Tag Archives: booking

Planning something amazing for next Valentine’s

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Like it or not, and if you’re single then it’s probably a day you loathe, Valentine’s Day will be on again next year and numerous love hearts adorn the shelves at pretty much every shop you walk into.

Whether you’re planning a party where you get to play Cupid or perhaps a romantic offering for those already coupled up, Valentine’s Day can be a great party theme and here are some brilliant ideas (and one novelty one) to get you thinking and keep the fun flowing throughout the night.

Chocolate

Chocolate fountains are brilliant for parties as the melted chocolate just keeps coming and an assortment of fruit and marshmallows are always available to dip into the goodness. And when you’re done with that, why not wash it all down with some carefully selected wines, learning about what to look for in a good bottle of plonk? Your partner or future partner is sure to be impressed!

Colour Profiler, Numerologist and Graphologist

Let’s say you’re flying solo at a Valentine’s Day party and thinking to yourself that maybe you should update your dating profiles as you swipe over yet another questionable person on Tinder. A colour profiler and numerologist can help narrow down exactly who you’re after by telling you a little about you! Determining your aura and discovering which numbers are important to you could well help you out en route to a satisfying relationship. A graphologist is also able to be booked; often used in criminal cases, a graphologist also has a capacity for romance – they might even be able to tell you who else at the party has handwriting that suggests a perfect match with you!

An Amazing Band!

Come on! If you’re wallowing in the corner watching a couple dance a slow waltz around the room, then it’s time to get on up for the next song because the music is set to rock! Hiring a band for your party is an absolute must and we have a whole host of amazing bands perfect for weddings and parties who know how to combine the romantic ballads with something a little heavier for those just wanting a good dance. No party is complete without one.

History of a fire act

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We love a good fire act. They know how to get a party going and instantly provide a warm atmosphere to proceedings. If you’re looking to hire fire acts then you know where to come. You’ll see something that is entertaining, safe and perfect for all guests to enjoy. .

Calling to mind the 2004 film Dodgeball, where characters are told “If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball,” you might be thinking that this is where Nejapa’s annual tradition of lobbing fire at one another came from. But no. This particular ‘festival’ has been running for hundreds of years and goes by the name of Las Bolas De Fuego (‘Balls of Fire’).

Way back in 1658, a nearby volcano erupted and laid siege to all in its wake. Incredibly, the town of Nejapa managed to avoid most of the destruction when the lava stopping just short of the local church. According to folklore – and it is a bit hazy – the town’s patron saint, San Jeronimo, wanted to douse the area in fire to get rid of the Devil or saved the town by stopping the lava from reaching the sacred building that bears his name. Whichever way you look at it, locals believe that San Jeronimo saved the town in some form so to celebrate they chuck fire at one another. That’s probably the only part of this festival that isn’t disputed.

So how do you set up the world’s most volatile festival? First, you soak rags in kerosene for a month before the matches and lighters are brought out. Wearing Halloween costumes – we know it’s starting to sound a lot like The Purge – participants then wear protective gloves and chuck fire at each other. That’s it. That’s the only rule. Even if you’re only watching, you’re still allowed to be hit so maybe observe from affair. Not only do people chuck the fire at each other, they even engage in hand to hand combat. It’s chaos. Utter chaos as you can see below.

As of 2015, ‘few serious injuries have been reported’, although what denotes serious is never explained. You can rest assured we’ll never advertise this form of entertainment for your event but it’s certainly a fascinating fact, isn’t it?!

As unique as Madame Tussauds

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When trying to think of a unique party venue to hire that would kick off this series perfectly, we decided on the fabulous Madame Tussauds on Baker Street. So let’s get all Sherlock Holmes and see just what it has to offer!

Known for its incredible waxworks of famous celebrities, Madame Tussauds is in fact a celebrity in its own right when it comes to the events scene, having been a popular choice for event hire for well over fifty years. Still extremely popular every year for high profile celebrity product launches, the venue is able to accommodate up to 1,000 guests!

