Category Archives: Event

Helping you make the right choice

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Red Masque will help you filter available options. You can get several options when thinking of hiring bands, singers, musicians, comedians and other artists. You may be confused especially when you don’t know any of the artists in person. You can save yourself the trouble by ensuring that Red Masque only advertises the very best and whatever choice you make will always be the right on

An entertainment directory is known for offering unique services at wedding receptions, meetings, corporate events and other special gatherings. We at Red Masque have artists who may be musicians, comedians, and singers and so on. They can thrill your guests at any event. There’s a lot to gain from us. Here are some of the benefits:

We advertise artists which we think are exactly what you want. You are able to contact various artists of your choosing and meet if you so wish to choose suitable music or songs for your event.
You can save enough time and energy when you engage a good party entertainment directory. In most cases, we have taken care of the brain work you would have carried out, and have the best unique and highly acclaimed artists in the business.
With a reliable entertainment directory, you can get suitable price for hiring a band. You can also get the right price for other artists you may want to hire.

To locate us, you have to come online; which is the first step. There are lots of agencies offering unique services on the internet, but you need to consider some factors when looking for the right agency. You have to compare several agencies before making your choice. When you book one of our advertised artists you are able to arrange a private interview to help you make the right choice.

Comedians and Hosts

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We all have our favourite podcasts. At Red Masque we often get a lot of bookings for comedians who are often a lot more expensive than people expect. If only there was a way to combine these two difficulties and find out about incredible up and coming comedians for your event…

Thankfully we have many comedians advertising on our Website which will cater for absolutely everyone, from drag queens to comedian duos or just a good ‘stand up’ guy. You will know that they are all on ‘top form.

But why are we telling you all this? Well, unless you’re a big fan of comedy and the live stand-up circuit, you may not be aware of some of the names you see advertised on Red Masque directory, but rest assured they are just as funny as the hired comedians you have heard about and are wanting to compare your event and the best bit is that they are often a fraction of the price! Why spend £25,000 when you can spend £1,000? Comedians and hosts are by their very nature fairly expensive – they have to hold an entire event together – but many of the newer folks on the circuit are both passionate and eager to please, so do consider saving some of your budget for other forms of entertainment (including live awards stings) and featuring a fab new comedian at your event!

If you’re wanting to hear exactly what some of these comedian’s sound like before booking them then feel free to ask them and they are sure to have dvd’s that they can send you of past gigs. Younger comedians are cheaper and some are even better than the established names you know so get in touch now to make your event a budget friendly but frequently funny affair!

And just think… A few years from now you can brag to your friends and colleagues that you hired wonderfully famous awards hosts and hilarious comedians to hire for your awards before anyone knew about them!

The top event trends for 2016

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By combining the hottest corporate event trends for 2016 and some very special entertainment, you can create a corporate event entertainment that’s still talked about long after.

For all 2016 corporate event entertainment, décor will be key. Your venue needs to wow your guests from the moment they walk in, creating a special and uniquely defined space for your event. Two highly contrasting themes are high tech interactive and natural materials, enabling your company to show off its tech prowess, or boost its eco credentials.

If you choose a high tech theme, your party entertainment must be 100% integrated to the whole tech ambience. Look for entertainers that offer a tech twist in their act, such as iPad illusionists, LED Light entertainers and street magicians that work with the latest phones and mobile gadgets.

Choose musicians that blend performances with tech, such as our interactive VJ’S, or a live DJ. Get your guests interacting with each other playing giant games with your very own theme.

If you are thinking about a winter corporate event into a natural winter wonderland with ice sculptures and decorated living statues, walkabout characters, and seasonal winter menus. Welcome guests with the warming aromas of mulled wine, or entice people out into the crisp winter air with heated seating areas, piles of rugs and sweet chestnuts roasting on a real coal brazier.

You could extend the theme beyond décor and food into acoustic musical acts, for a more ‘natural’ sound. Entertain with a gospel singing Christmas songs, or a trendy a Capella groups, or guitar and sax soloists.

When you want your corporate party to finally hot up, keep the theme with classic tracks that really evoke the sights and sounds with top UK function and party bands who know their Farrell and their Ed Sheeran.

Take lighting to the next level and illuminate your event to create spectacle and visual interest. Any venue can be transformed with clever and creative use of lighting even on the more limited of budgets. Use lighting to throw unusual shadows, to colour tables rather than using flowers, and use wireless technology to alter lighting states to reflect the various stages of your event.

