How much does it cost to hire a live band in 2021?

There are many many guides on the web that go into great detail breaking down costs of 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 piece bands but having read a number of them, we thought we could dispel a few myths maybe on some of the price guides we have seen whilst still answering that key question...

'HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE A LIVE BAND IN 2021?'

 

Henderson Management have been helping customers to choose the perfect live band for their birthday party, wedding reception or corporate event for many many years now...

'Just wanted to say that I had a wonderful party on Saturday and to pay my compliments to the band who were just great and to Simon the band leader who is just delightful.  Would you please forward my comments to the band and thank them for me. Thank you to you guys as well, you couldn't have picked a better band for us' – Julie Holland

 

If you’re about to set out on what could be a daunting process of choosing the perfect live band for your event, you'll have many many questions no doubt (many of which are covered in our live band booking guide) but one of THE big questions will be 'how much should I pay for a live band?'

A higher price doesn't neccessarily mean a better band but there is certainly a starting price you want to consider when choosing a great live band or a party band.

Here's a good example to kick things off...

A group of friends playing covers down 'the local' on a Saturday night are likely to be taking home in the £250-£500 region. Bear in mind though, that’s just for amateur players. Often they will also be performing through what is usually old, fairly average sounding and possibly unreliable gear. Your average pub band doesn’t typically have the experience required to meet the demands of a carefully planned out wedding reception or corporate event.

When you book a professional live band for your event, they are just that - professionals; who make a living from performing. You're also paying for a professional set-up - they'll have top quality sound systems and they'll perform a set list that is focused on your enjoyment - not a set where they can indulge themselves!

 

'SO WHAT IS A STARTING PRICE FOR A GOOD, PROFESSIONAL LIVE BAND?'

 

A base price would be around the £1,000 mark.

At that sort of price, you are ensuring that the band consists of top-quality, professional musicians that will also be carrying a good quality sound system. Most importantly though, it will be the reassurance that that the band you have booked are incredibly well versed and used to supplying entertainment in your particular setting.

Of course there are factors that can go into affecting a band's price such as:-

  • NUMBER OF BAND MEMBERS
  • YOUR EVENT DATE - Fridays and Saturdays are the most sought after dates with weekdays often being less expensive
  • THE BANDS POPULARITY - a busy, in demand band can often mean a higher price

The number of band members is an interesting one though. We've seen many guides online that in great detail map out price brackets from 3 to 10-piece bands. Our advice, take some of these price guides with a pinch of salt as you really can't apply that set of rules across the board. Keep it simple and aim for £1000 bottom line, towards the top end £2000 and beyond and as an average, around £1500.

 

If you need any help or advice choosing your entertainment for your event, give us a call on 0116 242 9900 or click here

To see our great line-up of live bands and party bands, click here.