There’s not one, not two but five immersive and interactive themed areas that can be fully adaptable to your requirements. Looking to have dinner there? No problem! You’re looking to hire a speaker to deliver a speech in that corner? Almost any idea is doable within Madame Tussauds, with the vast amounts of space been particularly appealing to many a corporate client.

Of the multiple spaces, the largest is the World Stage Ballroom, which is perfect for awards ceremonies and other high level events. Equipped with a large stage, back projected screen, plasma screens and a full lighting rig, it can make an evening truly spectacular and is perfect for delivering entertainment to your guests, ensuring a prime view for everybody in the room.

Madame Tussauds is one of the UK’s favourite venues, twice voted the number 1 events venue in London by the readers of Event Magazine and it isn’t hard to see why. With removable walls, LED and spot lighting and a high end sound system, it really is a must-see!

Go gospel

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Gospel singers are best known for singing worships songs in church, but in more recent years, the exuberant sounds and rich harmonies have been heard on pop recordings and as backing vocals for major artists on tour. Gospel music can be joyful, soulful or romantic and is a great for party and event entertainment with that added wow factor.

Gospel singers and gospel choirs tend to include a wide variety of music in their repertoire, from classical and jazz to soul, rock and contemporary pop. Gospel music however has its roots in the spirituals and work songs sung by 18th century slaves in the US, enabling them to join in religious worship at a time when few could read or write. Most songs were sung ‘a cappella’ (unaccompanied), or with basic rhythm, so over time, distinctive harmonies developed to embellish the sound. By the early 20th century, gospel was going mainstream, with the first gospel recordings made in the 1920s, and gospel songs then taken up by high profile performers such as Elvis, creating the fascination and enjoyment of gospel that continues today.

Today’s gospel choirs usually perform with a piano or keyboard and sometimes a drummer, and can be led by a choirmaster. They sing an infectious mix of music including traditional gospel, plus jazz, blues, soul, classical and Latin sung in the gospel style. For most functions, including weddings, corporate events, flash mobs, product launches, award ceremonies and parties, the best choice is a gospel choir rather than a soloist, as both the visual and sound experience of a choir delivers a real impact.

What to look for in quality gospel singers and gospel choirs?

A quality gospel choir has three key elements; a great sound, a coordinated look, and an infectious sense of enjoyment!

So, when judging the quality of a gospel choir, first of all, listen to their demo tracks, and consider:

• Do you prefer the cleaner arrangements with harmonies, or the more flamboyant vocalizations

• Does the accompaniment (piano or band) add to the overall sound?

• Does one voice/performer dominate, or does the choir share the lead vocal around, for more variety?

This last point is probably not as important if your choir is only singing a few number during your wedding service, but if you then book them to entertain at your reception or party afterwards (a great idea for guests to enjoy more), consider how they will sound in a 30-minute set or longer.

Now, look at their promotional photos :

• Do they perform in matching outfits?
• Do they look traditional or trendy?
• Do they vary their look to fit the performance type? (Hopefully, yes!).

Finally, do they look and sound as if they are enjoying themselves? While every song doesn’t have to be upbeat, the general feel should be one of energy and excitement bubbling under. Gospel music should dance, not amble!

The Tower of London

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We thought we’d look at an ancient fortress today. If you’re describing a venue as an ‘ancient fortress’ then you can rest assured that it will have loads of character and an awful lot of history, which is certainly the case of the Tower of London, an event venue that sits right on the bank of the River Thames. But what else can you expect from this fabulous venue?

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 the Tower of London for an event, 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.

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 Historical 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.

Incorporate some swing into your event

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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 event entertainment.

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.

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.

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 event entertainment, as guests pick up on the band’s energy and your party suddenly gears up a notch or seven!

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!!

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Red Masque directory have several Halloween event ideas and tips to help make your next Halloween event become the talk of the town. From unique costume parties for kids and adults to cocktail parties at the office (after hours of course) and creating the scariest house on the block, we can make your dreams a reality.

