Below is a list of information which answers many frequently-asked questions with regards to booking the band.

5-Piece [option 1]:
5-Piece [option 2]:
6-Piece [option 1]:
6-Piece [option 2]:
6-Piece [option 3]:
7-Piece [option 1]:
7-Piece [option 2]:
7-Piece [option 3]:
8-Piece:
9-Piece [option 1]:
9-Piece [option 2]:
10-Piece:
Larger than 10 Piece:

Performance Requirements:

BackBeat Village can perform with or without staging, indoors or outdoors. If we are to perform on a stage, this is a guide to the minimum stage area we would require:

5/6 Piece Band: 16ft by 10ft
7/8 Piece Band: 18ft by 12ft
9/10 Piece Band: 21ft by 12ft

We would require a (free) supply of soft beverage or water throughout the duration of the event. The provision of food is required as is provided to the guests, or an alternative substantial meal.

Car parking should be made available, preferably near the entrance of the gig for ease of unloading equipment. Any parking costs incurred would need to be reimbursed in cash in addition to the band's fee.

Playing Times:

It is normal for the band to perform a total of 2 hours of live music finishing by midnight, either as 2 sets of 1 hour with a break or 3 shorter sets with 2 breaks. It is possible to increase playing / finishing times slightly but this would involve an extra charge. We are happy to leave CDs playing through our PA system whilst we pack up after the band's performance; usually this allows an additional 30 minutes of CDs before we reach the stage of packing-up that involves switching off the main PA.

CDs Between Sets:

The band always comes equipped with a CD player for playing music before, after and between the sets if required. We also bring a selection of CDs but would recommend that our clients bring their own compilations should they have particular preferences as to the music that is played.

Venues:

BackBeat Village has performed at a wide variety of venues from pubs & village halls to large country estates, theatres, halls, hotel function rooms and aircraft hangers. We are also happy to perform in marquees or outdoors if the weather allows it.

PA / Lighting:

We provide our own high quality professional PA system and lighting rig which is more than suitable for the majority of venues (please see the Equipment page). PA and lighting costs are included in any quote for the band.

Setting Up / Sound-Checking:

It is essential that we have sufficient time to set up and sound-check, and depending on the size of the band this can take up to 3 hours. It is highly recommended that the PA and lighting would be set up and sound-checked before the arrival of guests. If there are any stairs at the venue which would affect our 'get-in' it is important that we know about this in advance as some of our equipment is very heavy.

Technical Information / Health & Safety:

All of our equipment is PAT Tested every year to Standard Health and Safety Regulations (http://www.pat-testing.info/) and we endeavour to lay out all electrical equipment and instruments as neatly and safely as possible. We require at least three electrical sockets and we provide our own extension leads. If power is to be provided by a generator, it is the responsibility of the client / venue to ensure that it is of sufficient rating (and has sufficient cables and adaptors) to power the band safely without the risk of overload. The full band with all PA and lighting involves a power consumption of approximately 8000W (which can be safely provided by 3 standard mains wall sockets).

Sound Limiters:

Sound limiters can be troublesome, but we have worked with these often and provided that the venue has them set up correctly they should not be a problem. It is useful however that we would be warned in advance if the venue is fitted with a sound limiter.

Song Requests:

Our clients are welcome to make as many requests as they wish (in advance) from our current set list, and we will endeavour to accommodate as many of these as possible. Certain songs specifically require male or female vocals, so depending on the line-up of the band, a few songs on the list may be unsuitable.

We accept first dance requests regardless of whether or not the song you would like is on our set list already, but we require at least 6 weeks notice in order to prepare it.

Viewing the Band Before Booking:

We are often asked if it is possible to see the band perform live before a booking is made, and unfortunately as all of our gigs are private functions this is difficult to arrange - however, we have a selection of live recordings and video clips on our Audio page.

Contracts & Booking:

Bookings are confirmed by receipt of a 10% deposit and a signed Musicians Union Band Hire Agreement stating full details of the event. Remaining payment is normally required two weeks before the gig (by bank transfer or cheque) or as cash, paid at the start of the gig. Musician’s Union booking agreements comply with up to date industry standards.

Prices:

We aim to keep our prices competitive, although factors such as travel distance (from London) and arrival / finish times will affect our fees. Please submit an enquiry form via our Contact page and we would be happy to provide a price quote.

Cancellation:

In the event of cancellation (by you, the hirer), the 10% deposit would be non-refundable. If we receive another booking for the date in question that involves all the musicians that had been booked, we would not ask for any cancellation fee. If we receive a booking for a smaller ensemble, we may require a cancellation fee for the musicians not involved in the new booking. If you cancel a year or more in advance of the event, we would not ask for a cancellation fee. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss this matter in greater detail.

Can the band cancel?

No. The contract which would be signed by us as well as you is a legally-binding document that guarantees that we will provide what you have booked. If a musician is taken ill, or pulls out for another reason such as a family emergency, we will hire a suitable replacement so that the performance can go ahead unaffected. Any additional costs for this would be covered by us.

After Booking:

Once a booking is confirmed we will keep in touch leading up to the event and make contact whenever necessary if details need to be checked or discussed.