Category Archives: Themed

Booking a top party DJ

Posted on by

Looking at booking a DJ for your Christmas party but doesn’t know how to get the most bang for your Christmas fund? Well look no further as we’ve compiled some of our top tips on hiring the DJ with a deck to get the dancefloor jumping in bounds of jolly. Or something like that.

Whether you want to put on a festive playlist or if you want to simply leave them to it, getting a DJ to perform at your Christmas party or event is a truly tried and tested way to make sure that the good music keeps on flowing throughout the night.

Let’s just hope your colleagues remember all the hard work and research you put into finding the right DJ for your Christmas party the morning after whilst nursing a familiar combination of shame and migraine. If they do, that’s a sure sign of success.

1. Book early

Now this we cannot emphasise enough book your DJ several months before your Party.

With so many companies throwing a Christmas bash and needing to find the best DJs for their budgets its still mind boggling when it gets to December and yet still someone hasn’t booked yet. 

2. Book through an entertainment agency

This couldn’t really be emphasised enough. As said before, you could spend your time comparing rates of DJ to DJ, sending email after email attempting to get just what you’re after (only to find out they’re booked on the day of your party,).

Or, you could simply talk to those who actually have all of this knowledge stored in their brains and ready to be unleashed at the tips of their fingers. It’s why entertainment agencies exist – to provide a meaningful and effective service at finding the absolute best performer for a brief and budget.

3. Make sure you know what you’re getting

And the hypocrisy comes full circle. Do some research, check out what your DJ can do, what he or she is like, and see for yourself if they’re exactly what you’re looking for. 

Now that doesn’t mean auditioning, no no; that’s a little too much in most cases. It could be. It could be as simple as reading some testimonials or taking some advice from Red Masque.

By doing so, you’ll be better prepared (and in a safer mind-set) to stick with a choice and most importantly, be happy with it. 

4. Explore off peak options

Now of course, everybody wants to have their Christmas party on a Friday – and you all know why that is, don’t you?

Turns out, every DJ knows that too – so expect to pay a premium on weekend nights.

Due to simple supply and demand, the holiday season necessitates a premium due to the sheer amount of Christmas parties going on all around one month. It never hurts to explore different dates and times for your event to get a rate that’s a little lighter on your budget – but won’t leave your wallet feeling too light either. 

It might not always work in terms of pricing, but it certainly has the possibility to help if your preferred DJs are booked up for a certain date. 

5. Think about equipment

Most professional DJs have their own equipment, but they did pay a lot of money to purchase it in the first place so it’s expected that they’ll want to make a return on their investment. In other words, the cost is pushed onto you.

Now you should never force a performer to use equipment they’re not comfortable with or haven’t used before. That’s a given. But when it comes to stuff like PAs and microphones – well, there’s not much variation apart from how loud (and clear) they’re designed to go.

Look to see if your venue offers a cheaper option to hire the PA from and thus you won’t have to pay extra for someone to lug a van full of expensive equipment across the city centre in rush hour.

6. Budget, and budget some more

It’s personal finance 101, but make sure you have a clear indication in mind of what you’re willing to spend when it comes to booking a DJ for your Christmas party. 

Of course, first you have to do a little research into what the general rates are but once you’ve done that, you’ll be in a much more efficient and convenient place to book your DJ without having to worry about negotiating rates or booking a performer too high above or below your initial budget.

7. Don’t hand them a playlist and expect them to play it

DJs are artists too – if you wanted a set list of songs you required playing, do everyone a favour and put a playlist together and leave it at that.

Of course, it’s fine to make requests (it would be ridiculous not to) but professional DJs are experienced at getting the crowd dynamics just right – almost like they know exactly what they’re doing – and making sure everyone has a fantastic time at your Christmas party.

10. Book your Christmas party DJ with us

It’s a shameless self-promotion, but we like to think we know almost everything when it comes to booking the right DJ, act, or performer for any event of any size.

