Party entertainment
A party without music, is called a meeting!
If you want to have a successful party, finding the right entertainment is always the icing on the cake. Big Sand creates "wow factor" with a great sound to inspire your guest from the moment of arrival. This steel drum band has proven to be an attractive feature as entertainment for many different party themes.
Fete
Soiree
Toga party
Dinner party
Christmas party
Champagne reception
Birthday Party
If you are planning a special party at home or at an exclusive venue, you can easily arrange to hire the steel drum band as entertainment. The main concerns about space are resolved by the band offering 2 workable options and the sound levels are always fit for the purpose. Big Sand is one of the top steel bands in London and has a great relationship with the party entertainment sector. The band also has an extensive client base from Berkshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, Hampshire and many other counties. You can hire this steel drum band with confidence that you will receive a quality service to delight your guests. Steel band music is currently one of the most attractive features to have at a reception and works with most themes or party ideas. Throwing a party is great for your self esteem and PR; all you need is great music, champagne, great food and an attractive venue.
Cocktail parties are back in fashion and you can hire the steel band as light entertainment using 3 players for such events. Big Sand has tremendous experience in selecting the right repertoire for a Cocktail party. The combination of colourful cocktails and inspiring Caribbean calypso music is a recipe for a successful party.
Themed parties are great fun. Many clients have combined the steel drum band with unusual themes like a Toga Party. The concept of having a theme works because it creates extra excitement, especially at the start of the party. This is where Big Sand has been most effective as a catalyst to create an inspiring and energising atmosphere. Having said that, some clients have hired the steel band with the intention of creating a softer and more relaxed reception. This has been the case at many Bar mitzvah celebrations and pre dinner receptions at smaller black tie parties. Big Sand's clients are now more aware that the steel band sound will always be kept at the right level to suit the event. One of our regular clients always uses the 5 piece steel band, even for his recent Christening party with 30 guests. The band performed in pianissimo and delivered a rich Caribbean Calypso sound on the steel drums whilst they enjoyed Champagne and colourful canapes.
Celebrity party entertainment is a significant part of Big Sand's business. The steel band has entertained Sol Campbell, Emma Bunton and Ainsley Harriet at recent parties. Emma Bunton heard the band at 2 different events in August and the band also entertained David Cameron last year. When you hire the steel band, it will soon become evident why this band has been chosen by many important clients. You will hear a quality sound right from the start and enjoy real Caribbean steel band music. The BBC Cricket theme tune is amongst the most requested at parties as it energises the room within seconds of the signature rhythm being played. Last year, most bookings were from clients planning their 30th, 40th and 50th birthday party. These were closely followed by 21st birthday parties. If you are celebrating a special birthday with a group of friends enjoying Cristal champagne, with a selection of luxury canapes, by a pool overlooking a magnificent view of the sunset, the missing jigsaw piece has to be the inspiring sound of a real Caribbean steel drum band. It is an affordable luxury which defines a champagne reception. This is the main reason why some clients hire the band for more than one party each year.
Big Sand's clients enjoy live music entertainment and have booked the band from all over the UK. London, Oxfordshire and Hertfordshire have been the most busiest areas and the band will travel as required to entertain you.
Below, you will find information about the service and free help with party planning, plus tips and ideas. You can follow us on Twitter @bigsands and see the network of companies that rely on our service for important events.
Big Sand is one of the most experienced party bands for hire in London based on the number of events covered and the current demand for the band. This steel drum band will entertain your guests with a repertoire that includes many popular favourites like Feeling Hot Hot Hot, Island In The Sun, Brown Girl In The Ring and many more. There is a growing trend emerging where calypso rhythm is surpassing the more predictable disco beat as the popular choice for party entertainment. This could simply be influenced by the vast number of tourists that visit the Caribbean and enjoy steel bands playing lively calypso. Or, it could simply be that more people like dancing to calypso music with steel bands. In any event, your guests are likely to appreciate your choice of live music for the party if you book an experienced band with quality.
As a party band, Big Sand has been featured in Tatler magazine as a supplier of party entertainment in London. You can also see the band in the special Christmas party feature in Vogue. If you are planning a lavish party and really want to hire a band to impress your guests, Big Sand's experience as a party band will prove invaluable.
To book the steel band, you can send an email requesting the band as party entertainment and include the date and location. There is also a simple enquiry form on the contact page to help you include the most relevant information. Clients can hire 3 or 5 steel drum players. There are MP3 samples to assist you with this decision. Clients seeking entertainment for a party in or around London can hire the steel band at very short notice.
The 3 piece steel band has proven to be excellent party entertainment where the space available is limited. The option of adding a drum kit and congas creates a more vibrant and dynamic party sound and is highly recommended. Full details and experienced advice is given to each client to ensure that the steel band is optimised for the perfect party entertainment.
