When it comes to funerals, the entertainment isn’t often the sort of thing that crosses the mind. It certainly won’t be a jovial, happy occasion, but when it all comes down to it, a funeral is for celebrating a life and in that respect we do occasionally receive enquiries for entertainment at funerals. With this in mind we present a few of our most common requests for saying goodbye to a loved one.

London Fanfare Trumpets
Perhaps most often selected by those who were in the military and served their country, Fanfare Trumpeters are a traditional way to show respect. Brass instruments are often used in the line of duty and there is something morose and mournful about the tones they most often emit. Whether your loved one was in the Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force, there’s no denying that this particular entertainment idea is a beautiful way to say goodbye.

Bagpiper
If the deceased is Irish or Scottish then booking a bagpiper is often very common, or perhaps a friend or relative might be adept at the instrument to perform instead. The playing of pipes at ceremonial occasions has been going for centuries and is an excellent way to both begin and conclude a funeral, and is sure to strike just the right tone for the ceremony itself.

London Community Gospel Choir
The idea that funerals have to be sad occasions is not necessarily true, and booking a gospel choir is perhaps the most popular form of ‘a spin on tradition’ that occur at funerals. A church choir is most common but in some communities the gospel choir might well be preferred. Able to sing a number of different songs, they will undoubtedly learn a favourite if requested.

Kent Harpist
In all of music, we aren’t sure if there is anything as uniquely elegant as the harp. Able to provide a light sound to any occasion, the plucking of the strings makes for an excellent choice for a funeral and is one of our most requested musical options at a funeral. Kent Harpist is able to play classical or contemporary tunes and just like the London Community gospel choir is able to learn a song that was special to the person being commemorated on the day.

Poetry
You could book a poet for a funeral but in truth, the poetry is best when delivered by someone who knew the deceased. They may even like to write a poem themselves. This is slightly different to a eulogy, which can also be very popular and is sure to be well received by mourners. It’s best to remember that a eulogy doesn’t have to be a straight ‘facts of a life’ but can be a humorous take on memories of a person.