How far in advance should we book?
As soon as you know your date, really. Popular dates (weekends, especially in summer) can book up 12+ months ahead, but we've also pulled off cracking gigs with just a few weeks' notice if we're free. The earlier you lock it in, the more choice you'll have.
How much do you charge?
You can use the instant quote button on this page to get a price straight away — your fee will appear on screen, and you'll also get a follow-up email confirming it. If we're available and you're happy with the price, get back in touch with the Hireaband team to secure the date. It's very much first come, first served, so if we're available, don't hesitate.
What's your payment and cancellation policy?
Hireaband will ask for a reservation fee to secure your date, with the remaining balance due before the event (your booking confirmation will have exact dates and amounts). If you need to cancel or postpone, get in touch as early as possible — the closer to the date, the harder it is for Hireaband to fill the slot, so the cancellation terms reflect that. Full details are in your booking agreement, but the Hireaband team are always happy to talk through the specifics.
What if any timings change after booking you?
No problem at all. We know that timings and details aren't always set in stone at the booking stage, and plans have a habit of evolving as your big day gets closer. We're happy to be flexible around changes to your schedule, and if you decide further down the line that you'd like to add on any extra services, just get in touch with the Hireaband team and they'll sort it out for you.
What should we expect if we've never booked a live band before?
Totally understandable if this all feels a bit new! Booking a band is a big part of your day, so we're here to make it as straightforward as possible. We've performed at countless weddings and events, and the Hireaband team will guide you through every step, from your initial enquiry right through to the big day itself. If you're ever unsure about anything, just ask — that's what we're here for.
Can we see you perform live before booking?
We don't always have public gigs to invite you to (weddings tend to be private!), but we're always happy to jump on a call and talk you through what to expect. A public performance will often be posted on this page too, so it's worth checking back — and if we do have one coming up, we'll gladly send details your way.
How much contact will we have with the band before the wedding?
Hireaband will put you in direct touch with us around 3 months before your date, so you can go through all the finer details together — song choices, timings, any special requests and so on. In the meantime, the Hireaband team are always on hand to answer any questions you have, so you're never left waiting.
How many songs will the band learn especially for me?
We're happy to learn your first dance or a special request. Other songs depend on the time frame given and what the songs are. We're always keen to learn new things, so do let us know and we'll try to accommodate as best we can for you.
Can we choose our own setlist?
Yes, within reason. We have a core set of crowd-pleasers that we know works brilliantly, and we're experts at reading a room and picking the right songs on the night to keep everyone dancing. We're also always happy to tweak the setlist based on your taste — send us a few "must plays" and a few "please avoids" and we'll build the night around them. Just bear in mind that learning brand new songs from scratch (aside from your first dance) depends on notice — see above!
Will you be able to do my first dance?
Given enough notice, yes. It takes a while for us to rehearse a song to the high standards that we set ourselves. If you can give us at least 8 weeks' notice, that should be fine. The song also has to be suitable for a band. If we can't do it justice, then we can put it on an iPod and go seamlessly into our set at the end of it.
How much space does the band need?
This will vary depending on the size of the band and the setup on the night, but we've performed at a huge variety of venues and can comfortably fit into most spaces that have hosted a live band before. If your venue has anything a little unusual about it, we can usually find a way to make it work, so just get in touch if you're not sure and we'll be happy to advise.
What kind of music do we play?
We blend traditional Celtic bagpipe music with modern pop and rock, taking audiences on a journey from Celtic classics through to contemporary dance and rock hits. Expect everything from jigs and reels to Thunderstruck, Galway Girl and Whiskey In The Jar, all given our distinctive bagpipe-driven twist.
What is our line-up and look?
We perform as a 6-piece band built around bagpipes, keyboards, drums and guitars. Our look is just as distinctive as our sound, blending traditional Celtic dress with a Gothic edge for a striking visual show alongside the music.
Are we experienced with corporate events and big stages?
Very much so - we've performed at BB King's Club on Broadway, New York's Tartan Day festival, the Isle of Wight Festival, and a gala dinner for the Royal College of General Practitioners at The Royal Hall in Harrogate. We're just as at home on a corporate stage as we are at a Highland gathering or wedding.
Are we suitable for a Scottish or Highland-themed event?
Absolutely - alongside our pop and rock repertoire, we play traditional jigs, reels and Scottish and Irish favourites including Amazing Grace, Highland Cathedral and Gay Gordons, making us a great fit for a Burns Night, Highland gathering or Scottish-themed wedding as well as a modern party.
How long do you take to set up?
We ask for around an hour to set up and check everything is working, but if it needs to be shorter, just let us know and we'll always accommodate as best we can.
How far will you travel?
We regularly perform all over the country, so distance really is no object, but we will require an additional fee for travel and may need bed and breakfast arranged for us. Any price you receive already includes travel costs, so there won't be any surprise extras on top.
Will we need to feed you?
It depends on timings, but generally some hot food would be hugely appreciated. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. Normally a catering company will provide a 'crew meal' as part of their package, or we're happy to have evening food that's already available.
What do you wear?
We tend to be 'smart casual' as in our pictures and video. However, we can be smarter or more casual depending on your event and requirements.
How long do you perform for?
As standard, we provide 2 x 1hr or 3 x 40 minute sets as required on the night, up until midnight. We can play past midnight, but it can incur an additional fee. We are flexible though and will always try to accommodate your requirements. We can also add an additional 1hr set for a small fee!
Do you take breaks, and what happens to the music then?
Yes, we'll take short breaks between sets to grab a drink and catch our breath! During these breaks we'll have background music playing through our own PA system, so there's never a dead moment on the dancefloor. Just let us know if you have a particular playlist or Spotify account you'd like us to use.
Will the band provide a DJ service?
Yes, as standard we provide a playlist DJ service whenever we're not performing — so between sets and after our last set, right up until midnight (or your curfew if earlier). These are tried-and-tested playlists that we've refined over countless events, but you're also welcome to send us your own playlist to play instead. If you'd like a bit more than that, we offer an upgrade to a manned DJ service, where a band member stays on hand throughout to look after the music and take requests on the night.
Can you arrive earlier and finish later?
Our standard on-site time runs from 6pm to midnight, but we're happy to be flexible around your schedule. Whether you need us there earlier for an afternoon slot or performing later into the night, just let us know your requirements and we'll do our best to accommodate — additional fees may apply for extended hours.
Do you offer any optional extras?
Yes! On top of our standard package, we can offer a range of optional extras for an additional fee — things like extra performance sets, a manned DJ service, acoustic sets for your ceremony or drinks reception, and more. Just let us know what you have in mind and we'll see what we can put together for your day.
Do you provide all your own equipment?
Yes, all we need is a clear area in which to set up and a power supply.
Are you insured and PAT tested?
Yes to both. We carry full public liability insurance, and all our equipment is PAT tested annually. Hireaband will send your venue any certification that's required.
Can you work with sound limiters?
Yes. We don't 'love' them, but we absolutely can work within them.
What happens if one of the band is ill on the day of my event?
We have a network of fellow musicians that we can call on to stand in on the rare occasion one of the band is ill. On top of that, Hireaband is the UK's biggest entertainment agency and has access to dozens of wedding bands in your area even at the very last minute. However, we've never missed a gig yet.
