Tag Archives: hire

Get some inspiration for your next event

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It’s a fact often acknowledged that the event entertainment is often the best part of a show. You want your entertainment to impress people but maybe this is the kind of corporate event where you’re looking to get your message across in a subtle way. Here are a few party ideas to get you thinking.

Pianist

Hiring a pianist for an event isn’t exactly rocking the boat, but there’s a reason why this is a hugely popular form of entertainment for hotels and functions alike. It’s often difficult to pick the right music for corporate events but pianists have the wonderful ability to judge the room and can of course flit between classical and jazz standards and the room requires. Wonderful.

Cello artists

Why have one cello when you can have four? A cello group comprise a quartet of talented musicians who can perform musical tunes from the world of pop right through to the likes of Elgar. Background corporate entertainment doesn’t have to mean ‘boring entertainment’, which is exactly where a cello group come in! They are sure to make clients and colleagues remember the wow factor at your event.

Lookalikes

The very definition of background entertainment, lookalikes simply need to stand about and do exactly as every other guest does at an event. Just blend in with the crowd. Of course, that’s easier said than done when you look like Brad Pitt, Prince William or Simon Cowell, but their job is simply to get people talking. So if your corporate event is all about networking, then hiring a few celeb lookalikes might be just the thing! Alternatively, you might like to consider costumed characters.

Harpist

Is there anything more beautiful than the sound of a harp? If there is, then we are yet to discover it! One of our most requested acts for events and weddings alike, a harpist adds elegance and a relaxing quality to any corporate event. Brilliant for guests’ arrivals as well as drawing proceedings to a close, hiring a harpist for an event is sure to go down wonderfully.

Jazz

Many people are a little afraid of hiring percussion for a corporate event, especially as background entertainment. Nobody wants a huge clanging of a symbol as guests are trying to talk with one another – rest assured that all of the musicians you see advertised are experts in their field and are sensitive to volume levels. A jazz trio or quartet might be just the thing you’re after to set the mood.

Great ways to remember your event

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Be it a corporate event, private party or wedding there are a number of ways to look back on your event that don’t include photography. Here, we run through five brilliant ways to remember your event!

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.

Silhouette Artist

The heights of the vaudeville era are in full display in the form of a silhouette artist, who can snip your profile into a piece of black card in the space of a matter of minutes. The best bit about this incredible form of entertainment is that you can go home and frame your silhouette later, with each individual creation being stuck onto a quality back lining.

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!

Ideas for a Toga Party

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A Toga party! A night to celebrate your pledged Greek loyalty by participating in traditional toga wear and drinking games. We should preface this guide to Greek-glory-seeking by recommending you party responsibly by hiring Party Buses or Chauffeurs to get you where you need to go. Now grab your bedsheets and your beer, and let’s have a Toga Party!

The Attire

There are only a few requirements for throwing a Toga Party. First and foremost: dress code. No Toga, no party. To create your Toga, you will need white bed sheets, rope sandals, and an ivy headdress. Cut, wrap, and tie your bedsheets into a Roman-inspired dress. This is a universal look, but creativity is expected. Construct an ivy halo from materials found at your local craft store (if you’ve been day-drinking and this sounds difficult, the halo is optional). Throw on the hippie rope sandals you’ve been saving in your closet since freshman year, and you’re ready to go!

The Drinking Games
Organised games for your party-goers are a must. Expect your guests to be three sheets to the wind at this point, so keep game rules buzz-friendly. Choose games like Chariot Races, where participants will pair up for a piggy-back race to the finish line without spilling their beers, or Still As Roman Statues, where your party-goers will pose as Greek statues and see who lasts the longest. Beer Pong and Flip Cup are also acceptable.

The Entertainment
Although Grecian-inspired games and drinking contests are entertaining in their own right, it’s best to have multiple forms of event entertainment for your guests. Book a DJ or Band to keep the party alive all night long. Hire a Bartender to serve up Roman-inspired cocktails and beer.
Togas, drinking, and Roman-inspired games – it’s pretty hard to mess this up. Just have fun and drink responsibly, and don’t forget Toga! Toga! Toga!

