01737 306075

French Music Bands for Hire

Choose from 26 French music bands and musicians available for weddings, parties and corporate events across the UK, rated 5 out of 5 across 175 reviews from real clients. The acts below range from solo chanson singers and accordionists to Parisian style café duos and full gypsy jazz ensembles, with prices from £280 to £2256 and an average price of £652. Compare acts, listen to audio samples and watch videos using the filters below.

Rated Excellent

Browse categories similar to French Music Bands

How much does it cost to hire French Music Bands?

£ Low Price

from

£280

££ Average Price

from

£652

£££ High Price

from

£2256

The average price for French Music Bands is £652. Above you will also find a budget price and high end price. Contact the act you like for an accurate quote.

Reviews of French Music Bands

Want to see more reviews? There are currently 175 reviews of French 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 by 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, with 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 french 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 french music bands cost?

The cost of hiring musicians can vary significantly depending on the type of act. The average price is currently £652. Budget-level acts may be available for as low as £280, while top-tier acts can command prices as high as £2256.

How long do french music bands usually perform for?

Each event is different but the typical performance time for french 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 french 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 french 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 french 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 French Music Bands, how to register and how results are ordered are in the help & FAQs.

Hire French Music Bands in the UK

Few styles set a scene as quickly as French music. An accordion waltz or a swinging hot club number turns a marquee into a Left Bank café, which is why French bands get booked for everything from wedding drinks receptions to product launches and themed restaurant nights. If you are still weighing up styles, our jazz bands and acoustic bands pages let you compare similar performers before you settle on the right sound.

What do French bands play?

Most French bands build their sets around three traditions: chanson, musette and gypsy jazz. Expect classics made famous by Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour and Jacques Brel alongside accordion led musette waltzes and the swing of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli, with tunes like Minor Swing a staple. Some acts also rework modern pop in a French style, and gypsy swing bands lean fully into the hot club sound if that is the direction you want.

Line ups and instrumentation

Typical instrumentation includes accordion, violin, acoustic guitar and double bass, though you will also find solo accordionists, singing duos and full four or five piece ensembles. Solo performers and duos suit drinks receptions and restaurants, while larger line ups can fill a dance floor at a party or wedding. Many French acts prefer to perform acoustically, as is traditional with the style, so tell your band the size of the room and the guest count and they will advise whether amplification is needed.

How much does it cost to hire a French band?

French bands currently range from £280 to £2256, with an average price of £652. The main factors are the size of the line up, how long you would like them to play and how far they travel, so a solo accordionist for an afternoon reception costs considerably less than a five piece gypsy jazz band playing evening sets. Use the price comparison section on this page to see typical quotes side by side.

Events that suit French music

French bands are a natural fit for wedding ceremonies and drinks receptions, Bastille Day celebrations, vintage tea parties, food and wine evenings and corporate events with a continental theme. For a mingling crowd, roaming bands move between tables in the same spirit, while vintage bands cover the neighbouring eras if you want to broaden the brief. If a solo voice would suit the occasion better, singers and vocalists lists performers who can weave French songs into a wider set.

Not found what you're looking for?

Bands

For weddings

Jazz acts

Acoutic acts

Classical

DJs & other

Start a new search

Need help?

Contact

LAST MINUTE MUSICIANS

SUPPORT

ARTIST AREA

Home > French Music Bands (page 2)

Last Minute Musicians has 3611 members, our newest member is Male Acoustic Covers Act For Functions (updated Sat 08 Aug 2026) and we've had >75,000 visitors in the last 30 days.

© 2003 - 2026 Lastminutemusicians.com Ltd, Company #06544335 registered in England & Wales.
Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Cookies

French Music Bands for Hire

Cordes en Bleues

BB Swing

Amel R

Gypsy Jazz/Swing Band

L’Accordionist

Niko Band

Rose Cafe

Afternoon in Paris, Grand Café Jazz

Fleur de Lune

Paul - Accordionist

Pas de Trois

Browse categories similar to French Music Bands

How much does it cost to hire French Music Bands?

£ Low Price

££ Average Price

£££ High Price

Reviews of French Music Bands

Alexa T

Fuego

Amel R

Niko Band

BB Swing

Gypsy Jazz/Swing Band

Frequently asked questions

Hire French Music Bands in the UK

What do French bands play?

Line ups and instrumentation

How much does it cost to hire a French band?

Events that suit French music

Not found what you're looking for?

LAST MINUTE MUSICIANS

SUPPORT

ARTIST AREA

Select your cookies preferences