Category Archives: Uk

How to get the word out

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Once you have all your event details set, you need to get the word out to potential attendees through various channels:

Email – A great place to start is your own list of email subscribers. Because they’re already engaged and invested in your brand, they may have a higher likelihood to attend an event you have. Send an event invitation via email far enough in advance that your subscribers can plan it into their calendars. Make sure you include all the necessary information in your email. If you’re hosting an event, include the full address of the venue, parking information, etc. If you’re inviting people to a demo, or new service, include full log in or sign up details. Also include a link back to your website, and contact info such as a phone number or email address for your business so someone can call with questions if need be. Always include a call to action to register or sign up to attend the event.

Plan to send a few email invitations and reminders as you get closer to your event. You can offer early bird discount pricing, or offer different level of tickets and benefits to in still a sense of urgency.

Mail Invitations – In the digital age we live in, some may pooh-pooh the notion of sending invitations by mail, but invitations are very effective to get the word out. If you use compelling imagery and messaging, your recipient has a good chance of reading it. Invitations also serve as easy reminders because they can be placed on a desk or fridge as a visual cue of the event.

Social – In addition to inviting potential attendees via email and postal invitations, you can also invite guests via Facebook by creating an event. It’s a great way to invite people that you don’t have email addresses for.

Make sure you cover your other social bases by sharing details and a link to register on your other social channels like Twitter and LinkedIn. Create a hashtag for your event and use it every time you share details about your event on any social network. Just be sure you research any hashtag prior to using it to ensure it isn’t being used for something else you might not want.

Event Ideas to attract customers

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Customer events are outstanding ways to create excitement and attract new prospects and loyal customers to your business. But how do you come up with an event idea that people want to attend and then get the word out? Here are five ideas for customer-attracting events that any business can use:

1. Learning event – At this type of event you focus on teaching attendees “how-to” do something. Options are limitless and could include things like a winery having a food and wine pairing, a makeup artist could reveal the latest techniques in contouring and highlighting, a dermatologist could address the benefits of proper skincare and the effects of aging, a plumber could advise about the benefits of pipe maintenance and how much money people can save with proper upkeep.

2. Interactive/Hands-On event – Similar to a learning event, a hands-on event takes that learning and literally puts it into the hands of an attendee. It allows guests to roll up their sleeves to learn and do at the same time. Some interesting examples of a hands-on event could include a plant nursery showing how to pot plants in mini trees, a printer demonstrating how to create letterpress cards or invitations, or a software company allowing customers to create an app using their technology.

If you’ve ever stepped foot in an Apple store, you know the power of putting your product or service into people’s hands. When they see it, touch it, experience the results of using it and how it can help them, it’s priceless.

3. Charitable event – Events that have a cause tied to them are brilliant at attracting customers because there’s a “feel good, do good” element. Shopping or spending for a cause is something people take pride in and it’s what helps make these type of events successful. You can do a charitable event any time of year, just make sure you connect your theme and cause to something that is relevant to your audience and something they care about.

4. Special Guest event – Inviting a special guest, host and event speakers or MC your event can be a great crowd pleaser and get people to attend. Many local sports athletes will lend their name and presence to causes they support. A restaurant or cafe could get a celebrity chef to cook a special meal and sign cookbooks, a wedding consultant could get a well-known makeup artist to provide “big day” makeovers.

5. VIP event – People love to be part of exclusive, special things and a VIP event can help attract them like crazy. You can create a members-only event or a VIP event for your most loyal customers and offer them special shopping hours, a nice discount and great customer service. These types of events have been wildly popular for years and spawned the now well-known concept of Friends & Family day events, etc. The key to doing VIP events well is to keep it small and manageable so you can offer only the best experience since these are your best customers. You can base “best” on a number of things including amount spent, number of purchases, number of referrals, etc.

Alcohol & The Event Industry

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Serving absurd amounts of alcohol at an event is not good for our Guests. Alcohol companies themselves invite you to ‘drink responsibly’

We need to erase for good the equation lots of alcohol = great event. If that was the case this post should not exist. What’s the point of giving you pointers on making events better if all that counts is getting drunk?

