Category Archives: Hire Entertainment

Plan your Christmas event well in advance

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Even though summer is in full swing, Christmas is never too far away and in fact its heading close to five months until the big day which means that now is the time to begin thinking about the Christmas party and how to make it better than ever before. Chosen Events know exactly how to organise a first class event and we understand what it takes to make a memorable party.

If you are in charge of organising the Christmas Party, then now is the time to begin booking your entertainment to avoid disappointment simply because entertainment is often booked months in advance.

You may have a theme in mind or you may have been told that it has to follow a theme, but do not worry because Chosen Events will have something that will meet your requirements whilst also catering to the needs of those who will be attending – we can promise that your Christmas Party will be one that will be remembered forever!

We appreciate that it can be difficult to choose the right entertainment but this is exactly why we ensure that we have lots to offer so that you can find exactly what you want. You may want to follow orders and book what everyone wants or you could go ahead and book something that is completely different, either way we want to make it easy for you. 

So where do you start?

We have put together a list of entertainment acts that we believe can turn your Christmas party into something spectacular.

The snow globe acrobats is a show that is full of visuals and excitement – a truly unforgettable experience

The act involves two acrobats and it takes place in a stunning snow globe where they carry out an amazing balancing routine whilst they are showered in glitter. This act is enchanting and breath taking and we can guarantee the whole thing will leave your guests amazed. The perfect show, set in a winter wonderland theme it is clear so see why it is so popular

This is the perfect way for your guests to really remember a magnificent event by having their photo taken so that they have something to take home with them. Professional photographers will be snapping away while your guests are in the snow globe and with free unlimited prints, print customisation and a props box, there is lots of fun to be had. The snow globe photo booth comes in a number of sizes but this is the perfect addition. Immediate prints, ready to take away- your guests are guaranteed to remember every moment of your Christmas Party! 

If you want your event to offer something different then the Photo wall is certainly unique.  It may be Christmas but your guests will be able to choose from many backgrounds making their Christmas Party experience one that is full of excitement and fun

It has never been so much fun having your photo taken, but grabbing a friend and choosing a whacky backdrop or film scene will have your guests coming back for more. The whole thing from start to finish takes 30 seconds with your guests being able to take immediate prints, ready to take away.

Staying ahead of the game

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Event planners need to stay ahead of the game when booking entertainment to ensure that their event is fresh, talked about (for the right reasons!) and most of all, impresses all the right people. 

To assist event planners in choosing fresh and unique entertainment, we have compiled a list of Top 10 entertainment ideas for the here and now. As well as being unique and exciting, we are predicting that these acts will be hugely sought after for events this year!

DJ’ing & VJ’ing

Simultaneously mixing music and visuals, this concept really is the future of club-style entertainment. Bringing music to life, this entertainment option can also add a social media element that allows guests to tweet their requests! The DJ can also include logos, videos and company visuals, making this the ideal entertainment for corporate events and launch parties! 

IPad Magician

For technology and gadget lovers/events, iPad magicians are the perfect act to amaze and entertain your guests. IPad magicians perform bespoke shows that include, of course, magic and the use of an iPad! This is entertainment for the digital age, and many high profile brands and events are eager to experience this unique brand of magical entertainment.

LED Dance shows

LED dance shows are proving to be a big hit so far this year, as event planners strive to find acts and performers that are unique and have added ‘wow factor’. LED dance shows are currently much sought after for launches, corporate events and concerts as they offer high tech entertainment that can include logos. 

This entertainment option takes the urban dance act (so popular for the last few years thanks to shows like the ‘Got Talent’ franchise) to the next level! 

Aroma DJ

They say that smells trigger memories right? Well why not ensure your guests remember your event with an aroma DJ! Using an ‘aroma laboratory’, these new and exciting DJs mix a blend of oils, incense and real pheromones; “controlling the vibes of the dancefloor by mixing a seamless blend of scents!” 

Some of the celebrities/brands that have experienced this “journey through the world of fragrance” include Isabella Rossellini, Vogue and Christian Dior. Great alternative entertainment for product launches, club nights and festivals!

 

Motion capture – animated digital character

Bringing technology to life for trade shows, conventions and exhibition events! Using the latest technology of pre-programmed motion capture, an actor controls the animated character allowing full audience interaction! 

Motion capture acts offer a choice of existing animated characters to choose from, or the option to create a bespoke animation if required. This is a must-have for technology related events or for those that are looking for modern entertainment that will impress audiences.

Shadow Performers

As seen on the most recent series of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, this new and exciting form of entertainment is predicted to be hot this year! Shadow shows are, of course, part shadow act, part dance and part circus. 

