Tag Archives: professional

Start Your Event With A Bang!

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A typical illusion show tends to last for around 30-45 minutes meaning it’s a great way to kick start your event being long enough to include a range of laugh out loud comedy moments and astonishing magic but short enough to ensure that there’s still plenty of time for guests to enjoy the rest of the evening you have planned for them.

Interactive, Unique And Amazing!
Suitable for all ages, our Illusion Show is interactive and will have everyone on the edge of their seats!

Featuring epic grand illusions that have been custom designed for you alone, live show offers bizarre, strange, hilarious and unique routines unlike anything you have seen before!

The Illusionists bring you a show you’ll remember forever! Original and exciting, this unique act will leave your guests in astonishment with amazing illusions and laugh out loud comedy!

To book illusionists just look on our Directory where you will see a whole choice to choose from. Booking from Red Masque has never been easier.

Anniversary Party Planning

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The word anniversary, meaning returning with the year or the annually recurring date of a past event, derives from the Medieval Latin word anniversarius, where annus means year and versus, which is the past participle of vertere, means to turn.

In modern times an anniversary celebration is usually held as a day of remembrance to commemorate a special event, particularly one of historical, national or personal importance: a person’s death, the anniversary of the founding of Rome or more usually a wedding anniversary.
hire the best Live Music For Your Anniversary Party
With music being one of the most important aspects of any party you might think about a themed band or DJ to play music from the era of your wedding. For example why not book a swing band or jazz quartet for your 50th or 60th wedding anniversary party or a traditional rock and roll band for all you 1960’s or 70’s newlyweds.

Many of tribute bands will perform in costume which can lead to even greater amusement if you make it compulsory that all your guests must dress up in gear that was trendy in the year you were married, especially if any of them still have original items of clothing from those days!

Maybe you were married abroad, be it Ireland, the Caribbean or Greece so why not ask Red Masque to provide a band who will perform music traditional to that country; a Ceilidh band to get everyone jigging, or a top class steel band to re-invoke the sound of the sea and the swaying palms you enjoyed on your caribbean wedding day.

Many people choose to organise a 1st, 2nd or 3rd year wedding anniversary party featuring the same band they hired for their wedding day. Your guests will have loved them the first time around so it’s a pretty safe bet that the next performance will be just as great.

A Night To Remember
If you’re asking guests to wear fancy dress then your room should be decorated in a similar theme. The Essential Party Planning Supplies box below contains useful links to many high quality suppliers. From balloon displays to historical memorabilia, unusual cocktail ideas to table decorations or fireworks, Red Masque can put you in touch with everything you need.

For a personal treat you should ask all your friends to bring photos, anecdotes and tall tales about your years as a married couple. You can later compile these into an album to look back on a savour for years to come.

Black History Month Nov 2016

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Black History Month was established in 1976 by President Gerald Ford, declaring that U.S. citizens “seize the opportunity to honour the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavour throughout our history.”

Storytellers

Professional storytellers have the unique ability to take a subject and weave it into a tale that grabs the audience and doesn’t let go. Most children love hearing stories, and you can add an historical twist with the right storyteller. Bring your Black History assembly to life with a storyteller that can share about the inspirational lives of Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and more.

African Music and Dance

If you’re looking for something that’s more captivating and engaging, try including an African Music or Dance group in your school assembly. Many traditional African musicians use drums and/or koras (a 21-stringed instrument made from a large gourd) to create beautiful and fascinating music. Some groups enhance the experience with griots, which are West Africans musicians, poets, and storytellers.

Poets.

Poets: take social, political, emotional, and historical issues and form them into powerful poetry. You can speak with them ahead of time to see if they have material that fits the message you’d like to convey, and some may even be able to create new material for your students. These speakers would probably work better with older students, such as junior high or high schoolers, since the performances can be intense or contain complex symbolism.

Tribute Artists

There’s no doubt that history is filled with amazing musicians and singers from the last several decades, so why not highlight them during your Black History Month assembly? Bring a tribute artist to your students and let them experience some “new” music! In the days where iTunes rule, a tribute performance can bring the past to life for them. Shake up the usual routine with a tribute to the “Velvet Voice of Our Time” Nat King Cole, the king of soul Ray Charles, or the power of Diana Ross. Your students will definitely find inspiration in the legacy that these artists have left behind.

Professional Event Speakers

Is your school in need of inspiration? No one does it better than Motivational Speakers. Using both personal narratives and historical examples, these speakers can help students understand the struggles that have been faced in America’s past, and motivate them to rise above adversity.

The world of sports has changed dramatically over the years, thanks to ground-breaking Black athletes such as Muhammed Ali, Michael Jordan, Mike Tyson to name a few. Whether you’re presenting an assembly for all students or motivating your school’s sports team, an Athletic Speaker can be the key. Most speakers can tailor their presentation around specific content (such as prominent black athletes in sports history) to reach your audience with your intended message.

