Category Archives: Uk

Shop Promotions

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Most shops always have the same monotonous music playing in the background so why not switch it up a bit and hire a DJ. The public will hear different music and will also experience first-hand a DJ playing live in a shop, now that’s not something you see every day. Get the DJ to play various styles of music to attract different types of customers but also make sure it suits your shop. If you have a unique boutique then trance music would not exactly match the surroundings. Your shop will have that wow factor compared to others around it so it is definitely worth a try!

Many businesses now enjoy and thrive off shop promotion. Whether it’s opening the shop for the first time or your first year anniversary shop promotions can attract new customers and keep existing customers. It can also help increase sales which is probably the most positive factor of all businesses. Shop promotion entertainment can help with every of these aspects… if done properly.

Street performers are a great idea to entice people of the street and into your shop. The performers will attract attention to the facade of the shop and can even hand out leaflets to the public. Once your street performer starts performing and letting everybody know about the shop, then how can the customers resist not going in for a little look. Various street performers could include stilt walkers, fire performers, dancers and even musicians. This is a very cost effective way to add excitement and positive chit chat around your shop.

Food is well known to be the way to anybody’s heart. So why not have some sort of unique catering outside your shop to attract customers to your front doors. A few ideas which are very simple yet very effective include hiring a fish and chip van for the day.

It could be packaged in a traditional box with your brand on it, so when your customers sit down to enjoy their food they are reminding on your company. During the summer months you could hire an ice cream van or cart and if they spend a certain amount in shop then on their exit they get an ice cream. It may be a simple idea but this can be very effective. To finish up, your shop just needs to be jazzed up a bit. Make it fun and intriguing and do your research. Don’t hire entertainment which doesn’t match your shops style. And shop around and hire local artists of possible, this will reflect very positively on your shop.

Tower of London event venue

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For nearly 1,000 years, the Tower of London has stood as a landmark for visitors to the capital to enjoy. In service to the monarch, thousands of people flock to the Tower of London each year in order to experience a true feel of Britishness; from the ravens walking around the grounds to the colourful Yeoman Warders (that’s Beefeaters to you and I) waiting to greet you, there’s a lot to enjoy. And that’s even before we get to talking about the Crown Jewels!

When you hire an event venue like the Tower of London, it’s clear you’re going for the spectacular, looking to really impress your guests. What you might not know however is that the Tower of London has a whole host of rooms and spaces that are available when you decide to hold your party there. This event venue sits right on the bank of the River Thames. But what else can you expect from this fabulous venue?

Whether it be a reception, dinner or huge event, you can pick from a variety of different rooms that hold just 12 people right through to The Moat, which can hold up to 2000.

You might wish to dine in the White Tower or enjoy a drink or two in the New Armouries – whatever you desire, the Historic Royal Palaces team will seek to accommodate your request if it is at all viable. Do not worry about having a private view of the Crown Jewels either; this is all part of the experience when you hire such a famous venue! You can even experience a special Yeoman Warder and witness the ancient and world famous Ceremony of the Keys.

Hiring a venue like this is naturally an opportunity to hire the best entertainment for your evening as well. But what works at the Tower of London? You’ll be glad to know that pretty much everything does! Caricaturists, singing monks, classic function bands, string duos and even lutists play in this very special of events venues.

Relive your School days

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Take yourself back in time by planning a school reunion where you and your colleagues can relive your memories. Getting a class together and pulling off a reunion party is no small feat.
There are always other school friends that you are still in contact with that will have school friends that you have forgotten about. Send everyone a paper invitation to get the initial word out and create a Facebook page or website for your event where you can post reminders, updates, and information for your invited guests. Take this opportunity to start getting your guests excited about the reunion!
You may have many school friends on facebook or such like, but if there are people you just can’t remember or if someone has disappeared off the radar then you old school should have a list with all this information.

Theme & Venue
Remember to consider your theme and potential decorations as you hunt for that perfect venue. Use Party suppliers and securing the venue makes planning decor that much easier, so you can begin creating your ideal atmosphere. Follow your general theme and have fun with it! Contact your classmates and request photos and keepsakes from the ‘good ole days’ to hang around the rooms or to create a nostalgia table!

Entertainment
You know the songs that just seem to recapture moments from your school experience? Have a DJ and the music bring you right back to those days with the perfect music to set the tone and liven up the party.
Keep the party going and conversation flowing with collages of old photos and videos. Everyone’s got those slightly embarrassing pictures of good friends they’d love to share. Stick with fun-inducing entertainment, give out prizes for games, or even have awards! Capture the new memories by booking a Photographer or even a photo booth!