This entertainment option, in its current form, originated in the US and uses projected images and front-of-screen choreography to amazing effect! Ideal for product launches and other events, this is definitely one to watch this year!

Urban Street Entertainment

Urban street entertainment has been experiencing a surge in popularity over recent years thanks to talent competition-style shows like ‘America’s Got Talent’ or Sky One’s ‘Got to Dance’. But new forms of urban street performance are evolving to keep up with demand for new and unique entertainment that has added ‘wow factor’. Urban Street entertainment that is fresh and exciting, or is predicted to be big this year:

• Beatboxers who perform with an instrument (i.e. harmonica, flute etc.), performing up-tempo music that is combined with beatboxing and covers a range of genres from classical to movie soundtracks!

• Martial arts moves combined with urban street dance and ‘tricking’ (for those not in the know, ‘tricking’ is a kind of extreme sport where the performers do artistic flips and kicks). This entertainment option is great for launches, festivals, event openings and corporate events.

• Mixed urban dance and percussion groups whose shows include original, high-energy music (performed on everyday items like garbage cans and ladders) and choreography, as well as Cirque Du Soleil Style Acrobat’s and Gymnastics, Silk Aerialist’s, Jumping Boot Air Men and Contortionist’s! Be warned though: this show contains serious ‘wow factor’. 

IPad Caricaturist

Pen and paper is so last century! This year’s hot new thing is iPad caricaturists who will draw guests on handheld devices that can be printed, emailed or posted to social media sites instantly! 

Popular as walk-around entertainment for corporate events, parties and weddings; or to help increase footfall at trade shows and conventions. Brands using iPad caricaturists include Google and Apple.

 

3D Laser Man

A popular entertainment option for the first quarter of 2013, these futuristic shows push the boundaries of new 3d laser technology to great effect. Beams of light are manipulated and logos and images can also be incorporated into the show for corporate events. Brands using 3D laser man include Ferrari, Hyatt Hotels and IBM.

Vertical Performance Team

This is a unique and exciting entertainment option that will take high-profile launches and special events to dizzying new heights! Vertical performance shows offer something a little out of the ordinary; how about a troupe of acrobats who perform aerial routines whilst dangling from the side of a high-rise building?

These acts will thrill audiences with vertical spectacular productions and outstanding live shows!

Restaurant Entertainment

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Ideas can be a necessity when either opening a restaurant, having a themed night in a restaurant or to just attract new customers to your restaurant. So choosing the perfect entertainment is vital. Restaurant Entertainment can be quite tricky as it has to create the right ambience. If you want a band or musician, be aware that the music can’t be too loud or your customers will not be able to speak amongst each other, and well that would be awkward. Also make sure your entertainment fits into your venue you don’t want to hire a big 6 piece live jazz band, to only squeeze them into a corner so ask the and how much space they need and work it into your restaurant layout. If you want dancers outside the restaurant building as your entertainment firstly make sure you are allowed. There are some rules and regulations surrounding having dancers on a street, especially if you have hired fire dancers. So always just double check what you are and aren’t allowed. Better being safe than sorry. 

1. Live Band- Whether your band range from a 2 piece to an 8 piece, live bands are a great source of entertainment. Your customers will love listening to some smooth jazz, or even some modern hits played live in the background. Having a live band may also keep your customers at the restaurant after they have had their dinner. Offer them a seat at the bar, where they can order more drinks and listen to the band, even dance to the band if they wish.

2. Solo musicians. Give your restaurant that classical elegant and sophisticated feeling by having a solo musician play beautiful music in the corner of the restaurant. You could choose from a solo saxophonist, a solo classical guitarist or the beautiful sounds of the piano. All would suit any restaurant as this style of music is pleasing to most people.

3. Dancers – Dancers can really bring your restaurant to life with the vibrant colours, the fast paced music and of course the exciting dance moves. Have your dancers situated outside the restaurant building to make your customers experience start from when they literally walk in the door. Plus, think of the exposure you will get from the public taking photos with your restaurant logo behind.

4. Fun Casino – Attract your customers by hiring a fun casino in your restaurant. The Fun Casino is a great source of entertainment as it is interactive. The casino tables will be set up around your restaurant with professional croupiers explaining and dealing each game. The Fun Casino gives your guests the opportunity to mix and mingle and will also keep your customers inside your restaurant. Why not add in a live jazz band to really bring a Las Vegas theme together.

5. Magicians – Magicians are great restaurant entertainment as they can meet and greet your guests. The magician can also walk around and do some table magic which your customers would thoroughly enjoy. It also means they would not have to move about much and can enjoy the entertainment from the comfort of their own table with their family and friends.

