Featured Supplier

sounds good! 10 northern bands to hire from Alive Network

Julia Smith

Swing Jive Rock-n-Roll -Blue Note Mitch

When you’re looking at bands to play at your wedding, it really can pay to think local (or at least, Northern!).

Many professional wedding and function bands are based right here in the North, and they are just as good (if not better) than those based in or near London. By booking a locally-based band through an established national entertainment agency rather than direct, you can be sure of their quality and professionalism.

why book a local wedding band?

With local wedding bands:

– You save money on travel costs
– You don’t need to cover accommodation costs
– Locally-based bands can arrive later, so you won’t pay expensive waiting fees
– You’ll be supporting your local live music scene
– Your booking benefits the local economy

So, what type of Northern wedding band should you choose? We asked the team at the UK’s largest online entertainment agency, Alive Network, to come up with their top ten wedding band types…

Rock and Pop Band-Backbeat

rock and pop function bands

These are the bands that get every guest up and dancing, playing hits from the 1950s to last week’s chart toppers. Sometimes called cover bands, most rock and pop bands consist of four talented lads playing songs by internationally famous artists.

Recommended Yorkshire Based Rock & Pop Band  – BackBeat

Five young, cool, professional musicians playing your favorite party classics and hits guarantee to really get your wedding party started! Prices from £1020.

Tribute Bands-Adele

tribute bands

Love the idea of a famous act playing at your wedding, but your budget won’t quite stretch? Here’s the answer – book a talented tribute band to recreate the sounds, sights and moves of your favourite artists. Often using authentic instruments and replica costumes, these bands bring the thrill and excitement of ‘the next best thing’ to your special day!

Recommended West Yorkshire Based Tribute Act – Ultimate Adele

The UK’s top Adele tribute, recreating the award-winning soulful sound, and with superior sound and lighting equipment plus a sound technician! Prices from £600.

Jazz Bands-Straight No Chaser

jazz bands

Jazz comes in all kinds of styles – Dixieland/traditional, standards, contemporary; you name it, there’s a band that’ll play it! From the infectious Southern sound of Dixieland to the laid back style of lounge, there is a jazz sound to suit every moment of your wedding day.

Recommended Lancashire Based Jazz Duo – Straight No Chaser

A flexible, talented group who can be set up and playing jazz standards and popular songs in as little as 15 minutes. Book the duo version for pre-ceremony music, the trio for your drinks reception, or the quartet for sophisticated wedding meal entertainment. Prices from £381.

Rat Pack and Swing Bands-Indigo Moment

rat pack & swing bands

Cool, sophisticated and always stylish, Rat Pack and Swing bands recreate the timeless sound of The Rat Pack and Frank Sinatra, Michael Bublé and Jamie Cullum. Perfect for wedding entertainment with a touch of class and cross-generation appeal.

Recommended Manchester Based Rat Pack & Swing Duo – Indigo Moment

Combining smooth vocals and beautiful guitar accompaniment, this delicious duo perform timeless ballads plus swing and up tempo numbers. Prices from £444.

Big Bands-Russell Shaun Big Band

big bands

Love that Glenn Miller sound and the sound of the 1940s, when bands were BIG and brass was best? Big bands recreate that superb sound and apply it to classic tunes and contemporary hits alike, for a full-on musical performance your guests will adore.

Recommended Lancashire Based Big Band – Russell Shaun Big Band

One of the most sought-after big band signers in the business, Russell is a superb entertainer. Add in his 12-piece big band, and you’re in for a night of world class entertainment at your wedding. Prices from £2520.

swing, jive & rock n roll bands

When you want timeless hits that get everyone up and dancing, these are the bands to book. Playing an irresistible mix of upbeat music from classic swing and jive to rock and roll, these energetic bands provide high quality, high value wedding party entertainment anytime of the year.

Recommended Yorkshire Based Swing, Jive, Rock n Roll Band – Blue Note Mitch

Led by the irrepressible Mitch, this band is just 100% pure entertainment.  These guys can play almost anything, including jazz, swing & jive, rock ’n’ roll rock, indie, pop & soul and even classic ska music. Perfect for the ‘good time’ couple who love to let their hair down! Prices from £1260.

Soul RnB Motown-Funkytown

soul, rnb & motown bands

If you love big vocals, huge harmonies and classic songs, this type of band will take you to soul heaven and back. Ideal for coupes who adore good music, and want a fun yet heartfelt soundtrack to their wedding reception.

Recommended West Yorkshire Based Soul, RnB, Motown Band – Funkytown

This cool, versatile band has two stunning female vocalists, ready to blow your guests away with classic soul and quality pop, from Aretha Franklin to Lily Allen. The band also offer a free iPod disco service in between sets if you book within seven days of receiving your quote – great value! Prices from £1260.

70s Disco Funk -Gold

70’s, disco & funk bands

Shy and retiring these bands ain’t, as they brighten your wedding with cool moves, disco beats and 70s dancefloor fillers!! If you love to strut your stuff, and still own a pair of flares or hot pants, book now and “Blame it on the Boogie”!

Recommended South Yorkshire Based 70’s, Disco, Funk Band – Gold

This band really sets the “Gold” standard in disco bands, featuring musicians who have played with the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Corrine Bailey Rae, The Human League, and appeared on tv, radio and recordings. Gold are genuine 24 carat entertainment for any wedding. Prices from £1320.

Ceilidh Bands-Ceilidh and Co

ceilidh bands

Before there were discos, tea dances or even posh balls, there were ceilidhs, community dances where everyone came to dance, drink and have a great time (sound familiar?). So, get back to fun at its most fundamental with ceilidh bands, who will teach traditional dances injust  five minutes, and get everyone, regardless of age, background or ability, up and dancing all night long.

Recommended Manchester Based Ceilidh Band – Ceilidh And Co

Young and energetic, this talented trio combines driving percussion, foot stomping piano and ferocious fiddle, for an evening of dances such as Lucky Sevens, The Cumberland Reel and the Dashing White Sergeant! Prices from £744.

Latin Salsa World Music-Agua Panela

latin, salsa, and world music bands

Bringing the best of the world’s music to your wedding, these bands infuse your day with the heat, excitement and exotic flavours of music from around the globe. Latin bands are particularly popular for weddings, bringing the passion of Latino music to any venue.

Recommended Lancashire Based Latin, Salsa, World Music Duo – Agua Panela

These guys are the real thing, two terrific South American musicians playing Latin, Funky, Salsa, Cuban, merengue and pop arrangements. Compact and compelling, this band is ideal for intimate venues, and great value too as they offer lower prices for midweek bookings. Prices from £420.

why Alive Network?

Booking through an entertainment agency such as Alive Network saves so much time, energy and hassle.

– View any band profile online, anytime.
– Click for your free online quotation and availability check.
– Choose the band you like, and book.
– The team will call you back, to check details.
– Sign the professional contract, pay a deposit, and relax!

The agency will take care of all the details, and even send you an emergency contact number for the day, just in case.

Call Alive Network now on 0845 108 5500 or visit their website

Contributors

this is a sponsored post

Contact Loved Up North for details of our sponsorship packages and feature opportunities.

Contact us to be featured on Loved Up North