FAQ's

How much does it cost to hire you?

Prices vary slightly based on the time of year, the location of your event, timings, and package options, but a standard ceremony starts from as little as £200. There is no charge for the time it takes to travel to the gig. 

So you know what you're doing then?

I do, I've played 100's of weddings over the years and am fully confident in how it works and I know exactly what goes on, when to start and stop playing during s ceremony, where the best place is to set up, what volume to play at, and I will discretely take care of ourselves on arrival whilst liaising with the venue staff and any wedding Co-odinator or registrar. 

 


Do you provide the sound system and lighting?

Yes, I have a fantastic PA system which can be adapted to suit almost any size room. For evening performances, stage lighting and state of the art backdrops are also provided. 

How long will you take to setup?

I need around 15/20 mins to set up. I can fit in the smallest of spaces and I have done many times, from churches to Vineyards and from fields to registry offices. 


The venue we have chosen has a sound limiter will this be an issue?

For a solo show, volume is easily contained but when the full band are booked please make Phil aware if there is a sound limiter before you confirm the booking so we can to look into the type of limiter and the decibel level. We've found many aggressive limiters over the years so we can then advise further the best options for you entertainment.


Do we need to book a DJ as well for our wedding?

It’s completely up to you. The service includes disco music including laptop background music before the live show and a party playlist during the break plus a pumping party disco after the show finishes and therefore most clients find that a DJ is not neccessary.
If you still feel you require a DJ, Phil will liase with them on the night for you. We can suggest some great DJs in order to make your night run as smoothly as possible.

What time do you arrive?

For daytime I like to arrive at least an hour before the ceremony so I can work out the logistics and be set in time. For evening arrival and set-up from 6pm onwards for evening parties. For Weddings, this means being ready to set up as soon as the wedding breakfast and speeches are finished.  If you require set up earlier in the day let me know

How is it best to time things? 

Every event is different but a wedding with a 6pm arrival and midnight finish with 2 x 60 minute sets we recommend the following: 

6pm – 7:30pm – Equipment load in, set up and sound check.
7pm – 8pm – Background music or guest arrival.
8pm - 8:10pm – Cutting the cake, first dance.
8:10pm – 9pm –  First set.

9pm - FOOD

9pm – 10:00pm – DJ party music during break.
10pm – 11:15pm – SET 2
11:15pm – midnight – DJ party music until end of the night.

PLEASE DO NOT BRING OUT EVENING FOOD WHEN THE BAND/ARTIST IS PEFORMING

Can we choose the set list?

You're welcome to send over a list of your favourite songs from the repertoire and Phil will will try to include as many of these in the set. Bear in mind that to keep everyone dancing it's always best to read and alter the set to suit the audience reaction.


What do we need to do to confirm our booking?

Booking is confirmed following the completion of a booking contract and the payment of a deposit. Deposit amounts vary based on the value of the booking, however it will be approximately 10% of the total fee. 

PLEASE NOTE: Your booking deposit is non-refundable. Please make sure you are happy with this before booking.
We require full paymentaround a week before the event as we would rather not be bothering you for money when you are trying to have a nice time. If you would like to pay cash on the day please settle this as early as possible as it tends to get more difficult to set as the night goes on.

Why should I book you?

Phil is without doubt one of the busiest and most experienced wedding and party entertainers in the UK. Having travelled all over the world, and played in every type of venue to all kinds of people, there is a wealth of experience paramount to your event, not to mention equipment and live sound of the highest quality. 

It is important to that we play something for everybody at your party. We understand that your event is special, and that you only get one chance to get it right. 

Are their any hidden fees such as VAT?

No, all fee's are included in the price.

Does the price quoted include travel costs and expenses?

Yes, all quotes include travel expenses.


Are there any other practical requirements we need to think about?

It is always a good idea to make sure there are electrical sockets available. One 13 amp socket is required, (independent i.e. NOT shared with catering, disco etc.) a space to park 1 van. Another factor to consider is access. If the room being used is upstairs or a long way from vehicle access we appreciate knowing this in advance. The same goes for open air functions. We will need to know in advance if it is a marquee and if there is good access for the vehicle (i.e. appropriate road tracking if the ground is wet).


The venue has asked the band we book to provide certificates of Public Liability Insurance and for equipment P.A.T testing, what are these and do you have them?

Yes we have certificates for Public Liability Insurance and Equipment P.A.T testing. These can be made available in advance to yourselves or the venue by email or we can bring them on the day. Public liability insurance covers claims made against us, if Phil is shown to be responsible for personal injuries to a third party or damage to property up to £10 million . All of our equipment is checked annually to make sure it is safe and in working order. All of our equipment is individual tagged with green safety stickers. As a member of the Musicians Union this comes as standard for Phil.

What is the band power requirement?

We usually request 1 double 13 amp supplies near to the stage area.  We use LED lighting which keeps our power consumption down and we run specialised equipment to keep noise interference down. 

As a rule, we draw approximately 16 amps with everything on and have only ever experienced any issues in events in marquees where the generator capacity has been too low.


How far will you travel to play at my wedding?

Phil is based in Exeter but has travelled around the country performing. Recent shows have been from the depths of Cornwall in Lands End up to Manchester.


Do you need feeding?

If a vegetarian meal is available that would be great. If not just let Phil know and he can bring something to eat. 

With private bookings, yes please.This would usually entail something hot to eat and the provision of soft drinks and water through the course of the engagement. Most of our clients simply allow us to pop to the buffet or arrange something from the venue. We don’t expect 3 course meals or wish to be an inconvenience and the main reason for requesting this provision is that once we are onsite with you we will not be able to leave for anything up to 12 hours.