We’re confident you’re ready to plan the best possible school reunion your classmates could have imagined!

Musical events

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We all love musicals. Even those people who say that they don’t can be found screaming Grease Lightning at the top of their lungs at private parties every summer. It makes sense then that musicals from the West End and Broadway are therefore commandeered for corporate events and private parties. They’re generally happy, always fun and are perfect for getting the party started. But what’s possible?

Mary Poppins
Famous for dancing penguins, supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Dick Van Dyke’s horrendous cockney accent, this is a musical that combines animation and live action to great effect. A family classic for all the family. But how does that translate to events? How about hiring some costumes and umbrellas and create a wonderful Poppins medley in any Event Venue. Incredible, vibrant and a really great theme.

Phantom of the Opera
Why not assemble cast members from the West End to reprise their leading roles as Christine and the Phantom respectively, put them in the world famous costumes and perform a few classic songs from the smash hit musical to a hugely appreciative corporate events crowd.

Sound of Music
How about a corporate event put together singers are decked in full lederhosen for a merry West End sing-song of all the hits from the Sound of Music. Do-Re-Me, So Long Farewell, 16 Going on 17, Climb Every Mountain and My Favourite Things can all be belted out to a costumed audience, who absolutely adored it. Such an idea won’t be perfect for every corporate gathering but it certainly shows what one can do!

Mamma Mia
Ah, Abba. Knowing Me, Knowing You, Dancing Queen, Waterloo… The hits are endless and as a result, we’ve had a hit show in the West End for more than a decade (and a film where Pierce Brosnan reveals his god awful singing voice) For this particular event, you can combine the mega hit Glee with songs from everybody’s favourite Swedish pop quartet. The result will be fabulously fun and entertaining party that everyone will enjoy.

Brilliant ways to remember your event

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Eyecon Art
Technically we’re breaking our own rule in that opening paragraph as Eyecon Art is essentially a photograph. But don’t go thinking that this is the same as hiring a photographer for an event. Rather than capture you standing awkwardly by the DJ as you ponder which canapés to chow down on, Eyecon Art will have you heading home with an incredibly close-up shot of your eye. Every iris is unique and dare we say it, look tremendous!

Caricaturist
If you’re looking to hire a caricaturist for an event, then you have got to make sure that you are fine with having your eyebrows accentuated and your nose looking a little larger than in real life. But that’s all part of the fun! A good caricaturist knows how to draw a cartoon-style representation of their subject without causing offence and the best part is that with modern technology being what it is, you can take home a paper or digital version.

Duke Box
Why does everything that provides a memory of an event have to be visual? The answer is that they don’t, especially when you’re dealing with a Duke Box, a fabulous box of audio delights which allows you to be the DJ! Selecting your favourite hits and making a party to remember from nostalgic tunes to more up-to-date current hits. A duke box not only looks good but sounds great too. Your guests will be gathered around remembering their favourite tunes of yesteryear.

Screen Printing
Whether you call it screen printing, letter pressing or something completely different, these fabulous contraptions can have you created your very own work of art in no time! Popular at Somerset House every summer, you too can discover the art of the print. Remember not to limit yourself to paper or card; should you so desire you can create your design on a T-shirt. Wear your creation and remember that party in style!

Hosting events in Manchester

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If you’re interested in organising some corporate events in the city but want a venue with a difference, here are 10 unique places to choose from:

1. Rovers Return, Coronation Street
If you’re a big Corrie fan, take to the Manchester cobbled streets by hiring out the nation’s famous pub. The venue tour can hold up to 250 standing guests or 80 dining, and you get wine and dined in the main studio, surrounded by the iconic sets. So, who fancies a lock-in?

2. Zombie Shack
The Zombie Shack, near Oxford Road Station, is the loudest and wildest Tiki Cocktail Paradise in Manchester. Please note it’s only available to hire midweek.

3.2nd Floor At K2 Karaoke Nightclub
One might associate a nightclub with an evening of music, drink and dancing but it can be so much more with a cocktail bar on hand and a dance floor space that’s ready for you to throw out some shapes! The K2 Karaoke Nightclub, located in the heart of Manchester’s China Town, plays host to corporate events and private functions on a weekly basis.