If you choose Restaurant Entertainment you will most definitely see your customers happier and even your staff happier. It will bring a new lease of life into your restaurant and should attract some new customers. So give restaurant entertainment ago, you never know what it could do for your business.

Non-refundable deposits

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When you enter into a contract with your entertainment provider, whether it’s a wedding band, a magician or a DJ, you normally will be expected to provide some kind of non-refundable deposit along with your signature to secure the date. The amount may vary, but a 50% deposit is fairly common. 

If you’re a bride, or just planning a party and this is first time you’ve ever bought entertainment services, this can be a scary thing. What if the event gets cancelled? What if someone dies the week before? What if it rains on our outdoor beach birthday party? Do I get my deposit back?

Of course the answer will depend on the wording of the deposit clause in the contract, but most likely if the event is cancelled because of unforeseen circumstances; you will likely be out your deposit. But let’s dig deeper.

It’s easier for people to understand why a caterer or even a venue would request a deposit. They have to buy food or they are reserving the space exclusively for you and must turn down other business. But a musician isn’t purchasing any perishables, right? Well, not exactly. The busy nights for any event entertainer are Saturdays, followed closely by Fridays. There are only 52 Saturdays in a year and each one represents an opportunity cost. If for example a family tragedy occurs 2 days before your graduation party, the band still needs to be compensated for that Saturday night that they committed to your party. It is entirely possible that they have turned down other clients to commit to your party. While it’s very sad that a member of family decided to pass two days before your big event, this is not the fault of your hired act.

What can you do if the unforeseen happens? The first thing is to have a conversation with your hired entertainment. While they may be under no obligation to reschedule, many will try to work with you and apply part or all of your deposit to another date. The flexibility they have will depend on how in demand they are, how full their calendar is and on what day of the week you want your new date. You certainly can’t expect them to bump another client because you need to reschedule. And nor can you expect them to give you another Saturday night on the busiest part of wedding season. But maybe they’re willing to apply all (or some) of your deposit to a Tuesday night, or an off-season Friday night. 

This is a conversation you can have with your entertainer BEFORE signing the contract. Ask the “what if” scenarios. Just understand that if this conversation drags out too long, your vendor may start to question your commitment to the date.

Another option is to take out Event Cancellation Insurance for your date. 

What is typically covered by event cancellation insurance?
Fire, earthquakes, flooding, blizzards, hurricanes, terrorism, headline entertainers or speaker cancellation, outbreak of disease. 

Event cancellation insurance probably won’t cover things like lack of ticket sales, or the time spent planning the event.

Is it edge of your seat entertainers you’re after?

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Jugglers today can juggle almost anything from fire to dangerous objects with their complex routines that has been practiced and practiced over and over again.  Have you ever wanted to learn the art of juggling? If you needed a juggler for a children’s party or a grown up event then look no further than our choice of fine jugglers that are very professional and can put on a good show for your special event.  You could be launching a new product, having a private party, corporate affair which will get the attention your event needed to be a success.

Ariel Performers are a master of grace, (making it look easy) but in fact these trained professionals have put many hours in perfecting this unique and breath-taking act for any event that you had in mind. They can perform as a solo act or in a team using ropes, ribbons or hoops. Perfect for a Wedding reception to entertain your guests. A little more graceful than ‘edge of your seat’ but none the less quite an art. 

A Knife thrower is very entertaining and if you were thinking that this would be a good way to get rid of your boss at this year’s annual party – think again as we have the most professional Knife Throwers advertised with us here at Red Masque party and event entertainment directory. This act is terrifyingly dangerous and you will have one eye open when you see the Knife Thrower in action.  ‘

A sword swallower is the most jaw dropping, show stopping, act that you could possibly see but nonetheless we still want to see it – it’s extremely clever and obviously well practiced and these guys are obviously a master in their field. From regurgitating, to swallowing razor blades we find it almost impossible to comprehend but ever so fascinating to watch.

If you are having an event which would be worthy of such an act then we have the best Sword Swallowers, Knife throwers and Jugglers on our books which is guaranteed to be talked about for many months to come.

If you wanted to mix it up a little but still incorporate juggling and sword swallowers a tightrope walker can sometimes do this whilst balancing above your head!!  

So go on dare to be different and hire some fantastic acts like these.  You have to admire their courage and sheer determination to enable them to do what they do.

