Category: Themed Party

Event Entertainment Top Tips You Need To Know About

The Silk Street blog is our weekly blast of event entertainment top tips. We aim to be as helpful as possible. Planning an event can be a daunting prospect. So, we try to make it easier by sharing advice, guidance and tips that we have learned through years of planning and performing at a vast array of events.

We thought it would be a great idea to round-up what’s been happening with the blog. So, here’s a taster – our top tips for event entertainment from our blog in April.

Event Entertainment Top Tips: How to throw a street party

The country will soon be gripped by royal wedding fever. Meghan and Harry are tying the knot in a matter of weeks. This happy event inspired our blog Street Party: Planning perfect get-togethers . After all, when people think of a street party, they often think of royal celebrations. There is no better reason to break out the bunting.

In the blog we give some top tips about what to do if you want to put on a street party to celebrate the royal wedding. There’s still time, but you will have to hurry! More generally, we looked at some of the things you need to think about if you want to throw a street party. Licenses, risk assessment, rules, alcohol – all the formalities boxed off nicely for you. Furthermore, we suggested a few top acts that we recommend for street party live entertainment. A street party is superbly suited for the royal wedding but it sounds like perfect summer entertainment too.

Seven fun wedding reception ideas you need for your big day

7 Fun Wedding Reception Ideas You Might Not Have Come Across was full of ideas to make any wedding reception truly special. Of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with a traditional wedding reception. However, if you want to inject a little twist into the evening and do things a little bit differently at your reception, this blog is a must-read.

Number one on our list of top ideas was Fabulous Wedding Favours. The giving of favours is a time-honoured wedding tradition. These days, a handy hangover cure kit or a sachet of gourmet coffee are sure to be well-received and guaranteed to be used the next day.

And for a completely different take on things, how about a Brilliant Babysitter Break? There are some brilliant ideas to consider in this blog.

Event Entertainment Top Tips: Avoiding the pitfalls

When event entertainment goes well, there’s nothing better. Furthermore, we’re here to help you make sure that nothing at all goes wrong.  Pitfalls To Avoid When Managing Event Entertainment offers fabulous advice about how to get the most out of your live act on the day of an event. In short, it’s about good planning and great communication. However, for all the finer details and some invaluable event entertainment top tips, check out the blog.

Finding Inspiration for Event Entertainment

Of course, there’s a lot to consider when you plan an event and choosing the perfect act is at the top of the list of things to do. Again, we’re here to help you get it right. Entertainment for Events: Find some inspiration was all about putting ideas in your head – great ideas.

For most events, live music is the order of the day. Therefore, this blog gives plenty of advice about choosing the right music act for your event. However, live entertainment doesn’t have to be all about the music. There are plenty of other options. From a professional DJ to magicians, caricaturists or dancers, whatever mood you want to create at your event, there is an act to match.

Event Entertainment: Wedding Swing Band Hire

Over on our sister site, Silk Street Swing are our signature swing act. Wedding Swing Band Hire: Silk Street Swing explained why a swing band is such a great choice.

One of the biggest advantages of a swing band is the fantastic versatility that they bring. From the arrival of guests to the wedding breakfast and the evening reception, a swing band slips into place effortlessly.

The Silk Street blog is the perfect place to find out all our latest news. It’s where you pick up event entertainment top tips. For advice and guidance, sign up to receive updates, browse our acts, or get in touch and let us help you plan your next amazing event.

Entertainment for events: Find some inspiration here

Are you planning an event this year? Well, whether you are a seasoned events planner or a bride-to-be planning ahead for the big day, you will know all about the importance of entertainment for events. Entertainment can make or break an event. And that’s any event; from weddings to corporate events and award ceremonies, to a birthday party. Getting the entertainment right is very important. There’s a lot to choose from – it can be a bit of a minefield! However, sometimes you need some inspiration to get you started.

Entertainment for events: Live Music

Live music is the obvious choice for most people planning an event. There’s nothing quite like a live band to get the party swinging and keep guests on the dance floor all evening. And the amazing thing is the amount of variety there is. An act such as The Floor Fillers literally does what it says on the tin. They pack out the dancefloor. However, there is a live act for any mood you want to create. Our blog Wedding String Quartet: Why you should hire one explains what strings can bring to the wedding day. There are other options too. How about a harpist ?

There’s a live act for any genre and all musical tastes. Some, such as Silk Street Jazz, are a good match for any occasion. These Dixieland specialists are as suited to a funeral as they are to a wedding or product launch. Therefore, whatever the event is, you’ll find live music entertainment that is perfectly suited to it.