So what does change look like? We think we should give options to your Guests, and also think we can make a big difference with small changes.

Here are 5 ways to preserve your Guests wellbeing while giving them the choice to ‘let go’.

Low Alcohol

The line is very fine, but it can make a giant difference. If you have to proactively ask for alcohol, you will undeniably drink less than if someone constantly pours it into your glass.

Tell Your Guests

Low alcohol events translate in high communication requirements. Several Guests may in fact be disappointed by the lack of a basic pillar of so many events.

After a long day at the conference, guests feel they ‘earned’ their booze. But and experience without alcohol means they can actually talk to people, and people truly listen to what they had to say, enjoy the food, feel healthy the day after. Your experience of the event will be incredible.

The communication part is such an important piece of the puzzle. Let your Guests know what you are up to. Don’t let them get the wrong impression, tell them you want them to have fun rather than feel sick. Some won’t like it, but the majority won’t even remember this was a low alcohol event. The amount of positivity coming from a true social experience cannot be compared to a bottle of wine.

Pump Down the Volume

In a networking or social environment, loud music is the strongest ally of binge drinking. There is a correlation between high music levels and alcohol consumption.

We tend to lose control when the music levels are high. Speaking with our counterparts becomes more difficult.

Close the Bar

An open bar is never going to play nice with the objective of limiting alcohol. Opening a bar in a social environment is very similar to throwing a huge piece of cheese to hungry mice.

You can use a ticket system to allow a certain number of drinks on the house and then make Guests pay for their own drink. Money seems to be one of the strongest deterrent humans react to.

Once again communicate your plan to Guests, tell them you are not trying to be cheap but you are just looking after them. Try to discourage as much as possible the link between alcohol abundance and success of the event.

Give Them Distractions

Stimulate networking, playing, interacting among Guests. Technology is the strongest ally in your quest to take the focus away from getting drunk. Put up social media walls, have networking apps, gamify the event, give away prizes, have event entertainment performers, offer content. The options are endless.

If you only put up a sign with ‘open bar’ on it, do not expect Guests to achieve any of their networking, entertainment or education objectives.

Themed event evening

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Event planners love organising a party around a specific theme. It makes sense since most guests turning should at least have some familiarity with the world they are about to experience. Perhaps the most popular party theme out of the many out there are parties based around Lewis Caroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Putting together Alice in Wonderland party ideas is something that simply requires imagination and a whole lot of fun. 

Alice in Wonderland

Well… No event is complete without an Alice, right? For many children’s parties, parents prefer Alice to simply be a walkabout costumed character allowing the kids to interact with Alice throughout the day. When it comes to Alice in Wonderland party ideas for adults though, there are a multitude of possible ideas, only limited to your imagination. You could hire a contortionist to play Alice, she could really squeeze into those small spaces then!!

With the UK seemingly more in love than ever with Alice in Wonderland (the theme has also been used for corporate events and Sweet 16 parties), the multitude of characters allows some truly inspired work.

Frozen themed parties…

One of the most popular films of the last few years, Frozen continues to take the world by storm, especially in the 2-7-year-old age bracket (if that’s an acceptable place to bracket off ages rather than the usual ‘3-5’) and you’ve no doubt been asked to host a Frozen party for your little one. But this is not just a theme for children, oh no! What with Christmas parties being upon us, this is the perfect time to ponder turning it into a Frozen theme but with a number of additions to ensure that any Scrooges at the party quickly turn into the embodiment of Christmas cheer!

Ice Sculpture

Any Frozen fan worth their salt will tell you that he is an iceman, responsible for cutting out blocks of ice for the people of Arendelle. Now since an actual iceman cutting out blocks of ice at a party probably isn’t that exciting to watch (and transporting the pre-cut ice is probably hugely expensive), what better way than to bring the magic of Kristoff’s profession to light with some Frozen ice sculptures! And by that we mean an ice sculptor creating a model of Olaf for your Christmas Party. 