We at Red Masque have every entertainer imaginable to make your party get off to a flying start.  Have a browse through our categories and see for yourself why we are becoming ever so popular.

Hottest Corporate event trends

Posted on by

For all 2015 Christmas corporate events, 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 for decor for Christmas 2015 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 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 performers and street magicians that work with the latest phones and mobile gadgets. 

Turn your corporate event into a natural winter wonderland with ice sculptures. Christmas walkabout artists, pine forest greenery 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.

Then, extend your ‘mother earth’ eco-friendly theme beyond décor and food into acoustic musical acts, for a more ‘natural’ sound. Entertain with acoustic performances by Christmas Carol choral singers or a gospel choir singing Christmas songs, cool and trendy A Capella group.

And when you want your corporate party to finally hot up, keep the theme with classic Christmas tracks that really evoke the sights and sounds of the season with top UK function and party bands who know their Slade and their Sleigh Ride!

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 party 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, from fire performers to bespoke firework displays.

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, or the outrageous wigs and costumes of drag act.

Every guest or delegate should find your event pleasurable. This might sound like a given, but this applies just as much to winter conferences and sales meetings as high profile product launches and Christmas hospitality events.

Hire your very own ‘sell out performance’

Posted on by

You know that sinking feeling when you just miss out on tickets to see your favourite musicians? It is a sad and sometimes frustrating moment – However Red Masque directory have a solution that could work out cheaper than using those extortionate touting websites.

How often have you eagerly anticipated seeing your favourite band or artist live onstage, only to discover that tour tickets sold out in nanoseconds on the one morning you had a meeting at the Slough office?

Or have you calculated that with the combined cost of decent tickets which don’t have a restricted view or are so far back you need binoculars, travel costs, parking, over-priced drinks, programmes and inevitable late night burger at 1am, you’ll be pushing £200 each?

Luckily, there is an answer – book a Tribute band instead. For the cost of you and five mates attending a major gig), you can hire a superb tribute band or act that play all your favourite tracks, not just the ones nobody wants to hear from their new album. And there are lots of tribute acts for hire to choose from too!

Robbie finished the UK leg of his tour in early July at the O2, so unless you can afford the cost of tickets PLUS air travel to Australia, you won’t be able to see him live this year! Instead, book a Robbie Williams tribute act for all those hits like ‘Angels” and “Rock DJ”. If you prefer his swing albums, why not book a Rat Pack tribute act, who perform all the great hits Robbie covers in his swing shows, such as “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head”, “Mr Bojangles” and “My Way

Want tickets? You Should Be So Lucky! Kicking off with shows in Liverpool, Kylie embarks on an arena tour of the UK in September, and already its standing room only or those pricey “packages” for almost every night. So, why not book a Kylie tribute instead and have a superb night with 100% pop diva fun for friends and family, without the travel and hassle

Recreate the magic that’ll never happen again with tribute bands for some of the world’s most famous artists and bands. Tribute bands play all the hits you love, have all the moves, the costumes, the style.  It’s a great way to enjoy the bands you loved as they were in the hey-day, and without the senior citizen bus passes. Tribute bands for hire are terrific as fundraising concerts and events, as well as party entertainment. See our Tribute Bands on the Red Masque directory and you won’t look back…

Want to make your CEO happy?

Posted on by

Here at Red Masque we think we are tooled with some of the best acts for your party which will capture your imagination. So, what are the best of the best for corporate event entertainment acts for your next corporate event in 2015? Red Masque directory have the hottest trends and acts for corporate, and company parties to ensure your VIPs are very impressed and your CEO is very happy.

Circus act entertainers have given the world of corporate entertainment a whole new generation of aerial artists, defying gravity to present unique. Even if you haven’t got a skyscraper to use as your stage, these circus-inspired artists can perform in almost any space, for any corporate event.