Entertainment for events: The best of the rest

However, although live music often steals the headlines when it comes to entertainment for events, it doesn’t tell the whole story. Music matches most events, yes – but there are plenty of other options too. Live bands bring a special something to an event, but for other occasions, a DJ will be just the job.

Another way of doing something a little bit different with music is to consider dance entertainment. There are acts that can really bring a theme to live, such as a 1920s/speakeasy party. Alternatively, there are dance acts that will get everybody participating and learning some new steps.

Maybe a kind of magic could be the trick you have up your sleeve to make your event a total success. Finally – for this round-up of inspiring options – how about a quick-on-the-draw caricaturist to keep your guests entertained?

If you’d like some friendly advice about choosing entertainment for events, get in touch today to receive your personalised recommendations and helpful guidance from Silk Street – the event’s entertainment specialists.

Street Party: Planning perfect get-togethers

At the time of writing, that strange yellow thing in the sky that we tend not to see much of in this country is out! It won’t last, no doubt! However, the mere glimpse of the sun has us Brits reacting in certain ways: 1. We empty the meat counter of the nearest supermarket, in the rush to throw the year’s first barbecue. 2. We sit steadfastly outside in a beer garden, convincing ourselves that it is not too cold – whilst silently shivering. 3. We think of the summer: the beach, a garden party, or a street party.

Street Party: Perfect for the royal wedding

There’s a royal wedding fast-approaching on Saturday 19 May. This is the ideal ‘excuse’ to throw a street party if you ever needed one. And, of course, you don’t. Having said that, the proud British tradition of street parties is inextricably linked to royal events: coronation, jubilee, and wedding. There’s still time to plan a royal wedding street party for Harry and Meghan’s big day. Organising a street party points you in the right direction.

Top tips for throwing a street party

There are a few basic conditions to meet for a gathering to be classed as a street party. For example, it needs to be held on a quiet residential road. It should be self-organised and publicised only to residents. However, a formal risk assessment is not required. No insurance is needed either. Furthermore, unless you intend to sell alcohol, you do not need a licence. Once those formalities are out of the way, it’s onto the really fun stuff!

Street Party: What to include

A street get-together is a blank canvas. Depending on the number of people organising the party and the number of people you expect to attend, you can plan the event in a way that will suit. Share the load in terms of providing food. Get neighbours to bring along table and chairs. Bunting is pretty much essential, of course – but what about live entertainment?

Live entertainment for a street party

Background music or a DJ is one option for your party entertainment. Another option is booking a live act. Look at this general advice about how to organise a street party . For superb live acts, look no further than Silk Street. Here are just a few of our acts that we think are perfect for street parties: Silk Street Jazz, The Shoo Wop Sisters, Ally Tappers, Tequila Trio to name just a few. For help, advice and more great live acts to hire for your event, get in touch with Silk Street today.

Hiring Live Entertainment: The Ultimate Guide

It doesn’t really matter what the event is: wedding, corporate event, birthday party, product launch, or award ceremony (to name just a few); hiring live entertainment can be much more than the ‘icing on the cake’.

It can be a make or break decision! This is why we present to you the Ultimate Guide to Hiring Live Entertainment.

Hiring live entertainment: Why is it a winner?

It’s a no-brainer really. Think of all those awkward office, dinner or house parties you’ve been to. Everybody turns up and exchanges pleasantries. There are uncomfortable conversations in the hallway or the kitchen. All the guests are waiting for the earliest opportunity – the polite moment – to make their excuses and leave. We’ve all been there.

But your event is going to be a much more positive experience!

Music is often the answer; but, of course, you could also try a magician or a caricaturist. A live act breaks the ice, creates atmosphere, or gets everybody up on the dancefloor. Hiring live entertainment can breathe new life into any event.

Hiring live entertainment: The proof is in the pudding

When it comes to a live act, the proof is indeed in the pudding. However, how much you find the ‘pudding’ to be to everyone’s taste will largely be down to planning.

With any event you plan you can’t really leave anything to chance. This is especially true of hiring live entertainment. You need to ask key questions: Do you want a quiet dinner with background music? Will there be dancing? What genre of music fits the bill?

It’s obvious stuff, but an acoustic string duo aren’t going to be the best choice for a disco. A 15-piece big band will be too overpowering for a relaxed dinner. We give you valuable advice to make sure the act you choose is a fantastic fit for your event.

