Category Archives: Hiring

Brazilian fever!!

Posted on by

Here are a few party ideas that we think are going to be huge this year. A Brazilian themed party, thanks largely to the Olympic Games arriving in Rio de Janeiro. With Rio 2016 just a few months away, we thought it might be prudent to go a little more in-depth on exactly what you can look into for Brazilian party hire this year. From music to dancers, we have it all for your corporate event or private party!

Brazilian Bateria Samba Dancers

Perhaps the first thing that people think about when they picture a Brazilian party, the Brazilian Bateria dance troupe actually specialise in a whole lot more than just samba, also able to dance Baile Funk and Brazilian Axé to get the party started! Their high energy routine can be presented as a stage performance or in a wandering Brazilian carnival style. Oh and to put you at ease, hiring Brazilians Carnival dancers for your event doesn’t mean you have to dress like them, though we think you’ll agree that they look fabulous!

Bateria Drums

You could just have your colourful costumed dancers jiving to the sounds of Spotify, but to really ramp up the Brazilian energy in the room, we recommend bringing in a few Bateria drummers or a Latin band to enhance the flava of your party. With a multitude of instruments to choose from, the percussion will wow the crowd. There’s so much choice that the Rio 2016 opening ceremony will feel like it’s happening right in front of you!

Dancing Characters

As incredible and beautiful as Brazilian dancers are, you might be thinking that you need a little more colour and a little more Brazilian carnival flavour! Not a problem. The costumed dancing characters include flamingos, peacocks and more! Eye catching and sure to amaze your guests, there are tens of costumed dancers to choose from and each one will look incredible in your party photos The best bit is that you can even hire them on stilts for maximum impact!

Football freestylers

Although it’s Rio 2016 we are celebrating this year, the sport most associated with Brazil and a number of countries in South America is undoubtedly football. Football freestylers will stun the room with their impressive footballing skills! The perfect antidote to the colour and glamour of the rest of your Brazilian party, ‘freestyle football for hire’ is sure to be a match winner!

Capoeira

To end your evening, why not indulge in a little Capoeira dancing? An Afro-Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, music and dance is technical and graceful in equal measure. Incredible performed to live drums, the act can also perform to any music style desired. Though if you’re going for a Brazilian party atmosphere, we recommend you steer away from the slow Classical numbers!

Some clever ideas about hiring

Posted on by

Ever wanted something different at an event that captures each of your individual guest’s personalities?

Why not hire the most popular and now fantasy photo booths? Your guests can choose to dress up in all sorts of costumes; it could be themed dress, days gone-by dress or a little saucy? Whatever occasion you had in mind we are sure when you get the pictures back they will be a scream and a much talked about affair for many months to come.

Fireworks nowadays are not just for Guy Fawkes night they can be wonderful at a Wedding, Corporate event or just at the end of an event to really finish off superbly!! We have read in the press recently that certainly celebrities have had them at their funeral!

A good firework display oozes opulence and class and tops off a wonderful celebration; young and old alike love to watch these spectacular fireworks in action.

Good lighting is also very important to hire if you were to have a small party or need entertainment for a large corporate event, creating the right mood is crucial to the ambiance of your function.

What if you have children at your event, and you would like to keep them entertained whilst your older guests can get on with some more socialising? Then don’t forget your bouncy castles. Bouncy castles are always a favourite. Or if your older guests are young at heart then hiring some giant games such as giant noughts and crosses, chess or snakes and ladders. The bigger the better, such good fun running up and down those ladders and good exercise!!!!

Bucking broncos are another great attraction to hire, you could hire for a charity event, where paying guests can see who can stay on the longest, or just to hire for a bit of fun with your mates. You must admit a bucking bronco is a good laugh!! Girls, you may need to wear some trousers for this event as there is no room for modesty when on the back of a bucking bronco!!!

The ultimate surprise

Posted on by

When you’re planning an event, you want to keep your guests entertained throughout, so the energy and enjoyment never dips. Giving them something new just when they are least expecting it is a great way to create a buzz, and to give guests something to talk about apart from the food or the football! And nothing fits the bill quite like a surprise act, be it singing waiters, firemen, or chefs.

Hiring singing waiters, policemen, firemen and a whole host of other comedy singing acts from Red Masque directory to make your event unforgettable. Discover what surprise event entertainment for hire we offer and how they’ll positively impact your event!

The idea is really simple; your guests have no idea that the waiter who has been serving them, or the fireman who seems to be worried about the smoke alarms, are in fact highly talented singers, ready to grab a microphone and burst into song. As one waiter starts to sing, another suddenly joins in, and then a ‘guest’ can’t seem to resist joining in either. It’s particularly effective during a formal dinner.

