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Background Music Bands for Hire

Browse 653 background music bands and musicians available for hire across the UK, with 5575 reviews from real clients averaging 5 out of 5 stars. Average price £728. This category covers any act suited to playing at a relaxed volume: jazz trios, string quartets, classical guitarists, solo pianists, harpists, acoustic duos and more. Whether you need elegant music for a drinks reception, a wedding breakfast or a corporate dinner, every act listed here is experienced in performing as background entertainment without overpowering conversation.

Each profile includes audio samples, videos, reviews and pricing so you can compare acts side by side. Use the filters below to narrow results by location, price and style.

Rated Excellent

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How much does it cost to hire Background Music Bands?

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£100

££ Average Price

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£728

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£7080

The average price for Background Music Bands is £728. Above you will also find a budget price and high end price. Contact the act you like for an accurate quote.

Reviews of Background Music Bands

Want to see more reviews? There are currently 5575 reviews of Background Music Bands in our review centre and the average rating is 5/5.

Frequently asked questions

My venue has a sound limiter. Will this be a problem?

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.

How much space does a band need to set up and perform?

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.

What happens to the music when the band is on a break?

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.

Do I need to book a separate DJ as well as a band?

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.

What happens if the band cannot make it on the day?

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.

What size band do I need for my event?

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.

How far in advance do we need to book your services?

Booking background music bands 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.

How much do background music bands cost?

The cost of hiring musicians can vary significantly depending on the type of act. The average price is currently £728. Budget-level acts may be available for as low as £100, while top-tier acts can command prices as high as £7080.

How long do background music bands usually perform for?

Each event is different but the typical performance time for background music bands 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.

Do background music bands perform outdoors?

You should always check whether or not your act is prepared to play outdoors. Weather conditions such as wind, rain, or extreme temperatures can affect the performance and the instruments. If you are planning an outdoor event you should be prepared to offer a flat surface for performers as well as a cover in case of unexpected rain.

Do background music bands perform outdoors?

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.

Will the act provide all the necessary equipment, such as sound systems and lighting?

Most background music 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 background music bands have lighting systems, but most usually will charge extra for this or recommend a third party supplier for you to use.

Frequently asked questions about Background Music Bands, how to register and how results are ordered are in the help & FAQs.

Hire Background Music Bands in the UK

Background music sets the tone for an event without competing for attention. The right act creates atmosphere, fills silences and gives a room a sense of occasion, all while allowing guests to talk, mingle and enjoy themselves. It is one of the most requested types of live entertainment for weddings, corporate functions and private parties alike.

What counts as a background music act?

Almost any musician or ensemble can perform as background music if they have the experience and judgement to pitch their volume correctly. The most popular choices include jazz trios and quartets, string quartets, solo harpists, pianists, classical guitarists and acoustic bands. Solo vocalists performing to a backing track are also a common option, particularly for drinks receptions and evening meals. The key skill is restraint: a good background musician reads the room and adjusts their volume and repertoire to suit the moment.

Background music at weddings

Weddings often call for background music at several points during the day. A string ensemble or harpist might play during the ceremony and drinks reception, while a jazz band takes over for the wedding breakfast. Some couples also book their evening band to play an acoustic or unplugged set during the meal before switching to a full performance later. If you are planning music for multiple parts of the day, look for acts that offer flexible set formats or consider a singing pianist or guitarist who can cover several hours without needing a full band setup.

Background music for corporate events

Corporate dinners, awards ceremonies, product launches and networking events all benefit from well-chosen background music. Classical ensembles and jazz groups are the most popular choices for corporate settings, but Latin bands, swing bands and even subtle electronic sets can work depending on the brand and audience. For larger events with multiple rooms or stages, you may want different acts performing simultaneously to create distinct atmospheres.

How much do background musicians cost?

The cost of hiring background music varies widely depending on the type and size of act. Solo performers such as pianists, guitarists and harpists typically start from around £300 for a two-hour set, while a jazz trio or string quartet will usually range from £600 upwards. The average price for a background music act is currently £728. Use the price comparison section on this page to compare rates across the 653 acts listed.

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Browse categories similar to Background Music Bands

How much does it cost to hire Background Music Bands?

£ Low Price

££ Average Price

£££ High Price

Reviews of Background Music Bands

Three Quarters of a Quartet

Emma Katie

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H&D Acoustics

Cam Beul

The Cover Boys

Frequently asked questions

Hire Background Music Bands in the UK

What counts as a background music act?

Background music at weddings

Background music for corporate events

How much do background musicians cost?

Not found what you're looking for?

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