Bands from every era…

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60’s bands and tribute acts are very popular, from Beatles to the Rolling Stones, most of us even if we were not born in this era have heard of the ‘swinging sixties’ where the miniskirts and beehives were all the rage. Why not have a 60’s evening where everybody can get involved young and old and have fun dressing in the sixties clothes of that bygone age, we are sure granny has some ‘get up’ still in her closet and if not she can advise as to what to wear. Then comes the fun part, where your 60’s band or tribute act comes alive on stage to make your 60’s party complete, all are extremely professional and will have everybody dancing the whole night away.

The funky 70’s where soul and funk was everywhere and the dress was bold, bright with lots of glitter, the Jackson 5 to Motown to name just a few, the music today is just as popular and dressing the 70’s way is a scream!! If you wanted a 70’s act or Tribute band then look no further then Red Masque entertainment directory. We have only the best advertised which are all very professional. Each act is able to work out with you to arrange your perfect 70’s event.

The 80’s are defined by lots of different genres of music, more commonly we remember Wham, Madonna, Aha, Bananarama  to name but a few. We all remember the dodgy hairdos and very strange fashion, but we cannot deny the music from that era was unforgettable. You could be having an 80’s party or a school reunion where 80’s music would be very nostalgic to your event which will take you back to being a spotty teenager again drooling over Adam Ant or Blondie.

What defined the 90’s with music?  Well, it seems that you were either into Rock Bands like Blur or Oasis or you were into Rap with the likes of Tupac or Jaz Z or R&B when it got a huge boost from talented singers like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, or bubble-gum ruled the latter-half of the decade thanks to the Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears.

So if you were thinking of hiring a 90’s act or Tribute band you have so many genres to choose from depending on your taste of that era.

All you really need to know is that you will be booking the best bands from any era that you choose that will transport you back in time and make it an event to remember.

Make it a Birthday to remember…

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Why not hire a Character musician for a ‘special birthday’ to sing to your special someone, or a group of musicians to sing as you dine.  Songs can be chosen or you can even make it comedic every-time your host for the evening starts to speak you’re Character musician breaks into song!!

Another genre to consider is a Choir; Choirs are very uplifting and can instantly give any event a special mix of wellbeing and’ feel-good feelings’.  From Classical , ‘street style’  or Gospel there are many genres that your choir will be-able to master where young or old will enjoy these special choirs. You could be having a wedding, launch party, corporate affair or private party where a ‘surprise choir’ could start to sing.

A good DJ is a must, they are able to work a crowd and know which songs to play to get all your guests on the dance, we at Red Masque Directory have the perfect DJ and VJ’s just for you to hire. Using up to the minute state of art light shows on the dance floor, you are guaranteed your venue will be transformed into everything you dreamed of and more.

Classical music is a must if you are you having a very classy affair that demands the very best, or having a theatrical evening that needs a full orchestra to make your play even more dynamic then hiring our Classical music artists will be a very good decision on your part. An Opera singer is another classical act that can be hired for you event.  Singing the very best West End songs or traditional opera with the likes of ‘Nessum Dorma’ sung either by a tenor or prima donna.

Having a Jazz band, Swing Band, or even a Brass band at your event would be the ultimate showstopper.   You could hire any of these professional bands at your party or event depending on what ‘theme’ you were organising.  A Jazz band could be for a 20’s party where everybody is dressed in the era’s attire. The ultimate Swing band could be hired with a crooner singing the old hits of the 40’s or 50’s.  The choice is definitely yours.  It is good to know that Red Masque entertainment directory have only the best acts for you to hire at your birthday party event.

Hire just one, or mix it up a bit and have an extravaganza evening which will certainly be the Birthday celebration of the year!!!!

Thinking of hiring a ballet dancer?

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A ballet dancer is a wonderful thing her movements are faultless and seamless.  Even if you were not a fan of the beautiful art you must appreciate the work involved to get there; hours upon hours of training which is quite gruelling. Hiring a ballet dancer or a group will certainly go down well with your guests making it a very classy affair.

A Ballet dancers dream would be to train at the Royal Ballet School, for a ballet dancer; the most sought after place to be:

The Royal Ballet School was founded in 1926, when Dame Ninette de Valois opened her Academy of Choreographic Art. Inspired to create a repertory ballet company and school, she collaborated with Lilian Baylis, lessee and Manager of the Old Vic Theatre.

When Lilian Baylis acquired the Sadler’s Wells Theatre, de Valois moved the School there in 1931 and it became The Vic-Wells Ballet School feeding dancers into The Vic-Wells Ballet Company. In 1939 the school was renamed The Sadler’s Wells Ballet School and the Company became The Sadler’s Wells Ballet.

