What is covered by the price?
All of our Essex function bands are self-contained and provide all the required equipment, including a PA system and, in most cases, stage lighting, to deliver an outstanding live performance.
Cover bands in Essex typically perform for 2 sets of 60 minutes each, and it is usual that the bands also offer to provide a carefully selected playlist of party or background music that will be played through their PA system during their breaks.
The average cost to hire an Essex band for hire is based on a start time of 6pm, with the performance ending at midnight. However, you have the freedom to personalize the schedule according to your specific requirements. Some bands can also accommodate special requests, such as learning and performing a special song for the first dance at weddings.
In addition to their standard services, many of the best bands Essex has to offer can also offer a variety of extra options to enhance your event. These can include the option to expand the band with additional members for a larger lineup, DJ packages, live jazz or acoustic performances for a cocktail reception, upgrades to PA systems and lighting arrangements, photo booths, and illuminated letter displays. With these additional offerings, Essex bands can provide everything you need for a complete day and night of exceptional party entertainment.
All bands will also present certificates for PAT and Public Liability Insurance.
Every booking made through Alive Network includes personalized assistance from your dedicated entertainment coordinator, a secure contract to ensure your peace of mind, and 24/7 emergency coverage in case of unexpected incidents like accidents or illnesses.
What is the cost range for hiring a band in Essex?
The average cost to hire Essex bands in 2025 was £1,777, with prices varying depending on factors such as the band's size, duration of performance, travel distance to the event, and level of expertise.
Function bands from outside the area generally have higher costs due to travel time, fuel expenses, and accommodation. Our range of Essex function bands are available from as low as £327 and goes up to £25,365 for the top show bands.
A band providing wedding entertainment on a summer Saturday is also likely to have higher expenses compared to their rates for a casual evening of live music at a nearby location on a Thursday night. Costs are influenced by the demand during different seasons and the specific type of live entertainment required.
You can reduce costs by selecting a more compact group such as a single vocalist, singer-guitarist, pianist, duo, or trio. Additionally, it's worth considering that numerous bands offer a DJ service or curated playlist during breaks, eliminating the need for a separate DJ. The most popular band configuration chosen is a 4-member group, reminiscent of The Beatles!
What are the spatial requirements and other specifications needed for a band?
To adequately accommodate a four-piece function band, a space measuring around five meters in width and four meters in depth is required to enable the perfect live show. This area should offer sufficient room for the band's drum set, amplifiers, musicians, as well as their PA system and stage lighting. Additionally, it is essential to have at least two double plug sockets in close proximity to the performance area.
If the band is performing in an open-air location, it is essential to have sturdy overhead and side protection for the performance area. This is necessary to safeguard the equipment from gusts of wind and precipitation, guaranteeing its safety and preventing any harm caused by moisture.
Offering food and beverages to the band is a standard practice, and if feasible, they would appreciate having a secure and dedicated space for preparation.
What type of music do Essex function bands typically perform, and can I have a say in the selection of songs?
Function bands perform a diverse selection of music, encompassing popular songs and lively tunes from the 1950s to the present. Their performances are typically energetic, appealing to guests of all ages and creating an enjoyable ambiance for dancing.
On each band's profile page, you can find their repertoire of songs they perform. A typical set list for a function band includes tracks from artists such as The Killers, Harry Styles, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, The Weeknd, Taylor Swift, Adele, Arctic Monkeys, Beyonce, Oasis, Coldplay, Kings of Leon, The Jam, Bryan Adams, Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, The Stones, Elvis, Buddy Holly, and Chuck Berry, among many others.
In addition to rock and pop classics, the bands have the ability to play songs from various genres, including alternative rock, British popular music, folk in the style of Mumford & Sons, funk, soul & Motown, R&B, and rock and roll. Essentially, they can perform any type of music that will get your guests on the dance floor!
While jazz bands have a distinct style, numerous party bands are capable of offering a repertoire of jazz music if requested.
Many bands are open to allowing you to select your preferred songs from their collection, and several are even willing to accommodate special requests or perform a first dance song specifically for you.
