What's included in the price?
99% of function bands will provide all the equipment they need to perform at your event, including instruments, microphones, amplifiers and a PA system. Most bands will also provide some stage and disco lighting for the perfect live show. Prices should also cover costs that are unique to London, such as ULEZ, LEZ and the Congestion Charge.
The standard performance time for cover bands in London is 2 x 60 minute sets, and it's normal for bands to provide a playlist of party music or background music which would run through their PA system whilst they're not performing.
Standard London function band prices are usually based on an arrival time of around 6pm, with the final performance finishing no later than midnight. If you require an earlier arrival time, a longer performance time or a later finish time, this can be arranged at an additional cost. It's worth keeping in mind that parking can be tricky at many event venues in central London, and you may wish to ask your ban to arrive earlier, and liaise with your venue's event manager to ensure the band can get a parking space, as well as use of any service lifts.
Some bands will learn a special request, such as a first dance for wedding couples, whereas others might charge a small fee for this service. Please ask your Alive Network entertainment coordinator for advice on specific bands.
Many London party bands for hire also offer a range of other upgrades, including additional members for a bigger line-up, DJ packages, jazz or acoustic sets for a drinks reception, PA / lighting upgrades, photo-booths and light-up letters. Many bands can provide everything you need for an entire day and an unforgettable night of amazing party entertainment.
Your band will also provide PAT and Public Liability Insurance certificates.
Every booking made with Alive Network also benefits from one-to-one support from your dedicated entertainment coordinator, a secure contract for your peace of mind, and 24/7 emergency cover in case of accident or illness.
How much does a London function band cost?
The average cost to hire live bands in London and the London boroughs for 2024 was £1,905, but prices vary greatly depending on the number of members in the band, how long you want them to perform for, travel distance to your event, how experienced the band are, how in demand the band are, and the specs of the equipment the band provides.
Bands travelling from out of the area will usually charge more than local London bands, due to travel time, fuel costs and accommodation. We have bands in London costing from as little as £327 all the way up to to £25,365 for the leading show bands who feature a large line-up of top musicians.
A band providing wedding entertainment on a summer Saturday is also likely to charge more than they would for an informal evening of live music at a local venue on a Thursday night. Fees tend to be based on seasonal demand and the type of live entertainment required.
You can save money by booking a smaller band such as a solo vocalist, singer guitarist, pianist, duo or a 3-piece. Also keep in mind that most bands offer a DJ service / playlist between sets, and this can save you the cost of a separate DJ. The most common size of band booked is a 4-piece band, like The Beatles!
You can narrow down your search by specifying your budget in the filter menu above, or feel free to get in touch and we'll be happy to recommend a local band that meets your needs.
How much space and what other requirements will a band need?
A function band with four members will need an area approximately five meters wide by four meters deep. This should be enough space to accommodate their drum kit, amplifiers, the musicians, plus their PA system and stage lights. The band will also need at least two double plug sockets close to the performance area.
If performing outdoors, the band will need robust cover overhead and to the sides of the performance area. This is to ensure protection from wind and rain. Their electrical equipment mustn't get wet!
It is usual to provide a meal and refreshments for professional musicians, and they will also appreciate a secure dressing room if at all possible.
What kind of music do function bands in London play and can I choose the songs?
Function bands cover a wide range of music, including upbeat chart hits and party anthems from the 1950s to the present day. It's usually a very high-energy show, perfect for guests of all ages, and great for dancing. You can view each band's repertoire on their profile page to see what songs they play, but a standard function band set list will include songs from acts 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 Stones, Elvis, Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry amongst many others.
As well as rock and pop classics, bands are able to perform hits from a range of genres, such as indie rock, brit pop, Mumford style folk, funk, soul and Motown, rnb and rock n roll. Pretty much any type of music that's going to get your guests dancing, and take your event to the next level.
Although London jazz bands for hire are often quite different in style, many function bands can also provide a set of jazz music if required.
Most bands will be happy for you to pick your favourite songs from their repertoire, and many will also learn a special request or first dance.
Can I see function bands in London live before I book?
Unfortunately, unless you've seen a great band at a friends wedding or party, it's not usually possible to see a band performing live before booking. The best London party bands don't tend to play public shows at local venues or pubs, and it wouldn't be possible for us to invite you to other customer's private events.
However, you can read reviews by previous customers on each band's profile page, see photos from events, and watch videos. In fact, many of the videos we produce are recorded 100% live in our own recording studios, specifically so that you can "hear them live" before you make a commitment. Look out for the 'Live In Session With Alive Network' branding on many of our function band videos.