4. The Palace Hotel, Oxford Road
What could be better for Christmas parties, wedding or charity events than an iconic, Grand Victorian luxury hotel? The Palace Hotel features a beautiful glass-domed lobby, stunning art deco interiors and 885 metres of space for up to 900 guests- so there’s plenty of room for entertainment equipment.

5. Audit Room, Chetham’s School of Music
Chetham’s School of Music is the largest specialist music school in the UK and the only music school based in the North of England. If you’re organising an event and looking for a vibrant atmosphere in a setting with gothic windows and 17th century doors, what better venue than a building that is nearly 600 years-old and truly magical.

6. Players Lounge, Hotel Football
Want to say that your event is in a building founded by the infamous Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville? The Football Hotel is a unique venue situated yards from the Old Trafford stadium. The Players Lounge is a great space that can accommodate up to 200 standing and 100 guests seated.

7. Main Gym, Evolve
Work up a sweat by hosting a fun, innovative event at Main Gym! The venue has the capacity for up to 200 people and the combat sports facility comes complete with boxing ring, trapeze, gloves, shin pads and more.

8. Chill Factore
The Chill Factore is home to the UK’s longest indoor skiing and snowboarding slope and is a brilliant family day out but it’s also a great place to hold an event whether that’s a team building experience with your business or a conference. It’s situated just off the M60 so it’s super accessible too!

9. The University of Manchester
It’s not just a place for learning! The University of Manchester offer fantastic conference and event facilities all year round. Its inspirational heritage and convenient location make it an excellent choice and some of their venues are suitable for up to 1000 delegates which is perfect if you’re planning a large scale event.

10. Museum of Science and Industry
Situated on Liverpool Road, the Museum of Science and Industry is a truly unique venue with gorgeous galleries and state-of-the-art function rooms. The historic building offers an amazing backdrop for events and conferences and it can accommodate a variety of event sizes from 50 to over 300.

So there you have 10 unique venues in Manchester if you’re looking to organise an event with a twist.

Music to suit all era’s

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If you are a music lover and appreciate all music from all decades, then a tribute band could be just the thing you want to hire for your next event.

Red Masque have a lots of great tribute bands that have extensive experience in dealing with the particular era you are after for example:

Motown Supreme

If you remember the swinging sixties where Rock n Roll bands caused a massive stir in that time, then you could have a tribute Beatles band, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd or the Everly Brothers. You could have a mix-up of all these sounds together to really make it authentic.

Motown Supreme are a fun, young tribute to the Motown genre. Featuring three gorgeous female vocalists (with their sassy, 60’s dance moves, and stunning three part harmonies), and a rhythm section that takes you right back to the good old days of Stevie Wonder, Martha Reeves and Tina Turner, this band is perfectly suited to Corporate Events, Weddings and other parties.

Disco Angels

With disco fever hitting everywhere and nowadays is a very popular era for dressing up, you will need a band to go with you themed night. With Motown making a big impact, you may want a tribute act to the Supremes and Marvyn Gaye. You can just have fun with this decade it’s all about flower power and sequins!!

Disco Angels The Disco Angels 70s Disco Band have been the highlight of many events and parties all over the UK and are a full time professional tribute band. All your favourite 70s Disco Band dance floor fillers from top selling artists like Gloria Gaynor, Candi Statton, The Real Thing, The Bee Gees, Abba, Labelle, James Brown and many more.

80’s Bands and Tribute Acts

Who can forget the 80’s from Wham, Culture Club, Spandau Ballet or Madonna – we can all remember the bouffant hairdos and dodgy clothes, where music became all digitized. If you want to have a themed party but not sure what it could be, then why not have an 80’s night. We are sure all your friends must have some old 80’s clothes tucked away somewhere?

Electronic 80’s

Your party would not be complete without hiring a perfect 80’s Band or Tribute Act – all the old songs playing will take you back to your old school days.

Electronic 80’s is an authentic and energetic five-piece band paying tribute to the best music of the 1980’s. Our dynamic and exciting show delivers the best in New Romantic and classic pop artists from the greatest decade of music.

Abba World

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A party wouldn’t be a party without a bit of Abba, so why not organise your party and add a bit of fun.

Book from Red Masque Directory ‘Abba Angels’ for your next corporate event or private party? This featured act is above all the best out there, drawing in crowds and being booked time after time. With acts as polished as this one you’ll find it hard to book better. They are able to sing a genre of music for all tastes in that era and will make sure that they sing all your favourite tracks.

