1920s, 30s & 40s Style Bands for hire in Paignton, Devon

Browse 216 vintage bands covering the 1920s, 30s and 40s for hire in Paignton, Devon, with 1729 reviews from real clients rated 5 out of 5. From swing bands and Gatsby acts to postmodern jukebox-style groups for weddings, themed parties and events.

Acts near you range from intimate jazz duos and vocal trios to full swing bands with brass sections. Many perform in period costume and offer both authentic era repertoire and modern songs in a vintage style. Prices start from £150, with an average of £852. Use the filters below to narrow your search.

Rated Excellent (5/5) from 1729 reviews of 1920s, 30s & 40s Style Bands
5 Piece vintage inspired band playing Postmodern Jukebox hits.

0 reviews

Newton Abbot, Devon

Available in Paignton (Devon)

Book from £800* - get a quote

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Solo pianist and jazz duo / trio

1 review

Totnes, Devon

Available in Paignton (Devon)

Book from £420* - get a quote

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5 piece swing band playing jazz, swing, vintage jazz

0 reviews

Buckfastleigh, Devon

Available in Paignton (Devon)

Book from £375* - get a quote

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4 or 5 piece gypsy swing and jazz band

1 review

Buckfastleigh, Devon

Available in Paignton (Devon)

Book from £1239* - get a quote

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3 or 4 piece strolling acoustic traditional and vintage jazz band

0 reviews

Buckfastleigh, Devon

Available in Paignton (Devon)

Book from £968* - get a quote

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Swing/Jazz/Funk and more!

10 reviews

Newton Abbot, Devon

Available in Paignton (Devon)

Book from £890* - get a quote

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Playing top quality jazz to a wide variety of audiences!

10 reviews

Newton Abbot, Devon

Available in Paignton (Devon)

Book from £434* - get a quote

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Covering some of the most iconic songs from a multiplicity of genres!

21 reviews

Newton Abbot, Devon

Available in Paignton (Devon)

Book from £1586* - get a quote

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Everything from 1930s speakeasy music to modern era pop covers

2 reviews

Plymouth, Devon

Available in Paignton (Devon)

Book from £465* - get a quote

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Highly sought after PostModern Jukebox Tribute

6 reviews

Weston Super Mare, North Somerset

Available in Paignton (Devon)

Book from £1013* - get a quote

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8 or 15 piece band featuring big band, jazz, swing, Rat Pack, pops and more.

10 reviews

Bridgend, Bridgend

Available in Paignton (Devon)

Book from £2000* - get a quote

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One of the South’s top jazz and swing bands!

2 reviews

Truro, Cornwall

Available in Paignton (Devon)

Book from £1080* - get a quote

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Customisable Swing band playing classic Jazz and modern favourites

3 reviews

Cardiff City, Cardiff

Available in Paignton (Devon)

Book from £220* - get a quote

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Jazz Band - Professional Musicians - All Styles, Duo, Trio, Quartet, Quintet

3 reviews

Bournemouth, Dorset

Available in Paignton (Devon)

Book from £150* - get a quote

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An exciting swing, blues & jive band for every occasion!

9 reviews

Bournemouth, Dorset

Available in Paignton (Devon)

Book from £1100* - get a quote

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Showing 1-15 of 216 results
Rated Excellent
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How much does it cost to hire 1920s, 30s & 40s Style Bands available in Paignton, Devon?

£ Low Price
from
£150
££ Average Price
from
£852
£££ High Price
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£6195
The average price for 1920s, 30s & 40s Style Bands available in Paignton, Devon is £852. Above you will also find a budget price and high end price. Contact the act you like for an accurate quote.

Frequently asked questions


Each event is different but the typical performance time for 1920s, 30s & 40s style bands in Paignton, Devon is 2 x 45-minute sets within a 2-hour period, with a 30-minute break in between. Some acts are happy to play longer sets or additional sets. Often, breaks can be negotiated but you should be aware that the price may increase if the musicians need to be onsite for a longer period of time.

You should always check whether or not your act is prepared to play outdoors. It's sometimes not possible for acts that use a lot of electronic equipment to perform anywhere where it might rain. If the act is happy to perform outdoors you should plan to have electrical outlets close to the performance area and provide a flat surface as well as a cover in case of rain.

Booking 1920s, 30s & 40s style bands in Paignton, Devon as early as possible increases the chance of securing their availability on your event date, particularly during busy times of the year. However, many acts also accept last minute bookings, and we have successfully arranged performances for clients with just a few hours' notice.

Most 1920s, 30s & 40s style bands are self-contained and provide their own sound equipment which is suitable for typical situations. If your event is to be held in a large venue, or you have more than 300 guests, we recommend that additional sound equipment should be used. Always ask your act about their sound system requirements. Some 1920s, 30s & 40s style bands in Paignton, Devon have lighting systems, but most usually will charge extra for this or recommend a third party supplier for you to use.

The cost of hiring musicians in Paignton, Devon can vary significantly depending on the type of act. The average price is currently £852. Budget-level acts may be available for as low as £150, while top-tier acts can command prices as high as £6195.