A Star Wars event

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Star Wars: For many young padawans and a fair few not-so-young padawans, this is the film event of the year and the only way to properly celebrate will be to hold your very own Star Wars party. Here’s a few ideas to get you started as you ponder whether you should go as Luke Skywalker, Han Solo or Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Naturally upon entering the party, you’ll be wanting to experience the delight of Star Wars from the get-go with a string quartet playing the Star Wars party theme. This has worked at many previous party themed events. It gets people in the mood to have fun and more importantly, puts them in the right mindset for what is going to be a thrilling experience.

Upon entering the party, have a drink – a Star Wars cocktail perhaps? – at your Star Wars themed bar (or alternatively go with the style seen at the Force Awakens premier party) before venturing on and sampling the entertainment. Hopefully this won’t be in a galaxy far, far away but fairly close by.

As you meander through your event venue, you might begin to notice a few recognisable faces. Whether you’ve gone for lookalikes or costumed characters, a Star Wars party is only really complete when you feel as though you’re in amongst the action. Other Star Wars party ideas might include an area to duel with lightsabers.

We love a BB-8 inflatable balloon hirers, naturally you can always pick someone else from The Force Awakens, but BB-8 is quite clearly the cutest choice (sorry, R2D2 and C3PO). And once that’s done, you can savour the memory of the occasion by basking in the glory of a Star Wars Photo Booth.

And finally, as the party is fully under way, it might be an idea to ask your party band to turn up the music and play the ultimate song. Enjoy your evening and ‘May the Force be with you’!!!

Music is for life

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Imagine the scene; a launch party for your new wine bar has finally been arranged and there is the sound of people talking and laughter -in the background is a professional pianist. A complete success and the right ambience has been created making you stand out a little from the competitors.

A wonderful sound of classical instruments being played is second to none, the haunting sounds of a Harpist, or the classical sound of a Pianist, the timeless sound of a Violist or a string quartet. If you wanted an upmarket affair than these are the artists to hire.

Solo musicians albeit a group of musicians they will add that extra je ne sais quoi to your special event. Karaoke has become the world’s most favourite entertainment, we are all closet singers but put a microphone in front of us when we’ve had a few sherbets and we turn into Shirley Bassey or Tom Jones!!

Live band karaoke takes traditional karaoke to another level where your live band can play along with you – so if you do make a few mistakes then your live band is able to pick up where you left behind (making you look like the star you were born to be!!) You must admit this would be great fun to hire this at a Wedding, Birthday or even a corporate event where even the shyest of persons will turn into a Diva for the night!!

Why not get some culture in your life and hire some Latin or Middle Eastern music musicians? The mystique of beautiful ladies and gentlemen dancing to this music, it could be belly dancing or Salsa – the rhythm is definitely going to get you!!

Motown and Soul is the best music of days gone by, it was so cool, black soulful funky groups to the delightful sound of Diana Ross.

Motown really turned the music industry around and today we still hear sampled copies of Motown and Soul being used today – but Motown and Soul is most synonymous with the outlandish clothing and big hair!!!

Whatever your memories of Motown and Soul bands, no doubt it will always have a place in your heart. Why not hire a tribute band so they can play all your favourite songs in that era, and maybe have a fancy dress too – now that would definitely be fun!!!

To hire only the best just look on the Red Masque directory to find just what you’ve been looking for to give your special event that extra special sparkle!!

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.

Creative ideas for your next event

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Circus act entertainers have given the world of corporate entertainment a whole new generation of aerial artists, defying gravity to present unique. Even if you haven’t got a skyscraper to use as your stage, these circus-inspired artists can perform in almost any space, for any corporate event.

Aerialists use aerial circus and dance theatre with dynamic lighting and music to create evocative shows using trapeze, ropes and silks. Available as a solo artist for smaller venue, or as large a troupe as you wish, their show can be tailored to create the atmosphere you require, whether humorous, quirky, elegant. With a range of associated acts, including aerial champagne pouring, we are sure you will find your perfect act on our website.

Here at Red Masque we think we are tooled with some of the best party entertainers which will capture your imagination. So, what are the best of the best for corporate entertainment acts for your next corporate event in 2017? Red Masque directory have the hottest trends and acts for corporate, and company parties to ensure your VIPs are very impressed and your boss is very happy.

Offer your guests a total 007 experience: an elegant stately home or iconic venue, set up as a celebrity lookalike James Bond complete with elegant hostesses serving martinis (shaken not stirred by expert cocktail waiters). Then add some party musical entertainment combining iconic Bond movie soundtracks and characters with dance and spectacle, such as a top party function band with a James Bond set.

Add in some more celebrity lookalikes and a John Cleese lookalike the ‘new’ Q, who sets your guests site-specific missions to test their skills.

Bespoke dance groups provide a superb spectacle that transcends language, and can be precisely tailored to your corporate event theme. From ballet dancers to contemporary rock dancers, your guests can enjoy a show full of energy, passion, augmented by state of the lighting and sound systems.