It’s a great way of breaking up a meal and giving your guests something hugely entertaining when they are least expecting it!

The voices, the energy, the performance, they are all something that you just can’t duplicate in any other way. The ‘singing waiters’ introduction is a light way to create a surprise and add a great deal of fun.

What the guests see, of course, is just the end product of a great deal of planning and preparation. Professional entertainment acts make sure that everyone behind the scenes is in the know and fully prepared, while the real guests haven’t a clue what’s going on! It’s also about preparing a scenario that is perfect for your event.

Go Photo booth mad!!!

Posted on by

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!

Fundraising Ideas

Posted on by

School Fundraising Ideas

Whether you are raising money for tuition, a new computer room, extracurricular activities, or volunteer programs, school fundraising is a must for most schools. There are plenty of great fundraising activities for schools.

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 entertainment performers and classrooms.

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. 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 bake-sale as part of the event so people can eat and drink as they shop.

School Fete

Some schools achieve great success hosting a fun, interactive 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, magazines, holiday items, and 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.

Sports Fundraising events

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 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 cheerleader 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.

Next New Year’s Eve Party Ideas

Posted on by

If you’re prepared to travel it’s well worth a visit to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations!!

Because most pubs and restaurants get rammed to the rafters, many people prefer to throw a private party. If you hire a venue it pays to book well in advance, ( 12 months or more!)

It’s also important to recognise that people expect something a little special on New Year’s Eve so don’t be afraid to go all out. Why not have a look at some party themes we have listed previously to get some inspiration for some great party ideas.

Throwing a private new year’s eve party;

It’s good to ensure there are plenty of attractions to keep guests talking & mingling so you could also consider casino tables which can create a space for guests to meet, mix and break the ice. Also check out some mix and mingle acts who will work the floor & get people talking.

Live music

For a rocking party, you could book a live band. Live bands are perfect for NYE parties and work well with a Scottish Hogmanay theme. Hire a band with a caller to shout out the dance moves and you’re away!

Other popular choices include/swing bands, soul bands, rock n roll or jive bands to keep your guests dancing all evening long.

Also traditional for the stroke of midnight, book a Bag Piper!

Fireworks

It’s now become traditional to set off fireworks at midnight on new year’s eve. You could arrange a professional fireworks show or you can buy DIY firework kits from recommended suppliers.

Whatever you decide to do, we at Red Masque wish you a very Happy New Year!!!!

Thinking about 2016 summer

Posted on by

Much as we love advertising entertainment for corporate events and weddings, it’s often a nice change of pace to remember the little people and to also remember that after Christmas you’re going to have to be thinking about Summer and BBQ’s (which is rather something to look forward to) 

To keep the youngsters busy, how about a Circus performer and a glamorous Circus Workshop with juggling displays, plate spinning unicycling and lessons in the age-old art of the Diablo. These circus performers will have the kids entertained for hours whilst their parents got on with the more pressing concerns of the rest of the event.

Young or old a magician with some of that ‘close up magic’. Close up magic specialist and all round entertainer give guests a bewildering display of sleight of hand and mentalism taking in card tricks, mind reading and more. 

A Portrait Artist drawer is very charming and quite flattering in a playful, unique style. Guests seemed to love a portrait artist and although they maybe a bit nervous as how they will be portrayed they can’t wait to see the result and a is a great keepsake!! 

A Steel Band is great background music for any event and will perform suitably exotic and energetic set of tunes that will transform a very English garden barbecue into an equatorial island party. Warm, enthusiastic and hugely entertaining – a steel bands infectious passion for their music will be passed on to everyone who hear them and will proved to be the perfect soundtrack to the event.

For the love of music

Posted on by

The 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.

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.

Karaoke has become one of the most favourite for party entertainment, we are all closet singers but put a microphone in front of us when we’ve had a few glasses of wine 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!!

Do you want to organise an act to sing songs from a popular Musical or do you want to put on a West End show?

You are able to do this by hiring only the finest singers and actors that will make all your dreams come true and perform and sing just for you and your guests in the comfort of your own home or venue that you have hired.

Musicals without a doubt have the most moving songs written, when sung well it can make the hairs of your neck stand up!!

Rein-acting a musical for a Birthday surprise would be a fabulous idea; you will have front row seats always, and will be safe in the knowledge that all our actors advertised are only the finest and have appeared in West End shows.

So to book a fabulous performance that involves all genres of music; just look on our gallery of amazing talent and book the one that most suits you.

Singer waiter surprise

Posted on by

All you need to know about booking the ultimate ‘surprise’ act for your charity dinner, wedding breakfast, or celebration lunch. Waiter…

What are singing waiters and what do they do?