Halloween use to be a one night only excuse to dress up in your favourite costume and get together with friends and family while indulging in sugary treats and watching a scary movie. Today however, the traditions of Halloween have extended far past October 31st and now tend to encompass a month’s’ worth of costume parties, haunted houses, and scary movies on TV & in theatres. Planning a costume party can be a daunting task however with a few simple tips you can become a pro.

Pick a day – If Halloween falls on a weekday to ensure your guests will be available to attend, planning the party on the weekend before or after Halloween is always best.

Select your party venue – Be sure to ask about any restrictions with using atmospheric effects such as smoke machines. Smoke or haze in the venue adds a great “spooky” effect and increases the visibility of the lighting used. Of course, hosting the event at your home is always a great choice as you will have no restrictions on decorations or effects used.

Creating a Theme – Adding a party theme to your costume party is a great way to get your guests to be a bit more creative. Some great Halloween costume party themes include: Famous couples, western, and decade specific costumes such as 60s/Mad Men or 20s/Great Gatsby. Tying in drinks from your theme will really bring it all together.

Incorporating Decorations – After picking a theme, decorations will fall into place easy. Ghosts, mummies, and witches are always great go to items for any Halloween party but expanding off your theme and colours will help bring the event together. Adding accent lighting around the venue or home is always a safe bet and utilizing low flying smoke will give your guests the added wow factor of “floating in the clouds” or “walking through a scary movie”. Utilizing strobe lights flashing at specific rates along with ambient sound FX throughout the venue will really step up the “fear factor” of the venue.

Does your business need promotion?

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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.
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!

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 acrobats, 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. As I said before, 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.

Maritime Party Theme ideas

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Here’s just a few ideas of maritime venues and party entertainment that seem just made for each other!
HMS Belfast, London

Yes, you can hire this iconic WWII battleship moored on the Thames. Hold an intimate drinks party in the Admiral’s Quarters, or enjoy great views of London from the Quarterdeck with 450 of your closest friends for your wedding reception.

Appropriate acts: Greet your guests with the sounds of the 1940s. Then, dance the night away to a 1940s style big band playing hits by Glenn Miller.

Party like a Lottery winner for your hen night on your own private luxury yacht, sailing from the famous Albert Docks in Liverpool out into the Irish Sea to the iconic Anthony Gormley statues (weather permitting). Perfect for you and your very own Ocean’s Twelve (i.e. 12 people max),
Appropriate acts: Save the dancing for your return to Albert Docks, where you can hire a variety of venues for an all-night, bop ’till you drop party. Save money by booking a rock and pop function band.

Manchester Party Barge

Manchester barge The Bohemia can whisk you and up to 60 guests along the hidden waterways of central Manchester for a birthday party or anniversary celebration with a difference. With space to enjoy live music on your travels, and a route that takes you past the iconic Old Trafford football ground, this is an evening to savour. Other iconic waterways offering party barges including the Tiverton Canal, Lancaster Canal and the city with more canals than Venice – Birmingham!

Appropriate acts: for smaller venues such as a barge, opt for a compact duo or trio that play all your favourite hits with the minimum of kit.

Packet Boat Trips, Bristol

Charter a boat to party on the River Avon as it flows through the Avon Gorge, under the Clifton Suspension Bridge and out to sea. The Bristol Packet Boat Company offer a choice of boats, including a traditional river steamer, an Amsterdam sightseeing boat, and an all weather cruiser made for parties. All boats have a full bar and food can be provided.

Appropriate acts: Although there may not be too much room for dancing, you can still pack your packet with your favourite tunes from an experienced DJ.

Choose A Great Venue

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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. Have a look and visit before you hire.

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. The easier it is for your guests to attend, the more likely they are to come.
Entertain Your Guests, Book A Live Band
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.

Book a live band and they’ll make the party. It’s a sound investment and your guests will love you for it.
Drinks On Arrival To Welcome Guests
It’s 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.

As a side note, when you book your venue, get a confirmation of how many bar staff are included. Make sure you’ll get enough bar staff to ensure a fast turn around of drinks at the bar, otherwise guests will spend the whole night there.