Musical Retirement Entertainment

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For almost everyone, music is the key to many wonderful past memories. And it’s one of the easiest ways to host some retirement party entertainment! Take your residents on a walk down memory lane with a musical group.

1. Barbershop Quartet
With perfect pitch and harmony, a barbershop quartet can dazzle any crowd! They generally have a large repertoire of tunes from years past and love singing for older crowds. If your guests have a request, most groups are happy to oblige. And get ready to see the ladies swoon!

2. Boogie Woogie Tribute
The Boogie Woogie is best known for those who lived through World War II. With lively patriotic songs, they entertained troops and kept their spirits up during a tough time in our history! Show your veteran retiree how much their service has meant with a Wartime tribute act. Songs like “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “Pistol Packin’ Mama” will keep the crowd swaying to the beat!

3. Gospel Group
Depending on the religious diversity of your guest, a Gospel group may be a meaningful performance for them. As people are nearing the end of their lives, faith begins to play a bigger part. Booking a Gospel group guarantees a great show!

4. Crooner
Crooners were king in the ’40s and ’50s, with their smooth voices and sultry songs. Some of the best artists in history came out of this era, including Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Bing Crosby. Your residents are sure to feel some nostalgia with a performer like this! Whether you want an actual Rat Pack show or just a Frank Sinatra tribute, these performers love an older crowd that appreciates their act.

5. Beach Boys Tribute
Gaining popularity in the 1960’s, the Beach Boys launched a new type of musical sound with their “surf songs.” Their killer harmonies and clever lyrics helped them rise to the top of the music charts. Booking a Beach Boys tribute band is definitely one of our more energetic ideas for retirement home entertainment! If you want to see your residents groove to the music, you can’t go wrong with the Beach Boys.

Child-friendly Day

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If you are organising an event of any kind and there are children present then here are a number of ideas to ensure that if yours is a child-friendly day, that the kids are entertained throughout the event to leave the adults to enjoy some adult time…

Balloon Modellers

There are a number of fun balloon modellers to hire that can entertain children in a variety of ways. Not just for children’s parties, these superb artists can make pretty much anything out of their very special balloons. Whether a child would like a dog or perhaps even a hat ‘made’ from Pineapple and other delights, our balloon modellers are more than up to the task. Unlike other children’s entertainment, you might just find your adult guests wanting to get involved as well!

Petting Zoo

The best thing about hiring a petting zoo is that everybody can get involved and enjoy having animals at your wedding. Just like balloon modellers, this idea is perfect for guests both young and old. Children will be in their element as they pet the animals inside the enclosure and they may just be allowed to feed them as well!

Face Painting

A simple and traditional idea and one that always goes down brilliantly, face painting is a hugely popular affair at every event. Whether children would like to go for a tiger look or a butterfly, there are numerous options available to ensure that every single child is happy on your special day. With friendly face painters available all across London, we are confident you’ll be very happy with the results!

Light up your event

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Lighting can cheer up the darkest of places, from pretty fairy lights, to strobes, glitter balls, to stage lights. Lighting technicians have it all for your event. You may have hired a marquee where you want it decorated all in lights, or a backdrop on a stage where the lights make a beautiful scene or to light up your house for Halloween.

Nowadays lighting can be as simple or as sophisticated as you like. You might want to have something spectacular on a bigger scale for a corporate event where a big space is filled with optical illusion lighting, projection lighting or strobe lights to create that dramatic entrance.

If you are hosting a Wedding, or a special intimate function then lights can brighten up the dullest of places, fairy lights can alter the appearance of a drab place quite significantly and make somewhere as romantic as possible.

We at Red Masque advertise only the best in their field who are training to know exactly where different types of lighting can make your event truly wonderful.

We guarantee that by having lights done professionally at your event will make for a wonderful and unforgettable ambiance to your party and event entertainment.

Hire everything magical

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Are you thinking about having a mystical event, where the thought of your future being read is very thought provoking? You will have to agree even if you were a bit sceptical you cannot fail to be a little intrigued?

People who read the future have been around for centuries and come in many forms it could be a Crystal Ball Reader, Palmist or a Tarot Reader.

Mind readers on the other hand as the name suggests can put on an entertaining event by reading many of your guests minds who want to participate.