Fake Snow

Because what could be more Christmassy than fake snow? You may be thinking that fake snow indoors just doesn’t work but cast your mind back to the very beginning of Frozen where Elsa first uses her powers, creating lovely little slopes of snow which she and her sister Anna play in. Naturally you can also make your own Olaf out of the snow and pose with it at a frozen photo booth too!

Costumed Characters

To be honest, this one is just a given. The very least that people would expect from a Frozen-themed Christmas party are some themed walkabout characters. Now you may be thinking, “But isn’t that more of a thing for children? Adults wouldn’t like that would they?” But you’d be very, very wrong for costumed characters are one of the most popular forms of entertainment. Guests can never get enough.

Naturally there are many, many more ideas that unfortunately couldn’t be included; from incredible Frozen-themed cocktails. To get some more inspiration look at our Christmas themed entertainment.

Step back in time

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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 60’s up until the 90’s.  It would be fun to dress up to really make the evening really authentic. You may have a television company that need some by gone music to set your scene for your particular programme.

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?

Tribute bands can also be hired which would be another great choice for your event again they can be tributes to the 60’s 70’s 80’s or 90’s or why not book all four!!!  

There is nothing better than the sound of a ‘big band’ where a crooner could be crooning along to some of your all-time favourites.

The thrill of the ‘big band sound’ wowing your guests being an altogether great event and just takes the edge of just about everybody else.  Why not be a talking point within your circle of friends and show your corporate guests a really good time.

Big Band and Swing are known for class and will be a firm favourite for young and old alike.

When you think of Brass musicians you think of the dulcet tones of the Salvation Army playing thought-provoking tunes and raising a bit of charity for the needy, or you could be thinking of a Marching band, whatever your memories or thoughts of Brass musicians, you cannot fail to love the sound.

If you needed some brass musicians at your event for a focal point or to raise some cash for a good cause then why not hire these great musicians, that are truly unforgettable and sheer joy to listen to. 

Character musicians bring a little bit of personality into their performance whilst playing an instrument or a number of instruments.  For example, it could be a ‘one-man band’ entertaining your guests at your corporate event.

It could be a comedian playing a piano very badly or a group of character musicians having a big of professional fun.

Be safe in the knowledge that all the musicians you see advertised on the Red Masque directory are of the most highest quality and are truly very professional and one of a kind.

Dance the night away

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Dancers are very entertaining, and if you had an event that demanded some dancers then why not consider hiring some great dancers from Red Masque entertainment directory.  

A Dance Group could be hired to dance in sync where the chorography would be done to perfection, it could be any style of dance that your taste desires from Street Dance to River Dance, Male to Female Dancers. We think we have just about all Dance groups covered advertised within our Red Masque entertainment directory.

If you are holding a launch party that would require some eye candy of the female variety, if so, why don’t you hire some Podium dancers, a risqué burlesque dancer or some showgirls that would be quite a classy type of Le Lido but here in the UK.

These girls are professional, classy and have trained for hours to put on the perfect show for you.

You will be dazzled by the splendid costumes which will be worn by the Showgirls and Podium Dancers even though they’re maybe little of them!!! The burlesque will titillate and tease but done in the best possible taste!!

Salsa and Tango dancers are a definite must, most people want to learn the art of these sexy, sensual dances. You could hire some dancers to teach. Or if you are quite familiar of these dances you could simply hire to put on a quite splendid show that would be breath-taking and remarkable, leaving you wishing you were indeed as talented as these dancers.

Something very alternative are Snake charmers or a belly dancer dancing with a snake!! These amazing creatures – love them or hate them  have something mesmerising about them that you cannot fail to be intrigued to watch or even (if you dare) handle them.

Belly dancers have been around for centuries and it’s also a great way to keep fit.  If you ever wanted to master the art of Belly Dancing, then why not hire a Belly Dancer to teach you.  You will have great fun, and if your tummy is not your most favourite part of your body – well rest assured a rounded belly is considered sexy in some parts of the world!!

If you wanted some themed dance acts for your special event, then why not look on our gallery of special dance acts that will enlighten your guests and create that nostalgia needed for your themed evening.

