Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Booking brass / oompah / marching bands in London 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.

Question 2

How much do brass / oompah / marching bands cost in London?

Accepted Answer

The cost of hiring musicians in London can vary significantly depending on the type of act. The average price is currently &pound;1210. Budget-level acts may be available for as low as &pound;250, while top-tier acts can command prices as high as &pound;2050.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What size band do I need for my event?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

How long do brass bands, oompah bands and marching bands perform for?

Accepted Answer

The format depends on the type of act and the event. For evening receptions, most brass bands and oompah bands play two sets of around 45 minutes each within a two to three hour window, with playlist music through a PA during the break. Roaming brass bands often perform a single continuous set of 60 to 90 minutes, which works well for drinks receptions, garden parties or as a surprise entrance. Marching bands performing at parades, fetes or outdoor events typically play shorter sets of 30 to 45 minutes, with rest breaks between. For Oktoberfest and beer festival events, oompah bands often play longer overall, sometimes three sets across an evening to keep the party going between drinking games and audience participation. Always confirm the exact performance schedule when booking, as most acts are flexible and can adjust their set structure to fit your event timeline.

Question 10

How many musicians are in a brass band?

Accepted Answer

It varies enormously depending on the style of act. A traditional British brass band at full complement has around 25 to 28 players, but most brass bands available for event hire are much smaller and more practical. A typical modern brass party band or New Orleans style band has four to eight members, which is enough to fill a room with sound while keeping costs manageable. Oompah bands usually perform as four to six piece acts. Marching bands range from around eight players for a small procession to 20 or more for a full parade with drum major. The number of musicians directly affects the price, so it is worth thinking about what suits your venue and budget. A five or six piece brass band will comfortably fill most wedding venues and function rooms, while larger line-ups are better suited to outdoor events, festivals and corporate occasions where you need to project sound over a bigger area.

Question 11

Can a brass band perform outdoors?

Accepted Answer

Brass bands are one of the best choices for outdoor events. Most brass, oompah and marching bands play entirely acoustically, meaning they need no power supply, no PA system and no stage. This makes them ideal for garden parties, marquee and tipi weddings, parades, fetes and festivals where running cables or setting up amplification would be impractical. A roaming brass band can move freely through outdoor spaces, playing among guests rather than from a fixed position. The main weather consideration is rain, which can damage instruments and make playing difficult. Wind is less of an issue than it would be for string players, but sustained heavy rain will usually mean the band needs to move to a covered area. If your event is outdoors, it is sensible to have a backup plan such as a gazebo, marquee or indoor space the band can retreat to if the weather turns. Extreme cold can also affect brass instruments and make them harder to play in tune, so winter outdoor events may need some thought.

Question 12

Do brass bands provide their own equipment?

Accepted Answer

Most brass bands, oompah bands and marching bands are entirely self-contained and bring everything they need. Traditional and acoustic brass acts require no amplification at all, so there is no PA system, no speakers and no power supply needed. This is a significant practical advantage, especially for outdoor events, marquees or venues without much electrical infrastructure. Some modern brass party bands that include a drum kit, vocals or electronic backing do use amplification, and these acts will bring their own PA and may need access to power sockets. If your event is indoors at a large venue with more than 200 to 300 guests, it is worth discussing with the band whether additional sound reinforcement would improve the experience. Marching bands are always fully self-contained and mobile. All reputable acts carry public liability insurance, and any electrical equipment they use will be PAT tested.

Question 13

What types of brass band can I hire?

Accepted Answer

The brass band category covers a wide range of styles. Modern brass party bands play pop, funk, rock and chart covers reimagined for brass instruments, often with drums and sometimes vocals. These are popular for wedding evening receptions and parties. New Orleans style brass bands bring a Mardi Gras feel with jazz, funk and soul, and typically perform roaming sets that move through the venue. Oompah bands play a mix of traditional Bavarian drinking songs and pop covers in an oompah style, complete with lederhosen and audience participation games, and are the go-to choice for Oktoberfest events. Traditional British brass bands play classical, march and hymn repertoire and are well suited to ceremonies, parades and formal occasions. Marching bands combine brass and percussion with visual movement, ideal for parades, processions and large outdoor events. Brass quintets offer a more refined, classical sound for ceremonies and drinks receptions. Many acts cross these boundaries and can adapt their style to suit different parts of your event.

Question 14

What is an oompah band?

Accepted Answer

An oompah band is a brass ensemble that plays Bavarian and German-style music, typically associated with Oktoberfest celebrations and beer festivals. Most UK oompah bands combine traditional German drinking songs and polkas with pop and rock covers given a distinctive oompah treatment. The musicians usually perform in full lederhosen and Bavarian costumes, and the show typically includes audience participation, singing games, drinking challenges and plenty of comedy. Oompah bands usually consist of four to six brass players, sometimes with a drummer and a frontman who leads the games and interaction. They are popular for Oktoberfest and beer festival themed events at pubs, bars and corporate venues, but also work well at weddings, birthday parties and Christmas celebrations where you want something different and interactive. Most oompah bands can perform roaming sets without amplification or stage from a fixed position with a PA, depending on the venue.

