among the most joyous celebrations in a person’s life, and unlike birthday celebrations, you actually get to pick the date!

But, year after year, it can become difficult to think of fun, new ways to celebrate your marriage. So we’ve put together some tips for you to do something wonderful with your partner this year!

So, your first thought is dinner at an elegant restaurant? That’s great, it’s a classic, and classics are classic for a reason. But how about sprucing it up a bit? First of all, make sure the restaurant is nice, as nice as you can. It’s your anniversary, after all. Then, instead of simply driving to the restaurant, why not have a Horse Drawn Carriage take you there? Or a Limo? Afterward, take your partner on a lovely stroll and have a Singer waiting to serenade them. This is a great way to make a regular date-night activity turn into a beautiful memory!

Maybe you don’t like to keep it simple. Or private. Maybe you want to throw a huge party with all your friends. For a real bash, there are some essentials we strongly recommend for you. First, a Bartender. This is a must. Nothing simplifies the logistics of an event like designating someone specifically to the alcohol. Second, a DJ, Cover Band, or a Dance Band– music, in other words. Rent some Tables & Chairs if you’re looking for a more formal affair, and hire a Caterer if you think guests will stop dancing long enough to eat. A bash is a joyful way to celebrate the love in your marriage, as well as the life you’ve created together.

Depending on how long you’ve been married, recreating your wedding can be a fun throwback to your younger lives. Hire a Cover Band to play the same songs and ask your guests to show up in era-appropriate attire. Decorate the party with pictures of the wedding, which should incite stories and remembrances from times gone by. Nothing shows you how much has changed like going back and remembering how it all began.

This one’s for the strong couples, the ones with a serious sense of humour. Divide up the roasters by partner, so that each one gets lampooned evenly. Hire a Stand-up Comedian to bring some professional legitimacy to the proceedings. Consider booking a Cover Band or a DJ for some filler music. A Roast works both as an anniversary celebration and a test of your marriage!

Who says an anniversary has to be celebrated with a party? Why take your partner on a trip? What better way to honour the adventure of a marriage by creating a new adventure? Travel anywhere– fly abroad or a romantic cruise. No matter where you go, you and your partner will be a team, discovering the world.
We hoped we’ve helped you and your partner make the best of your special day. Always remember: the whole point of an anniversary is to take time to honour your marriage. So don’t worry too much about planning the perfect event. As long as you spend it with your partner, we have a feeling your anniversary’s going to be wonderful.

Father’s Day entertainment ideas

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Father’s day will be here quicker than you know it! Here at Red Masque, we’re committed to making everything just a little more unique, and that means it’s time for some great Father’s Day entertainment ideas.

So, what is the best type of entertainment to get Dad for Father’s Day? Well, he might like one of our burlesque dancers, but that might not be the best Father’s Day gift. So, maybe we should look at some other great options…

Fathers put a lot of energy into raising their children, so why not celebrate Father’s Day by surprising them with breakfast in bed? For a fancy breakfast, hire a personal chef to get everything ready. Although when it comes to delivering breakfast in bed, we’re not sure that we would recommend sending a stranger into his bedroom, but there’s a good chance that Dad is always out of bed at least a few hours before you, so here are a few options for celebrations a bit later in the day.

What kind of music did Dad really love back in his younger days; back when he would whisk mum away to a concert, stay out well into the night, and wake up without a screaming baby demanding food? Why not surprise him with a blast from the past by a 60’s tribute band to come and play just for him? How amazing would that be?!

But if your dad doesn’t listen to music, we mean not the same kind of music we listen to, at least. But he still loves to be surprised and entertained, so there are other choices. Singing telegrams are certainly music, and we believe they would help to bridge the gap between your music and your father’s music. Everyone loves a great jingle, and if you hurry and book a singing telegram now, they’ll have more time to create a customized message. For an extra treat, you can even go for a singing telegram or special birthday message delivered by a celebrity impersonator. Maybe “Happy Father’s Day, Mr. President” isn’t quite as sultry and scandalous as the original Marilyn Monroe ditty, but it would certainly make a great surprise!

Whatever you decide to choose for the perfect Father’s Day gift, Red Masque is here to help. Take a look at all the great entertainment we have to offer.

School fundraising ideas

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Raising money for schools and colleges are always needed and worthwhile. We are sure you have some great ideas of your own, but a few more ideas wouldn’t go amiss!!

School Garage Sale
At least once a year, people clean out cupboards, attics and garages to discover things that are accumulating dust. A community garage sale is a great way for people to get rid of these items while donating to a great cause. Organising an event like this also brings parents, teachers, students and members of the local community together in a social environment. There can be virtually no costs to hosting the event especially if it’s held at the school. All people do is drop off their items, and then organize a group of volunteers to help with sales. Consider adding a coffee and cake-sale as part of the event so people can eat and drink as they shop.

Student Serve-a-thon:
Create a twist to your typical walk-a-thon or jog-a-thon event and host a serve-a-thon where parents and students work together to serve their community. Instead of walking for a cause, students donate their time mowing the lawn for an elderly neighbour, or cleaning up rubbish at a local park, or tutoring a younger student… this is a great way to earn money while helping those in need. Make your event a greater success by offering prizes to top performers and classrooms.

School Disco’s
School disco’s don’t have to be for Christmas or for anything special, why not hold a monthly Disco where parents can also come along and spend some money? Hire a live band or dj for your event and have a dance-off.