Singing waiters are fake serving staff who suddenly decide they want to sing rather than serve, only to be joined by two or more other serving staff who want to do just the same! The ‘staff’ are actually professional opera singers or West End musical theatre singers in disguise, who then present a cabaret-style spot of favourite opera extracts and musical numbers to delight and entertain guests.

What to look for in quality singing waiters

Quality singing waiters acts combine superb singing, excellent comedy acting skills and the ability to blend into your event so nobody suspects a thing before they sing! The key to a successful singing waiters act is the element of surprise – no guests must have the slightest clue that the person serving their drinks or dinner is actually a performer in disguise. The best groups therefore spend some considerable time liaising with you beforehand to ensure they can become part of your event without raising suspicion.

This includes making sure their performers wear the same uniform as your venue’s waiting staff, and may work as waiters and waitresses for part of the event. Most singers will not actually work all evening as waiting staff, but just enough to appear to be the real thing just before their act. Some acts include a ‘chef’ or ‘maitre d’ according to their act format, and again they will ensure these performers appears to be the real deal. They will also liaise with the venue to make sure all their staff know what is going to happen, and that real staff are fully briefed on what’s about to happen!

Bear in mind that after the initial surprise, all singing waiters acts turn into, essentially, cabaret acts. So, look for groups who include experienced singers in either opera or musicals, so when they do start to sing, it’s both impressive and entertaining. 

What formats do singing waiter acts offer?

The original and most popular format is that during the meal (and usually between courses), a ‘scene’ starts to happen where a waiter wants to sing, or there is a problem with the food. Perhaps the chef emerges from the kitchen to sort it, and a young waitress intervenes. Before you know it, they are all up and singing anything from opera arias to Robbie Williams hits! Most groups are very flexible about what the ‘scene’ is, and make it suitable to your event, be it a corporate dinner or a family party.

The idea of singing waiters has now expanded to include other characters that can ‘interrupt’ your event. Singers in disguise can be singing firemen or anything you want really. But, imagine the scene, two hunky male singers who need to check the safety equipment, or who come to the rescue of a ‘chef’ who has set the pudding on fire!

How about a Ronald Dahl themed party?

Posted on by

Many private parties and corporate events love theming parties around two staples in particular – a Midsummer Night’s dream and Alice in Wonderlands (Madhatters tea party). But with many other books available. We’re looking into the wonderful world of Roald Dahl party ideas.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

What a wonderful party this would be! There is no doubt a brilliant opportunity for caterers to get imaginative and conjure up all sorts of delicious treats for guests it also presents a brilliant theme for entertainment as well. Why not hire dancers to be oompa loompas and you could also hire a magical act to truly make you feel as though you’ve stepped into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.

Matilda

The Natural History Museum’s Hinze Hall would be a wonderful setting for a Roald Dahl themed party, certainly a large enough room for some of the magic that will undoubtedly take place as a Matilda event reaches its peak. A graffiti artist would be a wonderful addition (referencing the chalk-on-blackboard scene) whilst magicians would be an obvious addition to the occasion. Illusions on the stairs amongst Dippy the Dinosaur will surely be a must see! Just make sure you avoid Miss Trunchbull, the scariest of all costumed characters!!

The BFG

Imagine attending a party where everything is giant-sized! That’d certainly make Roald Dahl party games more fun! From the chairs made out of cotton reels to a scone the size of a table, this is sure to be a 2016 party theme to celebrate the release of the Steven Spielberg film! Wouldn’t that be fun? Giant pencils and mugs can function as theming props whilst the BFG himself can lurk outside a window. But what of the entertainment? With some sneaky production, it’d be possible to magnify the image of a band or circus act so that giants are really performing at your event!

James and the Giant Peach

Ok, perhaps not a real peach but for a James and the Giant Peach party, we think repurposing a circular venue such as the Royal Albert Hall, the London Planetarium or the Round House will be perfect. After that, we can then work on the entertainment. If it’s fruit-themed ideas you’re after, what about hiring a cocktail waiter that can shake up some alcoholic or non-alcoholic fruit cocktails?

The Twits

As any fan of The Twits will tell you, there are a number of moments in the story that stick out to a reader, not least the finale where The Twits believe they’re upside down. As such, how about sticking everything to the ceiling of your venue and having an ‘upside down’ party? With bird pie on the menu (or not, as the case may be), various practical jokes provided by top comedians and magicians and a few costumed characters to play the titular characters, there is more than enough here to create a brilliant (albeit highly expensive and unsafe) event. But hey, The Twits themselves would probably enjoy it!