Another act to consider are Hypnotists they can be used for medical issues but also for entertainment – a night with a Hypnotist can be an absolute scream, you just need to select your guests who are willing to participate. They will swear blind nothing happened when they leave the stage but leave all your watching guests in stitches at the silly things that the participants did!!

Illusionists are getting more advanced with their clever tricks that will misdirect you to looking elsewhere even though you thought you had your eye firmly on the ball – these professional and extremely clever illusionists will fool you time and time again and you will believe in Magic!!!

Magicians work the same but if you wanted the more traditional magic tricks then you are able to hire from our Red Masque Directory, from Children’s magicians to adult ones we have got something for everyone.

Or for something a little daring? Why not hire an escapologist with there up-to-the –minute death defying acts that would amaze the most sceptical of us!! An edge of your seat performance which leave little time for the escapologist to escape unhurt. We all know they will make it but it still makes up wonder ‘what if?’

Contortionists on the other hand can amaze us with bending their bodies in the tiniest of places; these hired contortionists can be part of a magic act where they can fit into the most impossible places making us believe that they have disappeared.

We are sure that you have found what you have been looking for by reading this – once you have decided what you want for your event, simply book a few using an online booking form and make your event something special!!

Take the headache out of searching

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We at Red Masque entertainment have a limitless amount of options and inspiration. But what if you don’t have the time, will power or experience to trawl through the 17,500 female solo singers that Google throws up? Well, then it’s time to call in the professionals. And that’s where an entertainment directory can come in handy.

If you’re in the process of planning something big, using an entertainment directory uses only the best out there that are reputable and highly acclaimed

What’s the one thing you remember about a great party, above all else? As a guest, you’re there to have a good time. And if it’s a good time you want your own guests to have, then you need to put a little thought into the entertainment.

Gone are the days when you had to book a one-man DJ to play 70s floor-fillers all night. Now, you can find party entertainment that keeps your diverse range of wedding guests happy, making the party start with a bang.

The best musicians aren’t necessarily the best hype men; the most amazing magician won’t necessarily be the best web designer – one of the changes in entertainment since the internet has been the focus on promo material rather than word of mouth or reputation. That means the bands with the flashiest websites and the slickest videos often get more attention than their less media savvy counterparts. Consequently, there are plenty of hidden gems out there who, instead of improving their Search Engine Optimisation or video editing techniques, have focused on just being great performers.

We, like many entertainment directory’s, make it our business to know as much about our party and corporate event entertainment as possible. by reading up on new performers and much more. We know the best act for your event and 5 equally brilliant alternatives if the first choice isn’t available.

It just goes to show there’s only so far your own web searches will take you. If you want something a bit different, something to appeal to all the ages and tastes of your guests, something to get your party started as it means to go on, Red Masque is definitely a good way to avoid a headache. After all, it’s your party too.

Diwali entertainment ideas

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One of the most important holidays for Hindu is a five-day festival called Diwali: The Festival of Lights. Spiritually, it signifies the victory of light over dark, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair. The first night, Dhanteras, kicks off the festival with new clothes, houses being cleaned, and laying of traditional floor decorations. The second day is Narak Chaturdasi, and includes henna hand tattoos prayers, food preparation, and more decorating. On the third day of the festival, Diwali night, people put out candles in windows and doorways to welcome the goddess Lakshmi, who represents wealth and prosperity and is believed to roam the earth on this night. The festival also includes more prayers, fireworks, feasts, and exchanging of gifts. If you’re throwing a Diwali Party, we’ve got some ways to make it great!

Decorations

As mentioned above, lights are a huge part of decorating for Diwali. It’s the Festival of Lights, after all. The traditional candle is called a diya, and is an oil lamp made from clay with a cotton wick. You can also use traditional jar candles, tea lights, glass oil lamps, twinkle lights, or other decorative lighting instead.

Diya lamps.

Another traditional type of decoration is rangoli, which are elaborate patterns made on the floor with coloured flour or powder, or kolam which are made of flower petals. They are placed near the entrance of the home to welcome the goddess Lakshmi and guests.