Entertainment is an art and every person that hosts a party is judged by their guests. From compiling your shortlist of party entertainment ideas through to selecting the most chic venue, the entire process needs careful thought and execution. With some imagination, you can easily create an enjoyable party without spending too much money. This can be done by having an awareness of what your guests would really appreciate. If money is not a concern, then you can significantly raise the standard by hiring the best venue or choosing to stage the event at a location where it has never been done before. This creates wow-factor or OMG as everyone arrives and are amazed by concept that you have managed to deliver. Guests enjoy variety at a party as this keeps them stimulated and maintains the excitement levels. This means that it would be a great idea to have more than one highlight for the event. Food is also fundamental. The idea of having only champagne and no canapes, is never appreciated at a party. Depending on the theme and the scale of the event, the most successful idea is to have a steady flow of things to eat, to drink and to see. These components will guarantee that the first phase of the party is a success. After this, you will feel the excitement, energy and desire for real entertainment.
Party planning advice is important if you want guarantee a successful event. There are many great sites with party ideas and planning tips and here Big Sand offers general advice based on hundreds of events that the band has covered. First, if you cannot find the right party band in your local area, it is easy to arrange for another band to perform at your event as most bands are happy to travel and tour. The same applies if your party is in another country. After all, why settle for second best? Quality matters and having a service provider that gives a guarantee with years of party entertainment experience, will certainly help. Again, if money is not an issue, then it is always worth spending extra to secure the best food, drink and entertainment for your guests. If you are seeking a party idea, it is always good to think outside the box. Have a look at what party entertainment or theme you really like and see how you can repackage it as an entirely new idea. You can also combine 2 party themes. If you are planning a Caribbean/Hawaiian party, the Pirate theme is very popular and the combination of colourful steel band and swashbuckling pirates has been very successful. Whichever party theme you choose, it is important to create wow-factor right from the start. After a jubilant reception, your guests will then expect a crescendo of entertainment and excitement. If you are planning your first big party and really want to make an impression on your guests, then find a really chic venue. Most of your guest would have seen your house, so unless you are going to get a designer and transform everything, then hire a venue and they can do all the preparation and clearing up. If you manage to book your favourite band, do not have them performing continuously for the entire party. Choose the most effective timing and then treat your guests to another surprise. When planning the other components for your party, seeking help is always a good option. One of the key reasons is to prevent you from looking tired on the day. Everyone wants to see the party host looking stunningly attractive like the first day of spring. Finally, you must have a checklist. Forgetting ice, is unforgivable. There are many other small items that are essential and ensure that the party flows seamlessly. The list should also remind you to do final checks before the first guests arrive.
Choosing a date for your party is equally important. Many people plan their party long in advance which allows sufficient time to secure the best live bands, caterers and other service providers. More impulsive clients, try to hire a band and other services just weeks before. Saturday is traditionally the best day to have a party, and the best advice is always to hire a band as soon as you set the date. If the band or venue that you really want is already booked, then you may wish to consider changing the day, rather than finding another band or venue. For example, if you had envisaged having your party at the sky lounge of a tall building overlooking the city, with steel band music, Champagne and the finest canapes, why change the venue when you can easily change your date? Having a party at midweek is a great idea as it punctuates the week plus, there is a good chance that the band and venue will be available for hire. In the summer, there are some key dates that everyone wants to have their party; the first Saturday in July is a good example. You can easily avoid the headache of having to make numerous phone calls and emails to hire a band or venue, simply by planning ahead, avoiding key dates or selecting a weekday. Some of the best parties are held on a Sunday at lunchtime.
A steel drum band is perfect for many different types of parties and entertainment organisers will frequently hire this steel band for bespoke events. The inspiring steel band sound has proven to be an excellent alternative to Jazz standards or classical music. Nowadays, you will find that there are many brilliant steel drum players who also understand the requirements for delivering quality services at important events. The standard of presentation and musicianship has risen significantly and at the top of this sector you will experience fluent Caribbean music when you hire a steel band.
In addition to the parties listed above, here are some party themes that you may consider in combination with a steel band as entertainment: Surprise Party, Teen Birthday Party, Halloween Party, Valentines Party, Christening Party, Graduation Party, Engagement Party, Bachelorette Party, Pool Party, House Warming Party, Sales Promotion Party, Backstage Party and a Wine Tasting Party. If you can think of any others, please send an email and let us know.
Celebrities have also hired the band at a number of Champagne receptions; the largest was at the Ramada Hotel, Kent, for Lashings Summer Ball. The smallest private event was for 9 guests at a dinner party, the client chose to hire 3 steel drum players after hearing the band at a wedding. This format creates an excellent musical balance and is always served at the right level to create the perfect ambience.
FAQ
1. Are all the players in the steel drum band from the Caribbean?
Yes, the steel band members are some of the top players in this sector and come from Trinidad, St. Vincent and Jamaica.
2. Are there any special requirements?
The service is designed so that clients have the least amount to worry about. It is very rare that there are any special requirements.
3. Will the band show up?
Big Sand has an impeccable record and will always attend. Contractual arrangements also guarantee the band's attendance.
4. What music will the steel band play?
A sample of the repertoire is available and Big Sand has experience of knowing what music has worked successfully at similar events.