Your entertainment should be equally well lit! Look for party DJ’S with their own light shows, rock and pop function bands that provide their own lighting, and artists that use light in imaginative ways.

For larger events, book artists that have a strong visual impact enhanced by theatrical style lighting, such as dance troupes, ballet dancers or aerial artists.

Find ways to make your entertainment a pleasure for everyone by choosing acts that blend superb musicianship with accessible humour, such as a comedy string quartet. Or present musical acts with an international flavour, such as 1920s swing band just make people smile!

Plan well in advance

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It’s always best to plan your next Christmas event as early as you can to avoid disappointment. If you want to create your own winter experience, either for a party, corporate event or business attraction, here are a few hints from Red Masque directory to make your Christmas event wonderful!

If you want a show as part of your event entertainment, you’ll need an inside space or warm, dry and well-appointed marquee to hold it in. Acts that look great in marquees include:

• Circus acts, especially aerialists, or silk acrobats!
• Dance groups who can fill the performance area with music, movement and style!
• Party bands that can play in all those cheesy pop hits we love at Xmas!

Make your event great by having sheer variety of party entertainment on offer. So, offer lots of different acts to see, rather than one big attraction and people will enjoy the event more.

• Walkabout acts really are great and so are costumed characters, ice characters and stilt walkers.
• Generate a warm feeling with fire acts to light up the winter darkness
• Conjure up the magic of Christmas with street magicians performing close-up tricks and illusions

Food and Drink
• Hire a hog roast or BBQ for outside cooked goodies
• Offer traditional treats such as roasted chestnuts and mulled wine that fill the air with deliciously Christmas smells!
• Have a Christmas cocktail bar, decorated with ice sculptures serving frosted cocktails or frozen daiquiris (and non-alcoholic drinks for the drivers)

Fun things to do:
Visitors love interactive experiences. They don’t have to be very fancy, just lots of fun for any age.

• Turn traditional side stalls into Christmas fun, such as a snowball coconut shy.
• Book a winter or “Frozen” themed bouncy castle with integrated rain cover, so the weather doesn’t stop the fun
• Get your skates on and book an artificial ice rink – all the fun, none of the wet! Most ice rink suppliers offer a complete package with chalet, boot hire, and experienced staff trained in the required health and safety procedures.

And if that all sounds great fun but such a lot of work right now, hey, there’s always next year! At Red Masque, we’re already seeing lots of people now booking acts for Christmas 2017, so find your perfect acts now to make your own winter wonderland happen.

Make your guests smile…

Dance the night away!

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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 corporate event entertainment directory.

A Dance Group could be hired to dance in sync where the chorography 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 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!!

Truly unique

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We at Red Masque have the best unique artists to hire out for your special event; we have below suggested some great things to consider. It’s quite hard to come up with different things to do so we hope we have just given you a little taster of what we have on offer:

If you do decide for your party that you are going to travel into town and visit some extravagant wine bars, why not hire a limo and be treated like a star all night too! You could include some true star quality and hire Paparazzi photographers to follow you wherever you go – you’ll be guaranteed to attract plenty of attention and have some fabulous shots of your night to treasure forever!

If you think that your party group are the outdoors type, then have you considered organise some giant games to play outside. Another great idea is circus training! Your party can learn a range of amazing circus tricks taught by professionals and come away from the party with a skill to enjoy and show-off for life. These artists are so much fun and guaranteed to thrill all your guests.

How about a Murder Mystery Night? Mingle your guests with brilliant characters and watch a murder unfold before your eyes leaving the guests as detectives trying to found out “who dunnit”! It’s a superbly thrilling evening where you learn who to trust and who not to trust while you work out who committed the terrible crime but beware of twists in the tale….!

Alternatively, you could hire some themed dance acts to really get all your guests in the spirit at they dance the night away in their themed dress. Don’t forget to include some suitable dance entertainment such as some Burlesque dancers which will be very entertaining for both sexes. There are a whole host of entertainment to book, just glance through all of our entertainment for hire to give you some more ideas.

We hope we’ve given you some food for thought.