Hiring live entertainment: Atmosphere and ambience

It’s your call – it’s your event – but there are some typical ‘good matches’ when it comes to hiring live entertainment,

A live party band is often the best bet if you want your guests to be on the dancefloor all night.  A sophisticated dinner/cocktail hour calls out for a small acoustic jazz act – maybe a duo or a trio. Check out New Orleans Night Cats. Wedding ceremonies are the obvious bedfellows for a classical act, harpist (Romantic Harpist ) or a string quartet. Meanwhile, swing dancing screams out for a big band with sassy horn section, such as Silk Street Groove.

It’s all about carefully considering what atmosphere and ambience you want to create. We help you match the right act to your event.

Let Silk Street give you personalised recommendations

Finding the perfect act can be a little like looking for a needle in a haystack sometimes. This is where Silk Street really show our worth. We are not just a website. We offer friendly advice and a personalised service.

The search to  find your perfect act has never been easier. You can also get personalised recommendations. Furthermore, why not just call us on 0800 756 5512? We are ready to share our expertise and experience with you. We’ll soon have you honed in on acts that will be perfectly suited to your event.

What’s more, if you’re a bit short on inspiration, check out our blog pages. They are always full of tips and advice. You’ll find all sorts of great stuff, from act recommendations to how to throw a Peaky Blinders themed party.

 

World Class Events Entertainment at your Fingertips

Whatever the event is that you are planning, a visit to the brand new Silk Street website should definitely be on the agenda. Why? Well, we are the home of outstanding events entertainment. That’s why! Browsing the Silk Street website means you have world class events entertainment, literally, at your fingertips.

We match our acts to your events

Are you on the hunt for lookalikes in London or magicians in Manchester? From wedding acts in the Windsor to cabaret acts in Chelsea, there really is an act for every occasion at any location at Silk Street. We are an entertainment agency that handpicks and carefully selects its acts. Most of all, for Silk Street only the very best will do.

Pack out that dancefloor…

We pride ourselves on our ability to match our acts to your event – whatever that might be. The most popular type of act for bookings will probably always be a music act. Music goes hand in hand with so many different types of event. From birthday parties to weddings -with corporate events, product launches and all manner of other events in between – a live music act fits every bill perfectly.

 

World class events entertainment guaranteed

Visit the music page of our website and see a glittering array of quality music acts. All are vying to be the hottest ticket in town for your forthcoming event. First of all, you’ll see is the selection of top acts in our coveted ‘Featured Acts’ category.

Below that you’ll find the great range of all the music acts at your disposal. You’ll see pictures of each act and a bio. Not only that, you can actually see the act in action too.  Check out this clip of Soul Fire Family:

The video clip will help you decide if an act is the perfect act for you. In addition, each act profile also contains an ‘Further Details’ section. This contains extra bits of information and details of interest. It will be helpful as you decide which act to choose. This might include details such as line-up options or typical set lengths that an act will play.

Furthermore, you’ll see the glowing and genuine reviews from our happy clients who have already booked this act for their special event.

Last but not least, if you can’t quite find what you are looking for or you are just looking for a bit of inspiration, you can always let us make recommendations for you in our Find Your Perfect Act section.

And don’t forget, we are only ever a phone call away! Our friendly team is always poised and ready to come to the rescue with any questions or concerns that you might have. We deal in world class events entertainment but the personal service we offer is just what we do. So, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Bigger, better: New website launches today

We have big and exciting news at Silk Street – the best entertainment agency around – to tell you! After a lot of hard work, preparation and planning, our all-new, bigger, better and more personal website launches today.

The best entertainment agency

For us, our new website was all about these three things. We’re wanting it to be bigger, better, more personal. We feel the need to ratchet things up a notch or two. You’ll be the judge, of course but we believe we have achieved our aim. And we really hope you do too.

One-stop shop for events entertainment

Being the one-stop shop for events entertainment has always been the name of the game for us. The new website is a user-friendly portal. It has everything you need to find your perfect live entertainment for any type of event. You’ll find live bands for parties and celebrations. There are  a vast selection of wedding singers from you to choose from. If you would like to book a comedian, a magician – even a caricaturist – our portfolio of great acts has them all.

Unforgettable events tailored to you

Being bigger, better and more personal means making the process of booking events entertainment straightforward and hassle-free. We work with individual, private clients, businesses and events planners. All receive the same commitment from us. We like to call it a concierge-style service.

