About these Big Bands

If you're looking to get the atmosphere of New York circa 1940, then there are few better ways to do it than by hiring a big band near you. Playing a mixture of classic jazz standards and re-interpreted pop tunes, big bands will delight your guests and ensure that they are up on the dance floor from the first tune, to the very last note.

"Thanks again for playing at our wedding. The music was perfect for giving the drinks reception that 'vintage' feel and definitely added a touch of class! We have had so many lovely comments from guests. We really appreciated your professionalism on the day and beforehand in fitting round our ever changing plans and song preferences for the day. We will definitely be recommending Debon Swing Dance Band to our friends for future events."

Lindsay's review of Debon Swing Dance Band

Ideal for:

Big bands are generally better suited (by definition) to larger events. Setting aside the practical needs, it's never a good optics to have more people in the band than in the audience! From large formal dances, to black-tie weddings, big bands are going to be perfect for these sorts of events.

When booking Big Bands:

The first, and most practical thing, to consider when hiring a big band is obviously the space that they need. Big bands will vary in size, and while the versions that you will be able to hire privately won't be the 100-piece jazz orchestra that Sinatra used, even a 10-piece big band will take up much more room than you think. Often, big bands will dress in black-tie attire as standard (or wear a uniform of some kind). That said, if you have a particular dress code for your event, make sure you inform the band leader.

Prices for Big Bands:

Prices for big bands will vary with how many members they have. Smaller bands will start from around £1250, but remember that this will change from band to band. Most bands will also charge for travel on top of their quote, so if you're looking to minimise cost then use the "advanced search" feature to find big bands local to you.

About big band music:

The term "big band" can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. That said, it is often used as short hand for the style of music that big swing bands will perform. Originating in the early 1900's, big bands would generally have a rhythm section comprising of double bass, percussion and sometimes a guitar. On top of that, they would (of course) have multiple brass sections with trumpets, trombones, saxophones and many others.

Big bands will typically play various different arrangements of jazz standards, as well as some new orleans marches and possibly even some pop tunes, re-arranged for big band. In the swing era on the 30s and 40s, they would often perform with a vocalist, some of the most obvious examples being Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Bob Crosby. It has, traditionally, always been music to dance to, and reached its hight of popularity in the 1940s.

Because of the huge variation in big bands, no two bands will play the same tune exactly alike. This means that you should spend extra time looking into any prospective act's promotional materials. If you have a particular favourite tune you would like to hear, you will have to give as much notice as possible, as arranging a song for a big band is not an easy process!

The Big Bands featured on this page are all members of the Last Minute Musicians entertainment directory. Use the refine section at the top of this page to find local swing / jazz dance bands close to you. Simply choose a county or enter a post code into the "available in" box to refine the listings to your local area. Click the "visit listing" button to see the full profiles of the individual big bands for hire. With over 3300 active listings you are sure to find the perfect entertainer, musician, band or entertainment service to make your event just perfect. Don`t forget you can use our online chat (below) to get instant help with your booking. Browse through our 28 big bands and find your ideal wedding or party band.