Plan a more successful event

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1. Reserve a Venue Early On

Having a venue reserved allows organizers to begin marketing efforts in advance, which would lead to more early bird sales. It also has a budgetary advantage as other venues with similar capacities and layouts could have significantly lower prices when reserved a few months before the event. Contacting potential venues early on also provides more leeway regarding the dates as the venues are more likely to negotiate and provide a discount. Adequate organisation prior to choosing a date ensures that other competing events aren’t scheduled around the same time or that your event doesn’t coincide with certain holidays that would impact attendance.

2. Stick to a Theme

Creating and sticking to a theme establishes an atmosphere that attendees can easily understand and enjoy. An event theme can be as simple as constantly using a logo or more involved with communicating a brand identity. In either case, the theme should be consistent from the messaging to the materials. Invitations, photo backdrops, signage, tableware, apparel, takeaway gifts, hashtags, etc. should all adhere to the theme.

3. Hire Experts

Hiring an expert event planner is a safe way to minimize potential hitches at an event. Make sure the planner has worked on similar events in the past as many types of events have their own special event organizers like ones who arrange a wedding, a charity function, a party at a nightclub, or a conference.

4. Use the Right Event Software

Finding applicable event management software can be a time-consuming and meticulous process since different types of events need different solutions. Many organizers avoid event software altogether, but doing so often leads to complications when checking-in attendees, collecting analytics, communicating with attendees, and so on.

5. Collect Feedback and Iterate

Amassing feedback before, during, and after an event allows planners to learn from their successes and failures. Timing is key to getting good participation, so we recommend asking for feedback during the event’s coffee breaks and/or within 24 hours after the event ends. Formatting questions with yes/no answers or on a scale from 1 to 5 is the easiest way for the guests to respond — you can always leave a section for additional comments at the end. Another technique is to simply to delegate event ambassadors to walk around the event and ask attendees for their feedback, since in-person conversations are more convenient. A great way to encourage this feedback is to offer potential prizes.

These event tips will help you obtain the best venue available at the right price, and it will lead to great branding throughout the entire event lifecycle. More importantly, you’ll create a more personal relationship with your attendees, which will keep your event company in the know.

Outdoor music events

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Outdoor music events are some of the most engaging and lively performance opportunities for any entertainer. The thrill of being in front of a huge crowd in an open space is enough for most artists to eagerly agree to a performance. But as every outdoor event environment comes with a unique set of challenges, an open air performance is an animal of its own. It’s crucial to be properly prepared and maintain good communication with your client. Here are a few things you’ll need to discuss prior to the event.

Mother Nature

Mother Nature is a fickle lady you’ll want to keep your eye on. Because this element is completely out of your control, you’ll need to check the forecast well in advance and all the way up to the day of the event. Include a plan for inclement weather in your booking agreement that clearly outlines what is to be expected in these cases. Whether it’s an alternative venue or rescheduling the event altogether, make sure you and your client agree to the specifics.

If there is a performance stage at the event, make sure it’s covered. A covered stage not only protects against rain, but it keeps the equipment and performers cool and out of direct sunlight. Stay hydrated, take advantage of the break times you’ve discussed with your client, and keep extra gear with you for unexpected hiccups.

Power

Always make sure your power needs are communicated with your client in advance. Getting power may be as simple as running a few extension cords, but be sure to ask the important questions to make the event organizer aware of any details that might have been overlooked.

Will a safety-certificated power supply be provided close to the performance area?
If power is supplied by a generator, will it be located at a distance far enough away as to not affect the performance?
What limitations exist regarding the running of cables within the site?
Will a PA system be available or provided by the talent?

Extra Equipment

​At every outdoor event, you’ll want to bring extra gear, but outdoor parties and events make it necessary to bring things that are not ordinarily needed.

Extension cords. It’s typical that you have to stretch our reach when playing outside.
Power generator. This can also be a big help if playing where you’re not in proximity to a building or power source.
Drum rug. This helps prevents music kits from “crawling” on a slippery surface.
Water for hydration.
Sunscreen; playing guitar in 3 hours of afternoon sun (it’s a no brainer!!).

City or Area Restrictions

When performing or planning outdoor events, be aware of any local sound ordinances. Many communities have a specific time of the day when the sound should stop, and a certain decibel level that the noise should not exceed.

Make sure that the client has contacted the appropriate council offices for rules and information according to their local guidelines. You don’t want to run into an issue that prevents you from being paid for a full set.