You're not alone in feeling like it's a big commitment to hire a band you've not seen, but that's why were here, and why we're the most trusted entertainment supplier in the UK. We make a huge effort to source the best local bands and musicians, and we continually work to monitor and develop our artists - so you can be 100% sure of an amazing night of entertainment.
Can I hire a band near me in London?
Yes, of course. We're band experts and we will have local bands in your area. If you enter a search into our website, you can browse the list of bands to show the closest bands first. Alive Network represents the best London wedding bands and professional party bands in London, with over 500 acts to choose from. We'll help you find a band that fits your event, and who are sure to wow your guests.
We'll help you to hire the best live party bands in London, Acton, Barnes, Battersea, Bermondsey, Bethnal Green, Bow, Brixton, Bromley, Camberwell, Camden Town, Catford, Chelsea, Chingford, Chiswick, Clapham, Deptford, Ealing, East Ham, Edmonton, Eltham, Finchley, Finsbury, Friern Barnet, Fulham, Greenwich, Hackney, Hammersmith, Hampstead, Hendon, Hornsey, Islington, Kensal Town, Kensington, Lambeth, Lewisham, Leyton, Marylebone, Merton, Paddington, Penge, Poplar, Putney, Southgate, Stanmore, Stepney, Stoke Newington, Stratford, Streatham, Tottenham, Walthamstow, Wandsworth, Wanstead, West Ham, Westminster, Willesden, Wood Green, Woolwich.
If you need help finding the most local band for hire, just let us know and we'll be happy to help organise a selection of competitive quotes for you.
You might also like to check out our friends at the South East Entertainment Company who work with many of our top bands for hire in London.
What London venues have you worked with?
We have had the pleasure of providing live entertainment, bands and musicians for events at hundreds of London's top venues including Claridges, The Lansdowne Club, Eltham Palace, Hampton Court, The Hurlingham Club, Burgh House, Cecil Sharp House, Loft Studios, Finsbury Town Hall, The Landmark Hotel, St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, Kensington Roof Gardens, The Lansdown Club, The Olympia Hammersmith, Pembroke Lodge, Syon Park and many more venues in London.
If your venue has any specific requirements for live entertainment, please feel free to discuss these with your entertainment coordinator when you’re ready to make an enquiry.
Why should I book a live band with Alive Network?
We understand how important your event is, and how much trust you're placing in us when you hire a band in London with Alive Network. From weddings and parties to corporate events and hospitality venues, we've been doing this for 24 years, and we've earned over 50,000 five-star reviews. We bring that peace of mind to you and your event, with the best function bands for hire.
You won't pay any more to hire a band in London with us either, as we promise to match or beat any like-for-like quote, for the same artist, through any other entertainment agency. We're an ethical supplier, with 100% fair and transparent prices. You'll know exactly what you're paying and where it's going, with no hidden surprises.
We also represent the very best function bands London has to offer. Many of our bands are exclusive to us and can't be found elsewhere. We recruit the best musicians directly from the UK's leading music colleges, mentoring them through our industry-leading artist development programme, and supporting the growth of their careers. Compare our bands to the competition and you'll hear the difference. Put simply, events sound better with Alive Network!
You'll also get speedy five-star customer service, with one-to-one support from your dedicated Alive Network entertainment coordinator, who'll be on hand to offer advice, answer your questions, and support you right up to and after your event date. We'll dot the i's and cross the t's so that you don't need to worry about a thing. Hiring a party band couldn't be easier.
And finally, you'll get a secure booking contract, and 24/7 emergency cover in case of accident or illness.
About Music in London
The list of artists hailing from England’s capital is long and diverse, going back through the years – from legends Matt Monroe, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Clash, and Queen to Basement Jaxx, most of the Spice Girls, Amy Winehouse, and Mumford & Sons, to Leona Lewis, The Big Moon, AlunaGeorge and Dua Lipa...and many more! This is a truly musical region.
Serving its huge population, London has so many amazing music venues – the city is a hub of culture. Among the many, The Roundhouse, the Royal Albert Hall, The O2, Wembley Stadium, Hyde Park are some of the best-known venues. It’s a centre for music festivals too – from the world-famous Notting Hill Carnival to June’s refined concerts at Hampton Court Palace, to huge dance festivals like We Are FSTVL, award-winning newbies All Points East, and family-friendly festivals like Kaleidoscope, London celebrates music and culture across the year.
London has a range of prestigious schools dedicated to music, and a long history of developing the finest musicians across genres. Many were setup in the late nineteenth century and are still going strong, including the Royal Academy of Music, established in 1822. The London Music School is the youngest school, founded in 1984, developing contemporary new musicians.