Some schools achieve great success hosting an event for the local community. Not only can these fundraising events bring in a great deal of money, but they also provide an excellent opportunity for families and students to socialize. You can raise funds by charging a small admission fee for guests. Then raise additional funds by selling raffle tickets to participate in games, contest or purchase food. You may want to consider bringing in a vendor with bouncy castles or other inflatables. Have each class put together a different themed basket to raffle off.

Sales contest
Product sales are a great way to get students involved in raising funds for your school or organization. Many schools sell sweets, cakes, magazines, or gift or discount cards. There are many benefits of selling discount cards. They are small and portable with a low overhead cost, and can be easily mailed at the cost of first class mail because of their size. Be sure to add in incentives and awards for top fundraisers to build in some healthy competition and encourage participants to raise more money.

Event ideas to raise money

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Sports
Sports fundraising ideas provides a great way for coaches, parents, and schools to raise funds for new equipment, team uniforms, or travel funds for competitions. In addition, sports fundraising teaches children the importance of community service and being part of something larger than themselves. Sports fundraisers can also tie in values such as teamwork, sportsmanship and more.

Football fundraising
Fundraising is a great way for football teams, summer leagues and traveling teams to earn extra money for team uniforms, new equipment, training tools, entry fees and referee fees for traveling teams. Why not organise the event entertainment with a sponsored football kick about or a penalty shoot-out? Don’t forget to buy some medals for the winners.

Dance Team Fundraising
If you are a dance or cheerleading team, consider hosting a dance-a-thon. This type of fundraiser works just like any walk-a-thon, however instead of walking… participants are dancing! Pick a day where dance team members and teachers teach dance lessons to others in the community. Incorporate fun dance performances as well to keep attendees entertained. Bring on a local business to sponsor and give all participants a t-shirt.

Team-Building Events
Another interesting idea for teams with older participants is a “team-building” fundraising event, such as a fundraising treasure hunt or relay race. Teams must delegate about the most efficient route to take, assign team members roles, and work together to accomplish their goals. This could be a great fundraising idea for a debate team or chess team. Funds are raised through team registration fees, plus individual pledge donation requirements.

How does music at events affect people’s behaviour?

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We constantly consume music, whether we are aware of it or not, and we will end up in situations where we participate in subconscious listening every day.

This could be at the supermarket, with music playing over the loudspeakers, during TV ads or programmes, where music often sits in the background to augment a mood. It could also be at an event or conference, where there is either a live band or background music being played in the venue. All of this subconscious or inactive listening has an impact on how we behave.

We mostly think of music as entertainment, but marketers have been using it to influence our behaviour for decades. It’s a particularly prolific strategy in consumer goods industries, but the principles can easily be applied to the event industry.

Using the right type of music can potentially be very profitable, and as such there’s been a lot of research into exactly how different types of music affects behaviour within a specific environment. Certain types of music can make us move through a space faster, linger longer, change our perception of queue times or makes us spend more.

Unsurprisingly, fast paced music makes people move faster, and so does loud music. Slow music generally makes people slow down. It might be basic, but it’s an important factor in creating a specific mood for an event. Do you want people to be energised and buzzing, or relaxed and laid-back?

So if you’re putting on a race or sporting event, you’ll want to increase the volume and get some dance or rock music blasting out to energise your participants. However, if you’re running an exhibition and want people to linger and chat at stalls, you’ll probably want to opt for slower, softer sounds to keep the pace steady and encourage more conversations.

If you like to listen to music, like most of us, you will have experienced how it can impact your mood. This is something the media and marketers know how to take full advantage of. In addition to our emotional reactions, they also play on the associations we attach to different types of music.

Hire Classical musicians, it might be thought of as sophisticated and classy, while Jazz might be thought of as artistic and refined. When putting these general assumptions to the test, several experiments show that playing specific music can impact perceptions too. For example, classical music can temporarily increase the perceived value of an item. In these situations, people projected some of the associations they had with classical music, e.g. sophistication, onto the item itself.

So for your next conference, maybe you want to welcome attendees with a spot of classical music, or introduce your keynote speaker with it playing in the background, inferring sophistication and intelligence on everyone in the room as well as your speakers.

Making your own Animation

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Have you ever wanted to learn about Animation and maybe make your own small Animation film? This a great way to interact with your team mates and to figure out what strengths and weaknesses each member of your team has.

A good idea for business entertainment is to get 10 delegates together and appoint their own personal animation leader who is always on hand to guide them through the concept and storyboarding stage, solve problems and answer animation queries!

Every delegate receives a pre-made plasticine model, ready for them to customise and create their own characters. The mini-me models are a great way to ensure everyone can make their own fantastic looking character, regardless of whether they’re a naturally arty type! Delegates also receive additional model making materials to really bring their characters to life. The group’s animation leader is always on hand to offer advice and ideas.

Your animation leader introduces them to the stop motion software and is there to make sure the process runs smoothly with animation tips and tricks of the trade, all of which help the group create an animation they can be really proud of. Every delegate’s model will be involved in the film, with each delegate working together, communicating and rotating roles including director, animator, software operator, continuity, props, etc.

When the animations are complete and the groups has called it a wrap, all the groups get together for a premiere screening of their work. We then take the films back to a post production studio, where music, titles and effects are added before being sent to you within 2 weeks of the workshop. These films are great to share with colleagues, internally in large organisations or externally on the company website/social media as desired. Delegates also get to keep their plasticine characters as a memento of the day and their achievements!