Aerialists use aerial circus and dance theatre with dynamic lighting and music to create evocative shows using trapeze, ropes and silks. Available as a solo artist for smaller venue, or as large a troupe as you wish, their show can be tailored to create the atmosphere you require, whether humorous, quirky, elegant. With a range of associated acts, including aerial champagne pouring, we are sure you will find your perfect act on our website.

It may be 52 years since Sean Connery first appeared as Ian Fleming’s ultimate spy, but the fascination with all things 007 is as strong as ever. The difference for 2015 is that people want to be Bond, to immerse themselves in a world where tech is top, and glamour is king.

Offer your guests a total 007 experience: an elegant stately home or iconic venue, set up as a celebrity lookalike James Bond complete with elegant hostesses serving martinis (shaken not stirred by expert cocktail waiters). Then add musical entertainment combining iconic Bond movie soundtracks and characters with dance and spectacle, such as a top party function band with a James Bond set.

Add in some more celebrity lookalikes and a John Cleese lookalike the ‘new’ Q, who sets your guests site-specific missions to test their skills.

Bespoke dance groups provide a superb spectacle that transcends language, and can be precisely tailored to your corporate event theme. From ballet dancers to contemporary rock dancers, your guests can enjoy a show full of energy, passion, augmented by state of the lighting and sound systems.

Whatever the occasion, you’ll find a dance troupe to suit; that can offer themed events such as Arabian Nights, Argentinean Tango, Burlesque, Flamenco, Irish Dancing, Ballroom Dancing, and Vegas Showgirls for example.

Creative space

Posted on by

The Cutty Sark is situated on the shores of the Thames River; the Cutty Sark is one of the world’s most famous ships standing as a great monument to the age of merchant sailing as the last surviving tea clipper. It’s a perfect venue for hosting a Corporate event and clients can choose from three versatile and impressive event spaces.

Enjoy a luxury experience in The Master’s Saloon with mahogany panelled walls and the imposing Captain’s table. The room from which the ship’s captains studied maps and entertained, it offers an authentic maritime experience for corporate dinners of up to 10 VIPs. The Tween Deck houses exhibits that tell of the ship’s life sailing the seven seas delivering goods to ports all around the world. Once the ship’s store room, The Tween Deck can be transformed into a spectacular space for smaller dinners and receptions with space for 100 delegates as a standing reception or 60 as a reception and sit-down dinner. The ship’s largest event space is the Dry Berth – staff can enjoy the surreal experience of being entertained underneath the ship’s hull! With a unique view of the ship’s gleaming copper hull, this vast versatile space can host 200 to 450 people for gala dinners, awards ceremonies and event receptions.

No corporate event held in a ship would be complete without some elegant themed maritime entertainment and there is no one better than entertainment specialists Red Masque directory to help with that! With the food taken care of all that’s left to find is some stunning entertainment. That will add some visual element to your event with maritime custom made costumes and realistic body paint. The entertainment you choose relating to maritime will entertain clients and can provide exotic themed walkabout entertainment straight from the deep with stunning extravagant costumes

Another perfect unquiet venue is the Ice Tank is a new premier event space hidden in the heart of Covent Garden. Open plan and full of natural light this 2500 sq. feet venue with two levels is perfect for press launches, conference meetings, private dining events, receptions and private parties. It is also available to hire as a photography and film studio.

Ice Tank is truly innovative in its design with 20ft high ceilings, large ceiling-to-floor glass windows with acoustic glass for complete soundproofing and blackout electric blinds. It boasts every corporate event organisers dream; high-tech equipment including Wi-Fi, impressive sound system, plasma screens, HD projectors and HD/AV equipment perfect for film shows and presentations. Not to mention the fully equipped luxury kitchen on the ground floor with modern appliances throughout. The ground floor can cater for up to 80 guests while the lower floor for up to 50.