They are most suited for Corporate events, private parties, or really anything you wanted; (just make sure you book a big party venue, so you can invite lots of guests). This band is getting more and more popular they are even taking International bookings. This group really do have the ‘likeability factor’ and it clear to see that they really are close friends. They are able to engage their crowd and make your guests smile.

This band is young and fun and as we mentioned is a tribute to the Motown music. The two beautiful female vocalists really go to town with their enthusiastic dance moves, and stunning harmonies.
All costumes in their tribute band have been meticulously recreated.

A party to remember…

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Remember that if guests are travelling from out of the area, it helps if the venue is easy to find. Consider how easy it is to find parking, and also how much accommodation is available near by. If you choose a great party venue you won’t need to spend as much time dressing it up to look good. There are loads of interesting venues out there to suit a wide variety of styles and themes.

Entertain Your Guests
Most people are happy to have a party DJ, but anyone who’s been to a party with a live band will tell you how much better the night was. You need something to really get guests excited and live party bands do exactly that. They’re interactive, energetic and fun. Not everyone likes to dance, but with a great live band, performing the best classic and modern party songs, even the most ardent anti-dancers will be rocking out, arm in arm, singing along on the dance floor with guests they only met a few hours ago.

Welcome Guests
Giving your guests a drink is a small touch that really shows you care about welcoming your guests, and it ensures everyone feels positive as soon as they arrive. It’s your way to thank people for coming, and it gets people in the mood to party.

In a practical sense, it also helps to alleviate the early queues at the bar, something which is sure to dampen spirits and cause frustration.

Some venues will arrange for a member of staff to personally serve drinks as your guests arrive, or you can choose to have a selection of drinks available on tables near the entrance

It’s also worth trying to book a party venue where the bar is in the same room as the party, otherwise your dance floor will only ever be half full. If the bar’s in another room, people will hang around talking when they go out to get a drink, and the reduced numbers can make the party room feel empty.

Simple tips to make everyone happy

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When booking a corporate event, if your guests are seated too far away, directly to your right or left, behind the stage or behind an obstruction; you—the performer—can’t reach the audience, and they—the audience—are likely to get frustrated and not enjoy the show. No one likes to stare at the back of someone’s head.

1. Set them up to see the show.

Seat your audience in FRONT of your stage and LIGHT your performers.
Avoid seating any audience members directly to the right or left, around a corner or especially behind the stage. It’s nearly impossible for the performers to connect with these people and they will likely stare at the side or back of the performers for the whole performance or worse yet—miss the show completely.
If necessary, use the space directly to the sides of the stage for the buffet or bars, a photo booth, displays, etc. Leaving it open is even better.

If your space is narrow, seat the audience deep (vertically) versus spread side to side (horizontally). This will at least make the stage visible to most, if not all of your audience, even if they are a bit further away. And the performers won’t feel like they’re turning their backs.
And be sure the performers will be lit with flattering stage lighting if the performance space will be dark.

2. Get cosy.

Seat your audience CLOSE to the stage and CLOSE to one another.
Great performers like to engage with their audience and make them feel included. If the first row of tables or chairs is too far away, that feels like dead space to the audience and the performers.
Seat the first row of the audience as close as five feet away from the front edge of the stage if possible and don’t spread the audience out too much. Keeping it all contained keeps the performance energy locked together.
If you have a lot of space, set up the extras (like the buffet, bars, etc.) behind the seating area, or just keep that space open. But get the audience close to the show!

3. A pillar is not your friend.

Don’t BLOCK your audience’s view of the stage.
Whenever possible, seat people to the right or left of any sort of obstruction. Unless, of course, you’re hosting superheroes and they all have X-ray vision. Most people will feel disappointed if they are seated behind a pillar.
Keep this in mind when choosing a venue. If there are a lot of obstructions, look elsewhere if you’re hoping for full capacity!

5. Allow plenty of time to set up and communicate.

Check in with your party entertainers beforehand and build in ample set-up time on the day.
Make sure you have a conversation with the agent or performers before the event date.
Then, on the day, be sure to give the entertainment plenty of time to get their sound equipment loaded in, set up, sound checked and get out of view before the audience starts coming in.
A little forethought and planning is sure to make your event go off without a hitch. If you have a hard time envisioning a stage or an audience in your event space, enlist the help of a friend, a professional event planner or ask a performer or stage technician for help! Happy Planning!