Sound limiters are now common at many UK wedding venues, particularly those in residential areas or with noise-sensitive neighbours. They work by cutting the power to amplified equipment if the volume exceeds a set threshold. Most professional bands can work within standard limiter settings without any real impact on the performance. If your venue's limiter is set at 95dB or above, the majority of bands will have no difficulty. Below 95dB it is worth flagging to the band in advance, as they may need to adjust their setup - for example, using an electronic drum kit instead of an acoustic one, or opting for a smaller line-up. Ask your venue for the exact decibel level and pass it on when you make your enquiry, so the band can confirm they can accommodate it.

As a general guide, a 3-piece band needs a performance area of roughly 3m x 3m. Add approximately 1m of width for each additional musician. A 5-piece band would therefore need around 3m x 5m as a minimum. Most bands will also need a small amount of additional space at the sides or rear for equipment cases during the performance. A raised stage is not essential but does help the band make a bigger visual impact, particularly in larger rooms. The performance area needs to be flat, dry and close to a power supply. If you are unsure whether your venue can accommodate a particular band, share the dimensions with them when enquiring and they will be able to advise. Venues with unusual layouts or low ceilings are worth flagging too.

Most professional bands provide a playlist through their PA system during intervals, so there is no gap in the music and no awkward silence while they take a break. This is usually included as standard and the band will typically put together a playlist that fits the mood of the evening. Some acts offer an upgraded DJ service where a member of the band or a dedicated DJ manages the music between sets, takes requests and keeps the energy going. This is usually available as a paid add-on. Check the act's profile or ask when enquiring if this is something you would like.

In most cases, no. The majority of professional bands provide music through their PA system during intervals and after their final set, so your guests will have continuous music throughout the evening without needing a separate DJ. This is usually included in the booking. If you want a more interactive DJ experience - someone to take requests, mix tracks and keep the dancefloor going after the band finishes - many bands offer this as an optional upgrade, or you can book a DJ separately. It is worth deciding early how late you want music to continue, as a band's final set will typically finish by midnight or the venue curfew, and a DJ can be a cost-effective way of extending the night.

Professional bands take their commitments seriously and cancellations are rare, but illness, accidents or unforeseen circumstances can occasionally affect a booking. It is worth checking what provisions are in place when you book. Many acts and agencies have contingency arrangements, such as calling on dep musicians or arranging a suitable replacement act at short notice. When booking, make sure you receive a written contract that sets out the cancellation terms clearly - for both sides. If you are booking through an agency, ask specifically what happens in the event the act cannot perform. Keeping communication open with your band in the weeks before the event also helps flag any potential issues early.

Band size affects both the sound and the budget. A 3-piece can fill a dancefloor just as effectively as a larger act and tends to be better suited to smaller venues or those with sound restrictions. A 4 or 5-piece gives a fuller sound and more stage presence, which works well in larger rooms. Bigger show bands with brass sections, multiple vocalists or additional musicians create a more spectacular impact but cost more and need more space. As a rough guide, match the band size to your guest numbers and venue capacity. For events up to around 100 guests, a 3 or 4-piece is usually ideal. For 150 or more, a 4 or 5-piece tends to work better. For very large events over 300 guests you may also need to consider whether the band's own PA system is sufficient, or whether additional sound equipment will be needed.

Frequently asked questions about 1920s, 30s & 40s Style Bands available in Paignton, Devon, how to register and how results are ordered are in the help & FAQs.

Hire a 1920s, 30s or 40s Style Band in Paignton, Devon

Vintage-era bands bring costumes, atmosphere and a sense of occasion that transforms a standard event into something guests remember. Whether you are planning a Gatsby-themed party, a wartime charity ball, a vintage wedding or a corporate themed evening, the acts in this category cover the full range of early twentieth-century styles. With 216 vintage-era bands available near you, there is good choice across formats and budgets.

Themed parties and events

Gatsby, prohibition and 1920s speakeasy themes are among the most popular bookings for vintage bands. A band in full period costume playing Charleston, hot jazz and swing brings the theme to life in a way that a playlist cannot. 1940s wartime and dance band acts are popular for nostalgia evenings, veterans's events and charity functions. Many vintage bands also play modern songs rearranged in a swing or jazz style, which keeps the vintage mood while giving guests songs they know. Browse our jazz bands, swing bands and vintage bands categories for related acts.

Weddings with a vintage theme

Vintage-themed weddings are a natural fit for a 1920s or 30s band, and the postmodern jukebox approach, playing contemporary hits in a vintage jazz arrangement, means the setlist works for all generations. A smaller jazz duo or trio suits the ceremony or drinks reception, while a larger swing ensemble delivers a bigger sound for the evening party. Many vintage bands can cover both parts of the day within a single booking.

Choosing the right size

Acts in this category range from duos and trios to full big bands with ten or more members. Larger ensembles deliver more impact but need more stage space and come at a higher price. A jazz trio or vocal harmony group works well for background music and smaller venues. Watch the video clips to compare the sound and energy of different lineups before making contact.

Pricing in your area

Vintage-era bands in Paignton, Devon are currently priced between £150 and £6195, with an average of £852. Smaller acts sit at the lower end, while full swing bands and big band ensembles command higher fees. Use the price comparison section on this page to see a full breakdown before making contact.

Hire live 1920s, 30s & 40s Style Bands available in Paignton, Devon
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