This special venue offers a bright creative space in which to showcase your brand and company; entertain VIPs, delegates and corporate guests; and impress potential clients. Entertainment can be hired from Red Masque directory and will perfectly compliment this sophisticated venue. For something a little more visual acrobatic performers creates a stunning aesthetic with elegant performances. Clean lines, elegant choreography and simple dress would perfectly suit this venue’s contemporary white space. Your event and can be used to advertise a brand, company or message

For more entertainment inspiration for your exclusive event at one of London’s top alternative venues take a look at our Red Masque entertainment directory and book online today.

Top entertainment

Posted on by

What’s the one thing you remember about a great party, above all else? As a guest, you’re there to have a good time. And if it’s a good time you want your own guests to have, then you need to put a little thought into the entertainment. Gone are the days when you had to book a one-man DJ to play 70s floor-fillers all night. Now, you can find entertainment that keeps your diverse range of wedding guests happy, making the party start with a bang…

We at Red Masque entertainment have a limitless amount of options and inspiration. But what if you don’t have the time, will power or experience to trawl through the 17,500 female solo singers that Google throws up? Well, then it’s time to turn to the professionals. And that’s where an entertainment directory can come in handy.

If you’re in the process of planning something big, using an entertainment directory can really help. We feature only the very best performers and suppliers out there, saving you the time and trouble of trying to find them for yourself. Using a directory means that everything you could possibly want for your event can be found all in one place. From your food and drink entertainment to performers and even choosing your venue, the vitally important stuff that makes a party run smoothly.

There are plenty of experienced acts out there, but it’s not easy finding the right act for your requirements. Here at Red Masque each of our act have a review section on their profiles, we believe this helps our clients find the perfect entertainment for their needs. The best musicians aren’t necessarily the best hype men, the most amazing magician won’t necessarily be the best web designer – one of the changes in entertainment since the internet has been the focus on promo material rather than word of mouth or reputation. That means the bands with the flashiest websites and the slickest videos often get more attention than their less media savvy counterparts. Consequently, there are plenty of hidden gems out there who, instead of improving their Search Engine Optimisation or video editing techniques, have focused on just being great performers. We believe our review section will help you find exactly what you’re looking for, enabling your event to run as smoothly as possible.

It just goes to show there’s only so far your own web searches will take you. If you want something a bit different, something to appeal to all the ages and tastes of your guests, something to get your party started as it means to go on, Red Masque is definitely a good way to avoid a headache. After all, it’s your party too.

Stag & Hen party ideas

Posted on by

If you have the task of organising a Hen or Stag night you are going to have to ensure it is a memorable one – in a good way! Of course you will know the Bride or Groom well and you’re aware of what they possibly would like to have. You probably have a list of ideas already bubbling away and you may even have some possibilities of a venue. However, if you aren’t sure what to do or you want to add something different into the mix, Red Masque entertainment directory may be able to help take some of the strain away as we have some great suggestions for Hen & Stag night themed evenings. Before you start you might want to consider the following factors:

Before you book anything, firstly, you need a good idea of guest numbers. Ask the Bride or Groom who they want to be invited and show them the list of names before you fire off an email so you are sure everyone who needs to be is included.

Theme – When deciding on the theme, try not to surprise the Bride or Groom too much of course, there should be an element of surprise but make sure that what you choose is something they will enjoy. For an example, your shy, retiring Bride might not want a male strip-o-gram or similarly a Groom with a love of opera may not want to spend the weekend riding on a bucking bronco.

Budget – the money that is spent is very important. Canvas the guest list and find out what everyone wants to spend. Don’t start sharing amounts with all the guests as some can afford more than others. Take an average and suggest that be the limit. It’s normal for everyone to contribute (if they can) but the Bride or Groom should not have to pay. At the same time as organising the budget, suggest suitable dates in advance. Once you have decided the guest list, date and budget you are ready to decide what to do! A good tip is not to make the hen or stag night too close to the wedding; leave at least a week for recovery time!

