Tag Archives: book

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.

Private party organising made easy

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One of the simplest and easiest types of party to organise is a venue or marquee with a live band. Nothing gets guests excited like a live music performance as it’s far more interesting & engaging than a DJ or background music. You’ll need to choose a band to suit to the occasion, your guests and the type of atmosphere you’re looking for.

Popular types of party band include tribute bands, rock and pop function bands, or for an older audience try Swing and Jive or Rock n’ Roll.

Any private hire venue with a cool bar and space to dance would be suitable, but bear in mind parking and accommodation for those guests traveling beyond a taxi ride. For something a bit different try the Hard Day’s Night Hotel in Liverpool, complete with a live Beatles Tribute band.

Parties based around a live party band, especially a lively band, are likely to be quite loud so consider how many elderly guests you might have. Venues with sound limiters can be a real pain so before you hand over any money, make sure the venue you choose doesn’t have a limiter fitted (or if it does, that the threshold is set higher than 95dB). Also, make sure there is a dance floor and if at all possible, try to avoid venues where the bar is in a different room to the dancing as this can split guests and leave you with a less party atmosphere.

Good quality function bands will provide all of the equipment you’ll need, so all you need to do is ensure they have enough space and some light refreshments. Expect to pay upwards of £1000/£1400 for a really good 4-5-piece band.

For most private parties a really early arrival is not necessary so if you ask the band to arrive around 6pm they should be set up, sound checked & ready for guests to arrive by 7.30pm – 8pm. Most function bands will play 2 x 60 minute performances, and we suggest the first to start no earlier than 9pm so guests have time to get a drink and have a chat before the music starts.

Acts to hire instead of a DJ

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It’s now well into Christmas and although we’ve been going on about booking Christmas entertainment early, there’s always a few private parties and companies who only get around to booking their Christmas entertainment in December. As such, many DJs are booked up on the key dates you’ll be wanting them for, but don’t let that get to you! Put down your mince pie, have a swig of mulled wine and take a look at these alternatives that just might be more perfect than a Christmas DJ.

Why not book your very own polar bear? Well it’s not actually a real one, (it’s themed walkabout artists in a polar bear costume) that can turn up at your Christmas party to liven up proceedings. This cuddly looking polar bear walks and poses with your guests.  What could be more Christmassy than that? Okay, so he won’t provide anything to dance to but who needs that when you can laugh and take selfies all evening? Exactly. We guarantee your Instagram will have more likes than ever after a cheeky pic with this wonderful Christmas bear. 

Why not go for a real animal? We all saw the Logo Reindeer last year and it was impressive, even featuring Santa and a sleigh. You could even order some elves if you’d like, but how about a couple of live reindeer to book for your Christmas event. They won’t arrive with presents and they’ll probably walk rather than fly, but there’s something fab about feeding a carrot to a reindeer.

What could be better than a Christmas Tree? You can sing Christmas carols around it, put presents beneath it and struggle to get rid of it once New Year rolls in. That last point wouldn’t be a problem with these incredible living Christmas trees however, the perfect accompaniment to any Christmas gathering. A festive treat nobody will be expecting, these trees stand by the entrance to your party venue and move as unsuspecting guests arrive. A lot of fun guaranteed to have your guests in stitches.

Christmas Party Band

Just because a DJ isn’t free, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some music! What party entertainment you go for depends entirely on you and what your guests might like. If you’re looking for a festive feeling, then Motown Supreme may be more your thing.  Or a trendy contemporary band; Kings Ov Leon. You don’t even have to book a band that melds perfectly with the Holiday season; various bands can play all the hits your DJ would have played and provide some originality and festive cheer on top. Perfect!

Illusionist

Or maybe without a DJ, you really are fixated on just using the iPod from Andy in Accounts. Since the rest of the office are scared of animals and possible living Christmas trees, in that case you are left with only one option, especially if everybody adores magic. Sure, you could go for an Illusionist – make your guests the centre of attention whilst the illusionist does his amazing magic before their very eyes, where everyone if trying to work out just how he does it!! 