Function bands offer a wide range of music, including popular hits and energetic tunes to get the party started spanning from the 1950s to the present day. Their performances are renowned for their high level of energy and are suitable for guests of all ages, creating the best party atmosphere that encourages dancing.
You can view the song selection of each band on their profile page to see the artists they perform, but a typical repertoire for a function band includes tracks by well-known musicians like The Killers, Harry Styles, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, The Weeknd, Taylor Swift, Adele, Arctic Monkeys, Beyonce, Oasis, Coldplay, Kings of Leon, The Jam, Bryan Adams, Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and Chuck Berry, among others.
In addition to popular rock and pop selections, the best bands have the ability to perform well-known hits from various music genres, such as indie rock, British pop, folk reminiscent of Mumford & Sons, funk, soul & Motown, R&B, and rock and roll. Essentially, they can deliver any style of music that will get your guests on their feet and dancing!
While jazz bands possess a distinct musical style, numerous function bands are also capable of providing a variety of jazz songs if desired.
All of our bands are more than happy to give you the opportunity to choose your favourite songs from their repertoire, and many are also open to learning a special request or performing a first dance song exclusively for you. However, if there's one artist you love above all else, you might want to consider our tribute bands.
Can I attend a live gig by the band prior to confirming the booking?
Unfortunately, unless you have had the chance to witness a band perform at a wedding or event, it is usually not possible to experience a live performance before making a booking. The high-quality party bands in Essex typically do not perform at public shows in local venues or pubs, and it would not be feasible for us to invite you to private events hosted by other customers. However, you can explore reviews left by previous clients on the profile page of each band, view event photos, and watch videos. We put in significant effort to source the best local bands in Essex, ensuring an outstanding evening of entertainment that you can trust completely.
Can I hire a band that is located nearby?
Alive Network offers an impressive lineup of exceptional live party entertainers in Essex, featuring a diverse selection of over 500 superb local bands to choose from, all based in your local area.
Discover the outstanding live function bands located in Basildon, Billericay, Braintree, Brentwood, Brightlingsea, Burnham-On-Crouch, Canvey Island, Chelmsford, Chigwell, Chipping Ongar, Clacton-On-Sea, Colchester, Epping, Frinton-On-Sea, Grays, Great Dunmow, Halstead, Harlow, Harwich, Loughton, Maldon, Rayleigh, Saffron Walden, Southend-on-Sea, Stansted Mountfitchet, Tilbury, Waltham Abbey, Walton-On-The-Naze, West Mersea, Wickford, Witham, Wivenhoe, within Essex.
Could you provide information about the venues you have collaborated with in Essex?
We have had the pleasure of providing live music and entertainment for events at some of the best Essex venues including Boreham House, Botleys Mansion, Braxted Park, Crondon Park, Down Hall Hotel, Fennes, Gosfield Hall, Leez Priory, Parklands, Prested Hall, Smeetham Hall Barn, The Rochford Hotel, Woodhall Manor, and many other venues in Essex.
If there are any specific requests or requirements regarding live entertainment at your chosen venue, please feel free to discuss them with your dedicated entertainment coordinator when you are ready to enquire.
What sets Alive Network apart when it comes to booking a live band in Essex?
We only represent the very best function bands based in Essex and guarantee to ensure you choose the best artist for you and that we can meet or surpass any comparable price quote for the same band.
We understand the significance of your occasion and the trust you have placed in us. With our extensive 24-year background in arranging weddings, parties, corporate events, and hospitality venues, we have accumulated more than 50,000 five-star ratings. We provide you with reassurance through a secure reservation agreement and round-the-clock 24/7 emergency support in case of unexpected incidents such as accidents or illnesses.
How can we save money on our Essex band booking?
Before finalising your decision to include additional instrumentalists for background music during the early part of the day, please verify whether the existing members of the band are capable of providing this service. This will help you avoid incurring supplementary charges, such as travel expenses.
If you haven't finalised the date for your occasion, you may want to consider reserving a weekday or selecting a date during the winter season in Essex to benefit from the most competitive rates.
To minimize expenses, it is advisable to book a band that is located in Essex, thereby avoiding the costs of travel and accommodation. At Alive Network, we offer a wide range of bands based in different key towns and cities throughout Essex.