Whatever the occasion, you’ll find a dance troupe to suit; that can offer themed events such as Arabian Nights, Argentinean Tango, Burlesque, Flamenco, Irish Dancing, Ballroom Dancing, and Vegas Showgirls for example.

Plan the ultimate surprise

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When planning an event, you want to keep your guests entertained throughout, so the energy and enjoyment never dips. Giving them something new just when they are least expecting it is a great way to create a buzz, and to give guests something to talk about apart from the food or the football! And nothing fits the bill quite like a surprise act, be it singing tramps, waiters, or chefs.

Hiring singing tramps, policemen, firemen and a whole host of other comedy singing acts from Red Masque directory to make your event unforgettable. Discover what surprise party entertainment we offer and how they’ll positively impact your event!

The idea is hilarious and very realistic, your guests sit down to a meal and look in horror when they are sharing a table with a tramp that has seemingly wandered in. He looks unkempt and is scratching his head (and other bits) in fact, unbeknown to them he is a highly talented singer, ready to grab a microphone and burst into song. Then a waiter starts to sing, another suddenly joins in, and then a ‘guest’ can’t seem to resist joining in either. It’s particularly effective during a formal dinner.

It’s a great way of breaking up a meal and giving your guests something hugely entertaining when they are least expecting it!

What the guests see, of course, is just the end product of a great deal of planning and preparation. Professional entertainment acts make sure that everyone behind the scenes is in the know and fully prepared, while the real guests haven’t a clue what’s going on! It’s also about preparing a scenario that is perfect for your event.

Applying for a Temporary Event Notice

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Are you planning a small, one-off event at a venue that does not hold a full licence such as a school, village hall or outdoor space? Also planning to sell alcohol or have late night entertainment?

Then you’ll need to obtain permission from the local authority by applying for a Temporary Event Notice (TEN). It’s essential to obtain a TEN for all ‘licensable activity’ that is not on your venue’s licence – if you don’t get one, then you can be fined, sent to prison for up to six months, or both!

What is licensable activity?

Licensable activity includes the sale or supply of alcohol, the provision of late night hot food and drink (between 11pm-5am), opening a venue outside of its licensed hours, and the provision of ‘regulated entertainment’.

Regulated entertainment is defined as any of the following activities that take place in the presence of an audience:

Recorded music i.e. Disco or DJ (between 11pm and 8am)
Karaoke (between 11pm and 8am)
Unamplified live music (between 11pm and 8am)
Amplified live music (between 11pm and 8am)
Play or dance performance (between 11pm and 8am)
Indoor sporting event (between 11pm and 8am)
Film screening
Boxing, wrestling or martial arts
Adult entertainment

Important note: A Temporary Event Notice covers you for gatherings of up to 499 people, for a duration of no longer than seven days. If your event does not meet these criteria you will need to apply for either a premises licence or a club premises certificate.

Who can apply for a Temporary Event Notice?

Any individual aged over 18 can apply for a TEN and you can obtain up to five TENs per year. If you already have a personal licence to sell alcohol, you can be given up to 50 TENs a year.

How to apply for a Temporary Event Notice

You must make the application to the local authority governing the borough or district into which your proposed venue falls. You may be able to complete the application online or otherwise download and print the necessary forms to be posted. You will have to pay a fee of £21.

Don’t forget you may be responsible for ensuring the police and Environmental Health also receive copies of the TEN within the notice period.

In your application it is important to be very accurate about exactly what will be taking place and the dates and times that your event is to cover. You could be fined if you make any false statements in your application, or face prosecution if you breach the terms of the notice.

If you are successful in your application and your event goes ahead, you must keep your TEN on the premises on the day and display a copy of the notice somewhere it can be easily seen.

In summary

Temporary Events Notices can be trickier than they look – give yourself plenty of time to make your application and if you’re in any doubt whether you need one or not talk to your local council.

Crime Scene Investigation

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Are you looking for some team building exercises? How about putting yourself on the other side of the crime scene tape? Under the guidance of experienced professionals teams will become Crime Scene Investigators for a day. Participants will learn actual forensic science and detection techniques, and use authentic Crime Scene Investigation equipment to locate and extract evidence, interpret findings and “solve a case.”

You could have a variety of crime events with different scenarios, and the techniques you will learn are based on your choice of event. These are great ideas for corporate event entertainment and help to get that team spirit ignited.

Crime Scene Investigation events are engaging and practical – teamwork, critical thinking and problem solving skills will be put to the test. They are specifically structured to improve communication and relationships between participants, and in a way that encourages full participation by everyone. Teams must manage themselves to ensure they come to a conclusion and solve the crime.

For an engaging, challenging and special event, beneficial to everyone involved, a Crime Scene event is exactly what you are looking for.

So next time you want to hold a corporate event, think about this idea, we sure it will be very popular.