They will be dressed in the most appropriate costumes and do all the dance moves from that era it will be truly like stepping back in time and feeling the past again.

It could be that you wanted to create a theme from another country and again we will have something for you.  We have Themed dance acts that are able to create anything that you had in mind.

Magical mystery evening

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Have your guests spellbound and have all your guests sitting on the end of their seats. This could all come true if you hire some magical mystical acts for your event which can transform your dull usual party entertainment into something spectacular.

Why not hire an up-to-the minute illusionist that is very clever, having everyone trying to guess how on earth he managed to fool you before your very eyes? An escapologist is another act that is a race against time for him/her to get out of a life or death situation, or a contortionist that would squeeze into the tightest of spaces making it look so very easy but at the same time so mesmerising to watch.

Mind readers are always very fascinating, picking a member of the crowd and asking to write or draw something only for the Mind reader to copy exactly what they have done. 

Another great act is a hypnotist – you can book hypnotists for medical reasons or they can be booked for entertaining. They can put a group of people together and hypnotise them before hand, every-time the hypnotist says a certain word somebody does something completely out of the ordinary which can be very entertaining for you – slightly embarrassing for them!!

Trying to work out the future is something that ‘gifted’ people have been doing for centuries, whether it’s reading somebody’s palm, Crystal ball reading, or reading cards.  Each have their own unique way of interpreting what the future may hold but nonetheless all very enchanting and mysterious.

Whether or not you believe in these fortune tellers they are always very welcome at an event or party.

You could be having a charity event where a Palmist, Crystal ball reader or Tarot card reader would raise lots of money with your paying guests.  Or you could be having a fete where acts such as these would draw a crowd.

You can be sure that all the acts you see advertised are professional in what they do and are the best of the best.  Our Red Masque directory will give you a brief insight into each act and then it is up to you to decide which you would like.  Once you have decided you are able to fill out an online form which will go straight to your act, they will be in contact to discuss dates and services. 

Swing and jive is back!

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Swing and jive bands bridge the gap between the cool, laid-back sounds of jazz and classic rock bands, while performing some of the most iconic songs from the 1940s onwards. Swing and Jive Bands form the best of retro classic music that everyone knows bang up to date with energy, enthusiasm and superb musicianship. 

The style of swing and jive ranges from gentle lounge to irresistible dance floor filling sets that bring fresh energy and vintage fashions to any party, wedding or event.

What to look for in quality swing and jive bands

The best UK jive and swing bands share three essential qualities: extensive repertoire of music, excellent musicianship and an infectious sense of fun!

Most swing and jive performers have a deep-rooted affection for the music they perform and it shows in every moment of their performance. Many have a signature style of performance too, whether it’s pared-back skiffle versions of classic tracks or retro-arrangements of contemporary pop anthems.

Nearly all swing and jive bands will have a distinctive look, incorporating vintage fashions, authentic period instruments and some of the coolest haircuts you’ll see this side of London Fashion Week…

One of the key features of swing and jive bands is that their sound is immediate, energetic, almost raw, as opposed to the overproduced sound of carefully-tweaked pop album tracks. It’s this upfront, energetic sound that makes these kinds of bands so great for live events, as guests pick up on the band’s energy and your party suddenly gears up a notch or seven!

The best way to ‘get’ what a band does is to hear and see them in action. Many of the swing and jive bands at Red Masque directory feature both demo tracks and videos on their Profile page. This is a great way to discover the best band for your event, both in terms of look and sound. Try and listen to their demo tracks through quality speakers in a room rather than headphones or through your phone – it’ll give you a better feel for how the band will sound live.

What music do swing and jive bands perform?

These bands draw their music from the rich legacy of tracks from the 1930s onwards, including authentic 1940s arrangements, 1950s classic rock n roll, 1960s crooner classics right up to contemporary tracks with a retro twist.

For Jive Bands think:

1940s – up-tempo Glenn Miller Band, Count Basie, The Andrews Sisters, Cab Calloway

1950s – Bill Haley, Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis

1960s – Nina Simone, The Rat Pack, Aretha Franklin

Freak out!!

