Festival Bands for hire

Hire Festival Bands in the UK

Festival bands take the energy and sound of folk-rock and indie music and bring it to weddings, parties and events. The style was popularised by acts like Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers, Noah and the Whale and Bon Iver, and it has become a fixture on the UK wedding circuit. Most festival bands play a mix of folk-influenced originals, indie anthems and modern pop reworked with acoustic instrumentation, including banjo, fiddle, mandolin, double bass and acoustic guitar. The result is a sound that feels organic, energetic and suited to outdoor and rustic settings.

Festival weddings and the "Wedfest"

The festival wedding, sometimes called a "Wedfest", is one of the most popular wedding formats in the UK. These celebrations are typically held outdoors or in a tipi, marquee or barn, with a relaxed, informal feel that encourages guests to socialise and dance. A festival band is the natural centrepiece for this kind of event, providing the foot-stomping sing-along atmosphere that defines the format. Many festival bands can also perform an acoustic or roaming set during the drinks reception, moving among guests rather than performing from a fixed stage. For couples who want a festival feel but also need music for the ceremony, pairing a festival band with an acoustic band or solo performer for the earlier part of the day is a common approach.

What festival bands sound like

The instrumentation is what sets festival bands apart from standard function bands. Where a typical covers band relies on electric guitar, bass and keyboards, a festival band builds its sound around acoustic and folk instruments. Banjo, fiddle, mandolin and double bass are common, often alongside acoustic guitar, cajon and stomp box percussion. Some bands add brass or saxophone for a bigger sound. The vocal style tends to be raw and anthemic rather than polished, which suits the sing-along nature of the music. If you are after a more traditional sound, the folk groups category includes acts that focus on traditional English, Irish and Scottish folk rather than the modern indie-folk crossover.

Choosing the right festival band

Listen to the audio and video samples on each listing carefully, as festival bands vary significantly in style. Some lean heavily towards the Mumford & Sons folk-rock sound, while others are closer to indie bands with a folk twist. Check the repertoire to see whether the band plays mainly folk-influenced material or mixes in chart pop and rock covers alongside the folk numbers. For outdoor events, ask whether the band is comfortable performing outside and what shelter or power requirements they have. Many festival bands are experienced at outdoor performances but will need a flat, covered stage area and access to mains power.

Lineups and roaming sets

Festival bands typically range from three to six members. A three-piece with guitar, vocals and percussion can fill a dance floor effectively and suits smaller venues, while a five- or six-piece with fiddle, banjo, brass and multiple vocalists creates a bigger, more immersive sound for larger events. Many bands also offer a stripped-back acoustic or roaming option, where two or three members perform unplugged and move among guests during a drinks reception or wedding breakfast. This is one of the most distinctive features of festival bands and a strong reason to choose one over a standard wedding band.

Pricing for festival bands

Festival bands on LMM are currently priced from £150 to £10266, with an average of £1158. Pricing depends on the number of musicians, travel distance and performance length. Three-piece bands sit at the lower end, while larger lineups with fiddle, brass and multiple vocalists are at the higher end. For a more detailed breakdown, use the price comparison section on this page, which shows budget, average and premium prices for the acts currently listed.