In 1946 The Sadler’s Wells ballet moved to a permanent home at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. A second company was formed, The Sadler’s Wells Theatre Ballet. In 1947 the School moved from Sadler’s Wells Theatre to Barons Court and general education was combined with vocational ballet training.

The first five younger years of the School moved to White Lodge, Richmond Park in 1955/56 and became residential, combining general education and vocational ballet training. The final three years of study for more senior continued to be based at Barons Court.

The Royal Charter was granted in October 1956 and the School and companies were renamed The Royal Ballet School, The Royal Ballet and the Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet (later renamed Birmingham Royal Ballet following its move there in 1990).

From that time the School has become both the leading classical ballet school in the United Kingdom earning government support and an international institution which attracts the very best ballet students worldwide. The calibre of students graduating from the school is self-evident.

In January 2003 the Barons Court campus moved to new premises in Floral Street, alongside London’s Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. The state-of-the-art studios are now linked to The Royal Ballet by the award winning Bridge of Aspiration, fulfilling Dame Ninette’s dream to have Company and School side by side in the centre of London.

All the fun of the fair

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A fair is a gathering of people to display or trade produce or other goods, to parade or display animals and often to enjoy associated travelling carnival or travelling funfair entertainment. It is normally of the essence of a fair that it is temporary; some last only an afternoon while others may last as long as ten weeks. Activities at fairs vary widely. Some trade fairs are important regular business events either where products are traded between businesspeople, as at the Frankfurt Book Fair, where publishers sell book rights in other markets to other publishers, or where products are showcased to consumers, as for example in agricultural districts where they present opportunities to display and demonstrate the latest machinery on the market to farmers.

Fairs are also known by many different names around the world, such as agricultural show, fete, exhibition, or state fair, festival, market and show.  Flea market and auto shows are sometimes incorporated into a fair.

Fayre is an archaic spelling of fair, used mostly from the 15th to the 17th century. This spelling is now confusingly used for both fair and fare, the latter in the sense of ‘food and drink’. In itself, the word means a gathering of stalls and amusements for public entertainment .The alternative spelling is an old-fashioned affectation and is used in order to remind revellers and participants of medieval fayres and markets. It is mainly used for fairs that are essentially leisure rather than business events such as trade fairs and rides.

The fair is an ancient tradition and many communities have long had dedicated fairgrounds; others hold them in a variety of public places, including streets and town squares, or even in large private gardens. Fairs are often held in conjunction with a significant event, such as the anniversary of a local historical event, a seasonal event such as harvest time or with a holiday such as Christmas.

Now anybody can hold a fair, it could be a few fairground rides or a grand affair.  At Red Masque directory you are able to choose from a range of fairground rides and stalls.  Let your imagination run wild and hire at much or as little as you’d like.  Amaze your guests with the ‘fun of the fair’.

May bank holiday shenanigans

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British bank holidays are public holidays and have been recognised since 1871. 

May Day on May 1 is an ancient Northern Hemisphere spring festival and usually a public holiday it is also a traditional spring holiday in many cultures. Dances, singing, and cake are usually part of the celebrations that the day includes.

In the late 19th Century, May Day was chosen as the date for International Worker’s Day by the Socialists and Communists of the Second International to commemorate the Haymarket affair in Chicago In those countries that celebrate international Worker’s Day, the day may also be referred to as “May Day” but it is a different celebration from the traditional May Day.

May Day has been a traditional day of festivities throughout the centuries. May Day is most associated with towns and villages celebrating springtime fertility (of the soil, livestock, and people and revelry with village fetes and community gatherings. Since the reform of the Catholic calendar May 1 is the Feast of St Joseph the worker, the patron saint of workers. Seeding has been completed by this date and it was convenient to give farm labourers a day off. Perhaps the most significant of the traditions is the maypole, around which traditional dancers circle with ribbons.

The May Day bank holiday, on the first Monday in May, was traditionally the only one to affect the state school calendar, although new arrangements in some areas to even out the length of school terms mean that Good Friday (a common law holiday) and Easter Monday (a bank holiday), which vary from year to year, may also fall during term time. The Spring Bank Holiday on the first Monday in May was created in 1978; May Day itself – May 1 – is not a public holiday in England (unless it falls on a Monday). In February 2011, the UK parliament was reported to be considering scrapping the bank holiday associated with May Day, replacing it with a bank holiday in October, possibly coinciding with Trafalgar Day (celebrated on October 21), to create a “United Kingdom Day.

Knowing that you’re going to be having a long weekend off isn’t that a cause for a celebration: why not get back to basics and host your very own ‘May Day’ celebration, from live music to themed entertainment. With another bank holiday soon approaching at the end of May isn’t it time you booked some great party entertainment from Red Masque?