Hire Musicians in London

What musicians we book in London

We place solo performers, pairs, small ensembles and full live bands at events across London. The roster includes pianists, guitarists, violinists, saxophonists, singers, harpists, acoustic duos, string quartets, jazz combos, function bands and tribute acts. We also work with artists who play less common instruments: oud players, classical violinists trained in conservatory settings, and experienced session musicians who have played in London's West End theatres and recording studios. Most musicians are London-based and available for same-day setup. Some travel from across the UK for weekend events and weddings.

The most common hire is a solo acoustic guitarist or pianist for background music during dinner or reception. The second is a duo (vocalist and guitarist, or similar) for 90 minutes of set performance. Third is a live band for a full evening. We also book string musicians for classical pre-ceremony music at weddings, and jazz players for corporate receptions.

How to hire a musician step by step

Start by telling us four things: the event date, the venue type or address, the number of guests, and the style of music you want to hear. You can give a budget if you have one, but it is not required to get started. Send this through the contact form at https://bella-entertainment.co.uk/contact-us/ or by email to [email protected].

We will reply within 48 hours with video links to three to five musicians or bands who fit your brief. Watch the videos and pick the ones you like. We will confirm availability and send a formal quote with the set length, performance time, technical requirements and cancellation terms.

Once you approve the quote and pay a deposit (usually 30 to 50 percent of the fee), the booking is locked. We will send you the musician's contact details and technical rider two to three weeks before the event. You share the rider with your venue. On the day, the artist arrives 30 to 60 minutes early to soundcheck and setup. Performance runs as agreed. Payment of the balance is due at the end.

Musician fees and what affects price

Fees vary widely depending on experience, genre, set length and travel distance. As a guide:

These are guide ranges for London and the South East. Fees increase if the event is outside the M25 (travel time and mileage). They also increase for bank holidays, Friday and Saturday evenings, and if the artist has release or recording income (for example, a tribute to a famous artist, or a signed recording artist). A solo pianist at a weekday lunchtime reception costs less than the same pianist at a Saturday evening wedding. Custom or celebrity bookings are priced on request.

What venues and events we work with

We book musicians for hotel ballrooms in Mayfair, Park Lane and Knightsbridge, City livery halls, warehouse and gallery spaces in East London and Shoreditch, country houses and estates in the Cotswolds and Surrey, marquee weddings, Thames river boats, intimate restaurants, pubs with function rooms, and private homes across London and beyond.

For corporate events, we place musicians at Christmas parties, gala dinners, product launches, awards ceremonies, client entertainment and office celebrations. For weddings, we supply background music during arrival and dinner, or set performances during the reception. For private parties, we book solo performers for house parties, milestone birthdays, anniversaries and small gatherings. We also work with venues in Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool and other UK cities on a tour or destination event basis.

Technical needs and setup

A solo acoustic guitarist or pianist needs a power socket within three metres of the performance area and a clear, level space roughly two metres by one metre. No PA system needed unless the venue is very large or outdoors.

An acoustic duo or larger ensemble will need a PA system (small powered speakers are fine for 50 to 100 guests; larger venues need proper hire). The rider will specify the number of microphone channels, whether drums or keyboard amp are needed, and whether lighting is required.

For outdoor events and marquees, we plan for weather protection (canopy, cover for equipment) and a generator if the venue has no mains power. Noise limits vary by venue and local authority. Hotels in central London often have midnight or 1am hard curfews. Country house venues may allow later finish times. Warehouse and licensed music venues often run until 2am or later. Check your venue's noise level and curfew policy before confirming the booking.

We will provide or recommend PA hire if you do not have one. Your venue coordinator or wedding planner should review the technical rider as soon as you receive it to confirm the setup is feasible and to arrange any kit hire.

Insurance, risk and venue requirements

Most venues ask for Public Liability Insurance (PLI) from the performer or the booking agency. Bella Entertainment holds PLI cover. We will provide a certificate of insurance on request. If you are the venue or organiser, your own public liability policy should cover live performance by third-party entertainers, but check the terms with your insurer or broker.

Some venues, especially those with music and public dancing licences or larger capacities, ask for a risk assessment or safety plan. This is usually a simple one-page document covering setup method, electrical safety, emergency procedures and crowd management. We can help provide this based on the artist's technical needs.

Hotels and corporate venues may have additional requirements: background checks for certain staff, arrival time windows, parking details, or restrictions on external hire. Tell us these constraints when you first brief us so we can flag any issues early.

Booking timeline and deposit

Popular artists and live bands book between six and twelve weeks ahead, especially for Fridays and Saturdays in spring and summer. Solo acoustic musicians can often be placed with two to four weeks notice. Off-peak events (Tuesday to Thursday, winter months, or lunchtime) can sometimes be booked within one week.

Once you approve a quote, a deposit of 30 to 50 percent of the total fee is payable to confirm. This is non-refundable if you cancel more than four weeks before the event. If you cancel within four weeks, the full fee is due. The balance is payable on the day or within seven days of the event, depending on the terms agreed.

We can also arrange corporate entertainment packages that include multiple acts or a full evening's programme. See our London corporate entertainment page for more information. For weddings with additional entertainment, we book dancers and performers in London alongside the musicians.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose between a solo musician and a band?

A solo musician (acoustic guitarist, pianist or singer) is ideal for background music during dinner or arrival. Cost is lower, setup is simple and the sound fits small to medium venues. A band gives more energy and fills larger spaces well. A duo sits between the two. If you want guests to listen and engage with the performance, choose a band or duo. If you want soft background sound that does not interrupt conversation, pick a solo performer.

Can you book musicians outside London?

Yes. We place musicians across the UK. Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol, Leeds and Liverpool all have active rosters. For events in the Cotswolds, Lake District or rural venues, we factor in travel time and may add a mileage fee. Confirm your venue town or postcode and we will let you know if the artist travels and what additional cost applies.

What if we hire a band but need a shorter set?

Most live bands have a standard set length of four to five hours, including setup and a break. You can book a shorter performance (two to three hours) at a reduced rate. Tell us how long you want the music to run and we will adjust the quote. Minimum set length is usually one to two hours depending on the band's preference.

Do musicians provide their own sound equipment?

Solo acoustic musicians typically bring only their instrument. Duos often carry a portable PA and microphones. Larger bands need proper PA hire. If you do not have sound equipment, tell us and we will either recommend a hire company or arrange it for you. Small venues like restaurants or intimate private homes rarely need more than a portable speaker and a microphone. Larger events and outdoor spaces require professional hire.

What happens if the musician cancels?

We maintain a backup roster and will find a replacement at the same or equivalent level if an artist cancels. Cancellations are rare. If a replacement is not possible, we will refund your full deposit and fee. Your contract with us will set out the cancellation and liability terms.

How much notice do you need to hire a famous or tribute band?

Tribute acts and well-known regional artists book two to six months ahead. If you have a specific band in mind, contact us as soon as you know your event date and we will check availability. Some acts release their calendar three to six months in advance. We can also suggest alternative bands in a similar style if your first choice is not free.

Get a quote

Send us the event date, venue address or type, guest count and music style through the contact form or email [email protected]. We will reply with video links and a quote within 48 hours. Our office is at 28 Graham Avenue, Mitcham CR4 2HG, London.