Kolam floor decoration with flower petals.
Rangoli floor decorations, made with coloured powder or flour.

Food and Drink

Diwali is all about the fried sweets! And there are plenty of them to choose from. Try serving some traditional desserts!

Gulab Jamun: Fried dough rolled in chilled sugar syrup.
Jalebi: Fried wheat flour, twisted into pretzel or swirl shapes, and dipped in sugar syrup. It’s also dyed orange with food colouring.
Laddu: A ball-shaped dessert that’s made from flour and sugar, dyed with orange or yellow food colouring.
Kheer: A South Asian version of rice pudding, made with milk, sugar, and toppings like almonds or cashews.
Karanji: A dough pastry filled with coconut or sugar and fruit.

Dress for Diwali

Diwali is all about “dressing for excess” in order to give thanks to Lakshmi for your good fortune. To stick with tradition, everyone should be dressed in new, brightly-coloured, and elaborate costumes like saris or robes. Also, don’t hesitate to pile on the jewellery, with gold and silver being preferable.

Decorate your hands and feet with henna. Traditions state that body art is to be treated as a blessing that lights up the soul. Hiring a Henna Tattoo Artist will keep everyone looking festive with elaborate designs that will last for a few days after the party ends.

Entertainment

The final touch on a fabulous Diwali celebration is entertainment. Fireworks are a huge staple, so pass out sparklers to your guests, or set up a show to top off the evening.

Take the party a step further by bringing in Bollywood Dancers or Belly Dancers to entertain the guests with an upbeat performance, or hire a Choreographer to teach everyone some traditional dance steps.

The spirit of Diwali is celebrating good fortune, so gather your closest loved ones and throw a party they’ll never forget!

Wedding Anniversary ideas

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Wedding anniversaries are among the most joyous celebrations in a person’s life, and unlike birthday celebrations, you actually get to pick the date!

But, year after year, it can become difficult to think of fun, new ways to celebrate your marriage. So we’ve put together some tips for you to do something wonderful with your partner this year!

So, your first thought is dinner at an elegant restaurant? That’s great, it’s a classic, and classics are classic for a reason. But how about sprucing it up a bit? First of all, make sure the restaurant is nice, as nice as you can. It’s your anniversary, after all. Then, instead of simply driving to the restaurant, why not have a Horse Drawn Carriage take you there? Or a Limo? Afterward, take your partner on a lovely stroll and have a Singer waiting to serenade them. This is a great way to make a regular date-night activity turn into a beautiful memory!

Maybe you don’t like to keep it simple. Or private. Maybe you want to throw a huge party with all your friends. For a real bash, there are some essentials we strongly recommend for you. First, a Bartender. This is a must. Nothing simplifies the logistics of an event like designating someone specifically to the alcohol. Second, a DJ, Cover Band, or a Dance Band– music, in other words. Rent some Tables & Chairs if you’re looking for a more formal affair, and hire a Caterer if you think guests will stop dancing long enough to eat. A bash is a joyful way to celebrate the love in your marriage, as well as the life you’ve created together.

Depending on how long you’ve been married, recreating your wedding can be a fun throwback to your younger lives. Hire a Cover Band to play the same songs and ask your guests to show up in era-appropriate attire. Decorate the party with pictures of the wedding, which should incite stories and remembrances from times gone by. Nothing shows you how much has changed like going back and remembering how it all began.

This one’s for the strong couples, the ones with a serious sense of humour. Divide up the roasters by partner, so that each one gets lampooned evenly. Hire a Stand-up Comedian to bring some professional legitimacy to the proceedings. Consider booking a Cover Band or a DJ for some filler music. A Roast works both as an anniversary celebration and a test of your marriage!

Who says an anniversary has to be celebrated with a party? Why take your partner on a trip? What better way to honour the adventure of a marriage by creating a new adventure? Travel anywhere– fly abroad or a romantic cruise. No matter where you go, you and your partner will be a team, discovering the world.
We hoped we’ve helped you and your partner make the best of your special day. Always remember: the whole point of an anniversary is to take time to honour your marriage. So don’t worry too much about planning the perfect event. As long as you spend it with your partner, we have a feeling your anniversary’s going to be wonderful.