Question 15

How much space does a brass band need to perform?

Accepted Answer

Space requirements vary significantly depending on the size and style of the act. A small brass band of four to five players performing a roaming set needs almost no dedicated performance space at all, as they move through the venue playing among guests. For a static performance, a four to six piece brass band needs roughly 3m x 3m. Larger acts need proportionally more room, and a full marching band of 15 to 20 players will need a substantial open area or parade route. If the band includes a drum kit or PA system, allow additional space for this equipment behind or beside the performers. For oompah bands, consider that the show often involves audience games and interaction, so a clear area in front of the band where guests can gather, dance and participate is important. When booking, share your venue details and floor plan with the act so they can confirm whether the space will work for their line-up.

Question 16

Can a brass band play at my wedding ceremony or drinks reception?

Accepted Answer

Brass bands are increasingly popular for weddings beyond just the evening party. A roaming brass band can lead a procession from the ceremony to the drinks reception, creating a joyful, festival-like atmosphere as guests walk between venues. During drinks receptions and garden parties, a small acoustic brass ensemble can move through the crowd playing relaxed background sets. Some brass bands also offer ceremony music, providing a dramatic alternative to the traditional string quartet or organist for the bridal entrance and recessional. For couples who want brass throughout the day, many acts offer packages covering multiple parts of the wedding, from a gentle ceremony set through to a high-energy evening party performance. Because most brass bands play acoustically, they are particularly well suited to outdoor ceremonies and drinks receptions where amplification is not available or not wanted.

Question 17

Will a brass band work with my venue's sound limiter?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the type of brass band. Fully acoustic brass bands that use no amplification at all are not affected by sound limiters, because the limiter only monitors sound coming through the venue's electrical system or the band's PA. This gives acoustic brass acts a significant advantage at venues with strict noise restrictions. However, some modern brass party bands use amplification for drums, vocals or backing tracks, and these amplified elements will be picked up by a sound limiter just like any other band. If your venue has a sound limiter, ask the act whether they perform fully acoustically or use any amplification. A fully acoustic brass band of four to six players will typically produce a volume of around 85 to 95 dB, which is lively enough to fill a dance floor but manageable for most venues. Larger brass ensembles will naturally be louder, so if noise is a concern, a smaller line-up may be the better option.

Question 18

Can a brass band learn my first dance song or take special requests?

Accepted Answer

Most brass bands are happy to learn a first dance song or arrange a specific track for a special moment, though you should expect to confirm the song choice at least six to eight weeks before the event to give the band time to rehearse and arrange it. Some bands may charge an additional fee for learning songs that are not already on their set list, particularly if the arrangement is complex. If the song does not lend itself to a brass arrangement, many bands will offer to play it through their PA system and then transition seamlessly into their first live set. Beyond the first dance, most acts welcome general requests and many publish their repertoire online so you can see what they already play. For oompah bands, requests for specific drinking songs or pop covers in oompah style are common and usually accommodated easily.

Question 19

What types of event are brass bands suitable for?

Accepted Answer

Brass bands are one of the most versatile types of live entertainment. At weddings, they work for ceremony processions, drinks receptions and evening parties. For corporate events, they make a strong impact at product launches, awards ceremonies and company parties, and a roaming brass band can create energy at networking events where a stage-based act would not work. Oompah bands are the natural choice for Oktoberfest events, beer festivals, pub themed nights and Christmas parties. Marching bands are ideal for parades, carnivals, fetes, sports events and any occasion where a visual spectacle is needed alongside the music. Brass bands also perform at funerals and memorial services, where a New Orleans style second line procession has become an increasingly popular way to celebrate a life. Christmas markets, summer fairs, festival stages and store openings all suit brass acts, largely because their acoustic, mobile format means they can perform virtually anywhere without technical setup.

Question 20

What should I consider when booking a brass band in London?

Accepted Answer

If your venue is within the Congestion Charge zone (currently 18 pounds per day, or 21 pounds if paid by midnight the following charging day) or the Ultra Low Emission Zone (12.50 pounds per day for non-compliant vehicles), the band may pass these costs on to you, so clarify this when getting quotes. Parking in central London is limited and expensive, though most smaller brass bands travel light and may use public transport. For larger acts with vehicles, check whether your venue can provide loading access and parking, as this can make a real difference to the quote. London venues often have strict noise curfews, particularly in residential areas, so confirm finish times with both the venue and the band. On the positive side, the acoustic nature of most brass bands means they are well suited to London venues with sound limiters. London has a large concentration of professional brass musicians, which generally means strong availability and competitive pricing compared to areas where acts need to travel further.

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