Of course, none of this matters if you have your heart set on a DJ… So don’t delay, get in touch today!

Something special for your event

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If you want something special for your corporate event entertainment, there are a few acts out there that can make your event stand out from the rest.  A Themed Walkabout artist that could be just the thing dressed in the most amazing costume. You could have a group of Themed walkabout artists where each one would take their turn mingling into the crowd, that would be quite a talking point. This artist would be perfect to create the ambiance you desire at your event.

Stilt walkers can be hired for your promotional event which would draw interest amongst the general public wanting to see these very tall people walking around quite confidently on extremely high stilts. A definite crowd pleaser with young and old alike.

Do you need some extra space for a party or special event that you are organising? If so, have you thought of hiring a Marquee or Tent which will provide extra space and less mess for you to clear up after the event.  All Marquees and Tents can be decorated as you wish, and of course they will keep your guests warm and dry in case of the British weather letting you down. 

Whether it be for a fete, Wedding or promotional event we are sure you will be able to hire the perfect Marquee or Tent for you.  

If you are thinking of having a Wedding then hiring a Marquee would be the perfect choice which of course needs a Dance floor which can also be booked with us at Red Masque Directory, you could choose from a mirrored dance floor, to an illuminated dance floor whichever your taste, there is bound to be one that is just right for you, perfect for Grandma or Grandpa to boogie the night away!!

Then what about creating the right atmosphere?  You need all the bits that go with it.  

Decorations that will transform the dullest of rooms into something spectacular, or to create an out- of-this -world experience why no go all out and hire some bubble, smoke and snow machines. 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.

Ice sculptures make another impact on your guests which look very classy and are so good to look at you cannot fail for anyone not to admire their beauty.

So go ahead and make your event a very special one indeed by hiring some or all of these fantastic displays which will be talked about for many months to come.

The Dancers

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From belly dancing to Bollywood, acrobatics to dance troupes, all you need to know about booking dancers, dance companies and dance troupes.

What is a dancer or dance troupe and what do they do?

For entertainment that really gets your party started, it’s hard to beat a professional dancer for sheer energy, visual impact, and more than a touch of glamour.

Dancers and dance companies perform choreographed routines that combine music and movement into an energetic and elegant form of entertainment. Most dance groups offer a range of traditional, classical and contemporary dance styles, including elegant ballroom dancing, street dance, Las Vegas style showgirls, traditional Irish dancing, Latin American tango, Spanish flamenco, and the more risqué charms of burlesque.

Most dancers and dance troops offer either a standard show that can be adapted to your venue and event, or as bespoke option to create exactly the mood and feel you require for your event.

Whether you’re looking for a solo belly dancer to surprise guests at a birthday party, or classical ballerina to add grace and elegance to your product launch, dancers and dance groups provide an energetic, engaging, and ultimately highly entertaining show for your guests.

What to look for in a quality dancer/dance group

Dancers can be formally trained at dance schools, ballet schools and performance academies, or some may just be naturally good at dance. So, it’s not always a measure of quality to look at the training each dancer or members of a dance troupe have received. The exceptions are, of course, classical ballet and ballroom dancing, both of which involve many years of training, and there are definite advantages of years of training for dance forms such as jazz, tap and Latin American dance.

So, also look for the levels of professional experience dancers and dance companies have. If they have performed at major venues, in professional dance shows, ballet companies or West End shows, or have performed for global brands, chances are they are of high quality, have relevant experience, and deliver a great show.

Most dancers and dance troupes are extremely versatile, often offering a wide variety of dance styles for your event. Chances are, if a dance troupe focuses exclusively on one or two dance styles or forms, they will have a high level of expertise in these forms and therefore put on a more authentic show.

Some of the dance companies featured at Red Masque Directory will create bespoke shows just for you, and bring in dancers and performers with the correct level of skills required. So, just because they don’t specialise in Street Dance for example, they can probably call on some very good performers if you require a bespoke urban style performance.

Take a little time to look at the Profiles of dancers and dance companies here on Red Masque Directory. All companies will feature photographs of their dancers, and some offer video, a great way to see what they look like in action.

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.