We listen, we recommend, we plan

Whether you know exactly what you are looking for with your events entertainment or you only have a vague idea, we promise to listen attentively and recommend suitable acts that we believe will be perfect for your needs.  Finally, we meticulously plan every last and final detail so that everything goes superbly on the day of your event.

So, if you are looking for the perfect act for your wedding, party – or any kind of event – you have found the right place. Our bigger, better, more personal website has lots more great acts than ever before.

If you are planning an event, just get in touch to see how we can help you.

Unique Wedding Ideas: Little twists on the traditional

Unique weddings are perfectly possible! Weddings are all about tradition in many respects. Most people tend to stick with these basic traditions in general. This is either because they want to or feel that they should. However, more and more people are looking to put their own individual stamp on their big day. There are many unique wedding ideas that can be used that don’t throw away the old traditions completely. They just create a little twist on the traditional. It’s often these little touches that go a long way in making the day special.

Unique wedding ideas #1: DIY Cocktails – A Do It Yourself Cocktail Bar

A great icebreaker for the evening reception and a more creative alternative to simply handing out the customary glass of bubbly. Let your guests concoct their very own Bellinis or champagne cocktails! Now there’s a unique wedding idea!

Unique wedding ideas #2: Video Guest Book

A fantastic way of embracing technology. Instead of the traditional guest book for messages to be written to the newly weds, ask guests to record a video message instead. Video kiosks can be hired. The wedding photographer might be able to help – and if the worst came to the worst, an iPad and an external mic will suffice!

Unique wedding ideas #3: Hashtag the happy couple

Staying on the theme of images and technology, create an Instagram hashtag for all your guests to use during the day. Undoubtedly, they will take lots of snaps throughout the day – and with a hashtag you will be able to see them all!

 

Wedding Entertainment

 

Unique wedding ideas #3: Midnight Snack or Hangover Kits

Weddings are long days and by the end of the night people are likely to be flagging a bit. A midnight snack/goodie bag with tasty (and sugary) treats is a fantastic way of giving your guests a bit of a boost and to keep the party going.

On that note, inevitably, there will be some sore heads in the morning! A hangover-relief kit will be a welcome little gift that your guests will be eternally grateful for.

Unique wedding ideas #4: RSVPs with song requests

One tradition you are likely to keep is the RSVP. By asking guests to include a song request or two on their reply, you have a ready-made playlist of everybody’s favourite tunes. This should ensure that the dancefloor is always bouncing!

Unique wedding ideas #5: Live entertainment

Last but not least- how about some live entertainment?

The RSVP song request idea is a great one, but it’s no substitute for the real thing: a live band.

Live music can really add something special to a wedding day. It can be throughout the whole day or just at the evening reception. For a 1920s inspired wedding and for someone looking for 1920s band hire, The Jazz Spivs would be perfect. Silk Street has hundreds of acts in a range of styles that would be excellent entertainment for any wedding.

Just get in touch on 0800 756 5512 for some expert recommendations 

Booking your vintage wedding entertainment

Timeless and elegant, a vintage wedding is a go-to style for many wedding couples. Of course, you’ll need first class live entertainment to make the day complete. Here are some great suggestions for vintage wedding entertainment.

You could have a few homemade displays or some old suitcases and gramophones. You could even go for the whole Great Gatsby-themed extravaganza. However, there’s one thing which can cement your wedding as a vintage day to remember – the wedding entertainment. And, if there’s one thing we know a lot about, it’s vintage wedding entertainment.

Vintage wedding entertainment

Here are a few of our favourite bands best suited to a vintage wedding. They’re all available to hire through us now. Just take a look at their profiles for set lists, reviews and pricing.

Pilots of Rock n Roll
Best suited for: Evening wedding entertainment

Looking for some fine Rock and Roll for your wedding? Look no further. The Pilots of Rock n Roll provide a vintage 1950s sound. Your guests will be  jiving and twisting the night away.

The Retro Six
Best suited for: Evening wedding entertainment

One of the UK’s top vintage bands and with a ‘top drawer’ reputation, The Retro Six have quickly made a name for themselves at home and internationally. Tell your guests to get their dancing shoes on for an evening of swing-dance and lindy hop with the masters of swing.

The Shoo Wop Sisters
Best suited for: Reception or wedding breakfast entertainment

This group of girls will give your wedding that vintage sound with a nostalgic twist. Performing clever harmonic arrangements of songs from the golden age of the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s, right through to current chart hits with a vintage twist. With you and your guests dressed to the nines, it’s time to dazzle everyone in town and let the Februarys take you back in time.