There are many things to consider when playing at an outdoor venue. Be sure to ask your client the necessary questions, and once you’ve got all the specifics, list all of the details in the booking agreement.

Happy outdoor eventing!

Creative New Year party themes

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Party like it’s 1999​

A 1999 themed New Year’s Eve party is packed full of nostalgia. How could you forget the Millennium celebrations and the impending digital doom that was the Y2k bug? Ask your guests to come dressed as their favourite (or least favourite) 1999 celebrity—get ready to answer the door to the cast of Clueless. Hire a 90’s Cover Band or a Karaoke DJ to play all of your favourite hits from back in the day!

​Murder Mystery Party

The party is in full swing when suddenly, one of your party guests drops dead. The classic “whodunit” investigation begins! Questions are asked, pieces are put together, and the murderer must be caught. Enlist the help of your guests to help solve the mystery of the midnight murder!

Murder mystery parties are fun for people of all ages. This can be done in any setting—from dinner parties to dances. It’s a fun way to shake things up and you can choose to let your guests know ahead of time or surprise them mid-party! Set the scene—whether it’s a western saloon, disco dancehall, or black tie dinner party—and get ready to play detective! Red Masque entertainment directory are full of Murder Mystery Companies and they will take care of the rest.

Glow-in-the-Dark Party

If you’re in for a night of dancing, a Glow-In-The-Dark theme is a great way to get the party started. Dig those old black lights out of the closet and get ready to have a blast.

​Encourage your guests to come dressed in white or bright neon coloured clothes. Provide glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark fabric and/or body paint, and LED or other glow-in-the-dark accessories. Many talented Face Painters offer glow-in-the-dark paint. Hire a DJ to keep everyone on their toes, a Balloon Moddler to twist up glowing balloon wearables, and ask your Bar man to help come up with a list of glowing drinks. Did you know, for example, that a Gin & Tonic will glow blue under a black light?

A Great Gatsby Party​

The Great Gatsby-themed party is bound to be especially popular with the Baz Luhrmann remake of the classic novel and film. It’s no surprise why “Roaring 20’s”-inspired New Year’s Eve parties have remained so popular throughout the years; they’re glamorous!

​Dressing up in costume is fun and great party entertainment for everyone, so why leave it all to Halloween? The great thing about time period-themed costume parties is that, unlike Halloween, everyone will show up in similar garb, giving the feeling that you’re really living in that era. The 20’s is one of the most glamorous of times to tap into. So, what better time to celebrate the roaring 20’s than New Year’s Eve? Book a swinging’ Jazz Band or other 1920’s Act to keep everyone dancing and don’t forget the Dancers to lead the Charleston!

Go Photo booth mad!!!

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Say cheese! Let’s talk about Photo Booths! Photo booths are more than just the strip of mini pics you used to get in town. Nowadays, photo booths are a popular entertainment for parties, wedding receptions, and corporate events. Having a photo booth at your event lets your guests have a little fun of their own instead of relying on a photographer to capture those moments. However, if your event does require a photographer—like a wedding reception—many photographers also offer photo booth services. Requesting a photo booth from your photographer will usually be more cost efficient than hiring both separately.

Have Fun with Props

Most photo booth companies will provide various props for you and your friends to play around with. Props may include moustaches, funny hats, glasses, masks, etc. Some photo booth services also provide ways for you to include a message in the photo, like a dry erase board or blackboard thought bubbles. These are great to use as a kind of interactive guest book. Another benefit to having a photo booth at your event is that it inspires your guests to get a little silly. It gives you some impromptu, fun, candid shots of your guests having a good time!

Take Your Memories Home

Aside from creating a fun atmosphere, photo booths provide your guests with a tangible memory of the event. For a corporate event, businesses can integrate their logo or brand in the photos as a reminder of your services. For a private event, such as a wedding, photos can be used for party favours for your guests. We all love showing the world our fun parties and events on social media, but there’s something nostalgic about having the photos in hand or hanging on the fridge.

Let Your Guests Mingle

Hiring party and corporate event entertainment can take any event to the next level, but there’s also an opportunity to immerse your guests into the experience. You may already have a band, DJ or other entertainer booked for your event, but what better way to involve the crowd than to let them provide their own entertainment? It’s also a great way for them to interact with each other if it’s their first encounter.

Photo booths are perfect for almost any type of event and for groups of all ages. You’ll cherish the photo memories for years to come!