And if your event doesn’t go to plan?

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It’s the nightmare we’ve all dreaded. The band that you have your heart set on can no longer perform at your event. They were perfect in every way but alas, are already booked/ill/otherwise engaged.

So what can you do now? They were all you ever wanted! Well, here are a few tips.

Don’t Panic

It may be cliché to say it but let’s calm down a moment. Let’s think this through rationally. It’s just that the music won’t be provided by your first choice band. But nobody except you knows that. ‘Don’t Panic’ is the number one rule in the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy for a reason. Because panicking causes rash decisions and you definitely don’t want to do that. So breathe. In, out. That’s it. Now you’re getting it. Let’s think about what we can do to ensure that your event is just as perfect as you imagined.

Listen to the Band Again

Although you don’t realise it right now, this is shrewd advice. Listen to the band perform again with an analytical ear. Watch the videos. What is it about this band in particular that you liked? A three-piece? Acoustic? Their style? See if you can pinpoint exactly what it was that made you fall in love with their music in the first place.

Look on the Red Masque Directory

We have a wealth of party and event entertainment that you can book. Just look on our gallery. It’s true, some of our most popular acts are hugely popular for a reason and may not be available, but there are many bands who are just as good, ready to perform, aren’t quite as well known and may even save you a bit of a cash along the way. How’s that for a good deal?

But you want only the best

We only advertise the best event entertainers and we wouldn’t advertise a band you won’t be happy with. Just because some bands are more expensive than others, doesn’t mean they are necessarily better musicians. They may be just starting out they may be seasoned musicians who are starting a new band or they may have recently lowered their fee for a multitude of reasons. Either way, be assured that you are getting an incredible deal on your event entertainment.

Relax

In the days preceding your launch party, wedding or event, you may be fretting that this band still aren’t totally perfect but come on now, it’s time to think about something else. Sure enough, the day arrives and the band go down a storm. And that extra £200 can go behind the bar for all to enjoy. What a day, eh? All’s well that ends well.

Office Party Planning Tips

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People get nervous at office parties. Nervousness can equal erratic behaviour so reduce the stress by setting some ground rules. Make sure you answer the following questions:

Will there be alcohol at the party and if so is it open bar or cash bar?
Are spouses and dates invited? This is particularly important if the party is off your property.
How long will the festivities last? Not everyone can get there at 5:30 so it’s nice to know people will still be there later in the evening.
What’s the proper dress? Not usually a big problem and not necessary in a majority of cases, but if you are hosting the party at a private club or a place no one has been to before a heads up about what to wear can save some people serious embarrassment.

Whether you plan to host a big bash or a small gathering try these suggestions:

Be as generous as your budget allows. Your employees work hard and they are looking for a show of appreciation. They view your generosity as a barometer of their performance.
Try to go somewhere different. If there is a tavern or restaurant close by your employees are probably there all the time. Why not drive an extra 5 minutes and meet at someplace different?
If you have the party on premises, make sure to decorate. Telling them to meet in the cafeteria will excite no one. Asking them to join you on the beach (a decorated themed area) they’ll know it’s a special day.
Invest in a cocktail waiter. They’ll monitor and control drinking. They also can make attractive and fun “virgin” drinks. People like picking a non-alcoholic “cool” option. Letting employees pour their own can be a problem and asking an employee to tend bar may be putting them in a bad spot.
Have a theme for your party entertainment. We mentioned luau because it’s always a hit but casino and Mardi Gras are also real favourites that can be planned for 10 or a 100.

Think about providing some great party favours or even door prizes. It’s nice to walk away with a remembrance of a great time. Finally make sure you have fun. If you’re a manager, mingle with your employees they’ll appreciate it and you’ll enjoy it.

Everyone loves a Cheesy Party theme

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What’s Cheese? This is probably one of the hardest questions a party DJ has to answer as it can mean totally different things to different people. So we’ll let you tell us what it means to you and we’ll happily play the cheesiest, most fun party songs you can think of to keep you and your guests enjoying themselves all night (and yes the photos will prove you danced to the YMCA and Macarena).