Chill out or boogie on down with the superb sounds of some of the UK’s finest soul, Motown and RnB (rhythm & blues) acts. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about booking a soul or RnB band for your special occasion.

Plan your very own winter wonderland

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Decorations

Decorations make a bland place into something magical.  Professional party decorations would do your winter wonderland justice, however big or small have the perfect event decorators advertised that will transform any room into something special.

You will be amazed at just how the right decorations can transform your venue and really make believe the theme in which you want to create. 

Fairground rides

Everybody loves fairground rides, and this would be perfect for a winter wonderland theme, you could hire a horse carrousel, dodgems or the ghost train. Traditional fairground rides were usual at Easter, but now people are now hiring for Christmas too.

If your garden is big enough then you and your guests will be very privileged to have all the rides for yourself, but if organising for the public or for a large corporate event you may have to think about designated queuing area.

You will be safe in the knowledge that all the fairground rides are of excellent quality and condition and you will have somebody on hand to check the rides safety under the health and safety.

Fairground stalls and games

If you have booked some fairground rides, then you need a few stalls and games to go with them.   Imagine the aroma of candyfloss, hotdogs and toasted chestnuts smelling which will definitely bring in a crowd!

The ambiance that comes from these stalls are second to none and your guests will very much enjoy the ‘fairground’ scene with sights and sounds familiar to their childhood. 

Fantasy photos and booths

These are very fashionable at the moment, so how about your guests making up their own photo dressed in a Santa suit, Rudolf the red nose reindeer or a little elf? These photos will last forever and you’ll always know it was taken at Christmas!!

Great fun and very popular, these booths will be well received.

Giant games

A winter wonderland garden party with giant snakes and ladders, or chess – how perfect and what fun!  We are sure you will find the perfect giant game to compliment your event.

Dressing up nice and warm with some mulled wine handy, this party would be great fun for adult and something a bit different.

So now we have given you some food for thought for ideas and inspiration for your winter wonderland Christmas party, we are sure you have some other ideas that can be found on the Red Masque directory.

Festive events

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PARTY BUTLERS

Now girls, you know you need the ultimate party butler or butlers for your Christmas party! Or even if you don’t even have an excuse for a party!!  A bit of eye candy never goes a miss, he’ll be able to serve up your favourite drinks all evening.

Whether he is topless or naked (of course an apron to cover his modesty) then these butlers will certainly liven up your event.  Serving up some treats for you girls or mixing a few of your favourite cocktails, these toned butlers will be just perfect.

ROBOTS

How about having a Robot or two at your festive event? These must-have robots are quite handy at serving too. They are all the rage at the moment from talking robots, to serving robots, they can even meet and greet your guests which of course will be a talking point for months to come.

You can ask your robot to customise your event so you get him to do the right thing at the right time, for example it maybe a group of robots performing a dance or just one or two mingling with you crowd – you have to agree this is very unique!!!

SNAKE PERFORMERS AND CHARMERS

Ok, so snakes may not be very Christmassy but you could add a little ‘Middle Eastern’ theme where Lebanese food could be on the menu, but how about going that extra mile and hiring a ‘snake performer’ to really get that ‘Middle Eastern’ feel to your party.

We have only the best Snake Performers on our website advertised which is guaranteed to be extremely professional and of course ‘snake friendly’. 

STILT WALKERS

Being a stilt walker is no mean feat, it takes many hours to perfect the art of walking for long periods of time, with their colourful costumes and amazing routines high up in the clouds at least you’ll never lose him!!

Dressed to impress your very own stilt walker would be just the thing to get your crowd talking, these Stilt walkers can be a feature at your Christmas event, mix and mingling, serving drink and just generally brightening up the atmosphere.

THEMED WALKABOUT

No Christmas party would be complete without a themed walkabout artist; this well be just the thing.  Father Christmas, elves, or snow queens or how about arranging a magical enchanting ice-queen themed party, where your themed walkabout artists are dressed from head to toe in white ice-like costumes.

From medieval artists, to around the world themed dress, your party will have that perfect atmosphere that you were hoping for when you book one or more of these themed walkabouts.