You could include some extra party entertainment…. Make it a night to remember with a Cocktail Night, perfect for Hens or Stags! Hire your own cocktail waiter for some added fun and enjoy the evening with a few cocktail games. Blow all the budget on champagne or even consider a cocktail making masterclass where you will be taught by a mixologist how to concoct great tasting, potent cocktails before drinking them!  Don’t just turn up at a series of bars or pubs, do the research first so you have an itinerary to avoid not knowing where to go next.

As far as party and event entertainment goes, it doesn’t get better than Red Masque!

Bring on the bands…

Posted on by

A great way to have a party with different genres of music is to hire some tribute bands. They can go all the way back to the songs of your youth up until the present day. Wouldn’t it be fun to dress up to really make the evening really authentic. A themed party is always a guaranteed crowd pleaser and with so many bands and DJ’s available you’re sure to find the perfect party entertainment here at Red Masque. 

Music can be used to create nostalgia and to create the ambiance that you have been searching for, for whatever event you have lined up. Why not hire all types of music from all era’s and dance the night away to different decades, this is a great way to include all ages in your special event.

Or why not try some of the big bands featured here on Red Masque. The thrill of the ‘big band sound’ wowing your guests. Why not show your friends or your corporate guests a really good time with a top band to entertain the masses. Enjoy the musical ensemble associated with jazz and the Swing Era with incredible singers and sensational bands recreating the sounds of the 1920’s and 30’s. The Big Band produces a sound and feeling unlike any other.

Knowing that Red Masque only advertise the best you will be safe in the knowledge that your chosen act will not let you down.  Finding the perfect party entertainers, wedding entertainers and event entertainers couldn’t be easier. Browse through our categories and book your chosen acts directly.

Design & Decorate

Posted on by

Add a magical atmosphere to any occasion with professional, internal and external party and event lighting and special effects equipment for any occasion large or small. Bring your party to life with a huge range of event lighting for any type of occasion and create an atmosphere that will amaze the crowd and leave a lasting impression. A special party needs to hired Lighting to bring it to life and add that extra sparkle to the party. You can make your own but we guarantee it won’t be nearly as effective as professional Lighting that can be hired from our suppliers featured on Red Masque. Think big and you will have the most specular display of Lighting that far exceeded your expectations. 

Decorations are also key to a good event, it could be that you have just opened up a new outlet and need some good décor for a contemporary or vintage look. Hire some professional decoration experts to really make your party or launch really take shape and really stand out from your competitors. Whether it’s a small intimate gathering or lavish and opulent event, setting the right scene for your event can make all the difference. From unique marquee overlays to funky bars and wedding venues, make sure your event looks the part with a stunning setting that will guarantee to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Dance floors can also be hired for your party or event. From pure white dance floors with twinkling starlights to elegant oak parquet. Make your party really stand out from the rest with a funky dance floor that will entice your guests to dance the night away and help to create a truly memorable event.

Red Masque directory provides a full profile for each listing with descriptions, photo galleries, price guides, reviews, videos, audio and more…

Dress up your event

Posted on by

If you’re going to have a party make sure it’s a party to remember. Whether it’s a small intimate gathering or lavish and opulent event, setting the right scene for your event can make all the difference. From unique marquee overlays to funky bars and wedding venues, make sure your event looks the part with a stunning setting that will guarantee to leave a lasting impression on your guests.

If you want to create the best atmosphere at a special event then you need all the bits that go with it. Decorations will transform the dullest of rooms into something spectacular, or to create an out- of-this -world experience. Why not go all out and hire a bubble, smoke or snow machine. Whatever the season you can have snow in summer if you so wish? Continuous bubbles at children’s parties or smoke to create an eerie scene and help to really set the mood.

Hire Ice sculptures to make another impact on your guests. If you’re having a winter themed party then they are a great added extra. Have creative, innovative and dynamic works of art that can be designed specifically with your event in mind. Whether it be your company logo or something intricate and beautiful, they guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Perfect for any event.