Come On Eileen, we’re going to the D.I.S.C.O, so Dance Yourself Dizzy like a Dancing Queen! The well-loved party hits from all the decades were written with just one aim – to have a good time! There’s no snobbery here, do the YMCA and Macarena with everybody else, sit on the floor and row to Oops Upside Your Head – go on, enjoy yourself!

Top 10 Requested Cheesy Tunes

Dexys Midnight Runners – Come on Eileen

A British pop group with soul influences, Dexys are best remembered for their hits Geno and Come On Eileen which has become a “love-it-or-hate-it” yardstick defining the “Cheese” category! Jackie Wilson Said was another popular early 80s track by the group.

Abba- Dancing Queen

Possibly the most commercially successful act in the history of pop music, Abba have several “Cheese” tracks in their catalogue … arguably the most requested being 1976s Dancing Queen which can be heard at family parties across the land every weekend!

Rocky Horror Show – Time Warp

One of any cheese-fest’s top action dances, Time Warp is taken from the 1973 rock musical Rocky to this song and are first on the floor when the opening bars are played!

Village People – YMCA

This costumed disco group formed in 1977, quickly scoring a number of disco and dance hits many of which have action sequences, including party favourites YMCA, Macho Man, In The Navy and Go West. They tour even today and are a popular addition to any festival line-up!

The Weather Girls – It’s Raining Men

Now comprising two daughters of one of the original band members, The Weather Girls tour today, singing early 80s hits including the dancefloor-polarising It’s Raining Men. Always a big hit with the ladies at any family party, this cheesy classic works well with any 80s set.

Whigfield – Saturday Night

The summer hit of 1994, Danish-born Whigfield’s Saturday Night is still a popular dancefloor filler, with its easy-to-learn routine popular with ladies of all ages. Cue the blokes heading off to the bar!

Mud – Tiger Feet

The UK’s best-selling single of 1974, Mud’s Tiger Feet goes down a storm with party guests – perfect to follow a few jive classics, a twist, or in amongst a selection of 70s glam rock classics. Mud went on to have several minor hits throughout the 1970s.

MC Hammer – U Can’t Touch This

Dancer-cum-rapper Stanley Burrell (aka MC Hammer) is as famous for his harem pants as he is for his music! U Can’t Touch This is a must-play classic in any 80s set, loved by the boys as well as the girls. The song featured Rick James’ Superfreak riff.

Aqua – Barbie Girl

Popular late 90s / early 2000s pop band Aqua are best remembered for their global hit Barbie Girl, popular with the younger age groups even today. Follow-up number one singles Doctor Jones and Turn Back Time helped them become the best-selling Danish band in history.

Chesney Hawkes – The One and Only

Chesney’s 1991 hit single The One and Only still results in a rousing anthemia sing-along today, if carefully judged and played amongst the right tracks for the specific audience. Although he did have a few minor chart successes, Chesney was a bit of a one-hit-wonder.

Motown Supreme

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Why not book from Red Masque Directory ‘Motown Supreme’? Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a bit of Motown, so why not organise your Christmas party and add a bit of class. This featured act is above all the best our 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, Birthdays, Weddings or really anything you wanted; (just make sure you book a big 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.

So what else can this band offer?

This band is young and fun and as we mentioned is a tribute to the Motown music. The three beautiful female vocalists really go to town with their enthusiastic 60’s dance moves, and stunning harmonies.

They have a rhythm section that takes you right back to the Motown days of Tina Turner, the funky Stevie Wonder, and the Supremes, this band is suited to Weddings, Office Events and other parties.

They come as a fully live 7 piece band, or can become a smaller three piece vocal trio, who will perform 2 x 70minutes sets of classic Motown songs.

During their breaks, for no extra charge, the band provides a professionally mixed playlist, which can feature music along the same genre. They can also design you an ‘Ultimate Playlist’ of your favourite party tunes (they just would like to know beforehand so they can get it organised for you).

There is also an option to have the ‘Motown Supreme’ DJ, who will work alongside the band and take requests from your guests on the night.

So don’t delay book Motown Supreme before somebody else snaps them up!!