If you’re, looking to book vintage entertainment, browse the Silk Street portfolio and get in touch today.

Christmas Corporate Event: Why not hold it in January?

The problem with Christmas Parties

Christmas corporate event, Christmas Party or The Christmas Do. It doesn’t matter what you want to call it – it’s a big deal. It’s a grand occasion and the one time in the year when everybody in the office can let their down. But is December the best time to hold your event? You’d think so (for obvious reasons). But maybe it isn’t… is a January Christmas Party the answer?

A January Christmas Party? 

Okay, it might seem a little strange to be celebrating Christmas all over again in January (or even February). The tinsel has come down and all the pine needles have been hoovered up. Christmas is the last thing on anybody’s mind in January.

But there are some good reasons why holding a January Christmas Party makes complete sense:

Everybody is busy in December

The preparation for Christmas can be a manic and stressful time for many people. It’s a hectic period for sure. There’s not just the buying of presents, food preparation and decorations to consider. People’s social schedules can be very busy too. It can seem impossible to fit everything in. The Christmas Party can easily become a distraction and one that people attend only out of obligation.

Everybody is a bit deflated in January

By contrast, everybody tends to feel a bit deflated post-Christmas. It’s very much an ‘After the show is over’ feeling. January is a dark, long month. It contains officially the most depressing day of the year – the third Monday of the month, ‘Blue Monday’.

If ever there was a month when people need their spirits lifting by a party, it’s January. This is why a January Christmas Party is such a good idea!

Holding an event in January makes good economic sense

The Christmas Party Season is big business for venues and caterers. Their diaries can fill very quickly in December and because they know they can charge a premium – they do. Friday and Saturday nights can be particularly pricey. January is a much quieter month for bookings. This means there are some great deals to be had, reduced costs for venue hire, catering and even entertainment.

A corporate event doesn’t have to be a Christmas event

Christmas is a time to look back on the year just gone and reflect. This is fine, of course. However, shifting the focus of the event to the New Year means that the message becomes about looking forward and having a great year ahead. 

Corporate Event Entertainment

No corporate event would be truly complete without entertainment. Silk Street Entertainment has years of experience of corporate parties. Silk Street Jazz and Silk Street Swing both have a proud pedigree of performing at corporate events.

The Jazz Spivs are our specialists in recreating the 1920s – an ideal theme for an event. But at Silk Street Entertainment we cater for all styles. Get in touch to see how we can help you with.

A Season Full of Parties at Silk Street

As we head into Autumn it’s time to give your party agenda some serious thought. There’s a plentiful supply of dates for your diary coming up. It’s certainly the best time of year for a themed-do and parties of any kind

Given that we boast the best events entertainers in the business, we thought it a good idea to prove to you event and party planners out there that we have an act to suit your every occasion:

Parties for every season

Halloween – 31st October 

First-up, one of our favourite holidays of the year and a time to get weird in name of good old fashioned, spooky fun. 

We’ve got a whole host of acts perfectly suited to a Halloween party, from mysterious magicians to cabaret to more. 

Oktoberfest – funnily enough, in October

If there’s one thing that’s for sure it’s that Germans know beer. They know how to make it, they know how to celebrate it and they definitely know how to drink it. 

If you’re thinking about hosting an Oktoberfest party, why not consider the amazing Herr Heinrich & The Eurobeats. The all-live Oompah show are capable of blasting out  traditional German Bierkeller music and English singalong numbers to get your audience in the party mood.

Herr Heinrich & The Eurobeats

Bonfire Night – 5th November

The king of outdoor events – Bonfire night is the night we all join together and celebrate a failed terrorist mission by Guy Fawkes, or something like that! Bonfire parties are a great opportunity for some of our roaming acts.

Christmas

Finally, as we keep warning you – Christmas will creep up on you in no time. We’ve had an influx of bookings for office parties the last few weeks and so we do advise you to get your entertainment booked in early. None suit the occasion more than the aptly named Festive Santas!

Perhaps your planning a winter or Christmas wedding? If so, we have a variety of professional acts perfectly suited to complete your special day. From party bands to caricaturists to string quartets, browse our portfolio and enquire today.

Of course themed acts are just a very small section of the amazing talent on Silk Street’s books. 

If you would like to discuss your corporate event, party or wedding further then please do get in touch – we would be happy to help.