New Year’s Eve is fast approaching!

New Year’s Eve – a great excuse for you to invite the friends and family around, indulge in some more drinks and snacks, and celebrate a fresh start. Don’t worry if you haven’t sorted out any entertainment for the evening yet, there is still time to book and there are plenty of interesting acts for you. Take a look at our top 10 last minute ideas for your New Year’s Eve entertainment.

1. Magicians

Hire a Magician, another great ice-breaker for large events, but also very versatile and can perform at much smaller events for New Year’s Eve. Magic might look amazing on television, but there is nothing like seeing live magic being performed right in front of your eyes. Close-up magic is great to get guests actively involved and keep them amused during the quieter times of your event.

2. Pianists

Of course, New Year’s Eve events can be very classy, requiring some sophisticated entertainment. A Pianist is a really good option if that’s the type of event you have in mind this year. Most pianists are happy to discuss set lists with you in order to create the type of show you are after. Live music adds that extra spark to any event, especially New Year’s Eve when your guests are expecting to see the year out with a bang.

3. Rat Pack Singers

Rat Pack singers cover all the greats, from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Tony Bennet, to more modern music from Michael Buble. This is a great entertainment option if you want to entertain all ages for New Year’s Eve, and Rat Pack singers can be hired as solo acts or with a band.

4. String Quartets

Another classical option for your New Year’s event, but still able to adapt to your theme! String quartets are a good option if you are on a tight budget but want that big band effect. Most quartet groups have options for trio, duo, or solo performances too, so it’s always worth asking for other options. Some quartets even boast electric instruments which can make the show even more impressive.

5. Vintage Singers

If you fancy a singer but you are looking for something a little bit different for your spectacular New Year’s Eve event, look no further. A vintage singer could be the right act for you! Vintage acts can perform traditional vintage songs, wartime songs, or more modern songs in a vintage jazzy style – it’s entirely up to you! Most vintage acts will also have a range of themed costumes available to wear if you are going for a full-on themed party.

There are plenty of party entertainment options for New Year’s Eve that you may not have already thought of. Just remember to book quick as time is running out!

How to plan the perfect party

When planning a party, it is crucial that you choose a venue that is easily accessible. By choosing a good venue, you will greatly decrease the amount of time and effort it takes you to dress it up. Whether you are planning a Bar Mitzvah, Christmas party, wedding, corporate event there are plenty of interesting venues to choose from.

To show your guests how much you appreciate them coming to your event, greet them with a drink. This gives you a chance to welcome them, set a positive vibe, and get your guests in the mood to party.

When booking your venue, it is important to get a confirmation of the number of bar staff that will be included. You will need to be certain there is an adequate number of bar staff to ensure a fast turnaround of drinks at the bar. Otherwise, your guests will spend most of their night standing around waiting for a drink.

It’s a good idea to book a venue where the bar is in the same room as your party. If not, your dance floor will rarely be more than half full. If the bar is in an entirely different room, people will end up congregating there to talk.

To encourage mingling, start the party off with some exciting party entertainment. This is a particularly good time to break the ice in those awkward moments when you have only just met other guests and family for the first time. Red Masque directory has something completely unexpected, such as a magician, fortune teller, celebrity lookalikes, or a caricaturist. Guests will be drawn together to discuss what is going on, which will get them interacting with each other.

If you choose a caricaturist, it also creates the opportunity to send your guests home with a truly unique party favour.

You can’t go wrong by hiring a live band. While it’s true that most guests are content with a party DJ, anyone who has ever attended a party with a live band will tell you that it made the night so much better. In fact, it is not unusual for guests or even the person the party is honouring to admit that a live band is what made the night truly unforgettable.

After all, live party bands will get your guests excited and pumped up. While not everyone likes to dance, even the most ardent anti dancer won’t be able to stop themselves when a great live band is performing classic and modern party songs.

This is your party, so you need to be right in the middle of your guests having just as much fun as they are. Don’t spend the night running around trying to organise everything. If you are having a good time, everybody else will too. If you are having a miserable, stressful night, expect that vibe to rub off on your guests.

Hire the best Wedding Bands

It’s important you consider the venue of your wedding reception when sourcing for the best band. Make sure you choose from a good entertainment directory such as Red Masque who advertises entertainment at weddings right from the venue of your wedding reception. Once you have chosen you are free to ask as many questions as you like and tailor make your wedding your way. A good point to remember is; you can easily make the right choice by asking proper questions.

Wedding bands are highly required to make wedding receptions very lively. If you’re thinking of making your oncoming wedding event memorable; you really need to source for the best Wedding bands. You need to engage a reliable entertainment directory that offers quality entertainment at wedding events. You don’t need to crack your brain just to locate the right band. You simply need a little time to make the right choice. Red Masque has a high calibre of entertainment for corporate events, weddings and parties you will be guaranteed to find something that suits.

If you wanted to hire some reliable wedding planners, we are sure you will be able to locate some great organisers through our directory

When searching for quality however, we can assure you that we have vetted all of our entertainment and have had trusted reviews from each and every one. Of course you can easily find what you are looking for online but do they come highly acclaimed and are they from a trusted entertainment directory?

In any case, if you succeed in locating the best wedding bands, you can take another step by getting in touch with them. You can send emails or call them on phone. You can speak with the managers or the artists themselves. You need to ask them several questions before you make the right choice. You have to ask about their charges, style of music, duration, expertise and so on. You can easily pick the best from the responses you’ll get at the end.

In all, take your time when sourcing for Wedding music. You need to start looking for the right agency like Red Masque ahead of time. You really need to pick the best band that will make your wedding glorious. You’ll succeed if you choose the right directory in the first place – which by the way is Red Masque directory.

Trust that we only advertise the best

It’s never an easy thing to organize an event no matter how small the size. The event may be a wedding reception, concert, corporate meeting, fundraising and the like. You need to entertain the guests if you really want to make them happy at the event. You can’t do it all alone. You need to engage the services of an entertainment directory such as Red Masque.

You can be sure of proper accountability when you engage a reliable entertainment directory. Red Masque will give you accurate details online regarding the entertainment aspect of the event.

There are reasons for engaging an entertainment directory. In the first place, you may not have time to make the right choice when hiring a band or a DJ. We at Red Masque entertainment agency will have the perfect choice for you on our website. We can link you up with the best bands in town. You are sure to find a reliable DJ that can handle your event.

Often at times, some entertainment agencies offer band and DJ services. They do have artists who specialize in different areas of music. Such an agency can offer DJ and band services at affordable price. They also have MC’s that can make people happy at events. All you need is to get in touch with the right agency like Red Masque that can tailor make your special event.

Professionalism is our game and trusted services when you engage with us. Your guests will be thoroughly satisfied with the acts you have chosen. You don’t need to suffer sleepless night once you have one of Red Masques acts at your event or party.

Indeed, there’s a lot to gain when you hire from a reputable entertainment directory. You don’t have to be in a hurry when searching for the very best event entertainment. Now that you have found us we will guarantee that you will not book from anywhere else. Once you have chosen your entertainment you are able to contact direct. You are able to ask the officials some questions, and get it right first time.

Helping you make the right choice

Red Masque will help you filter available options. You can get several options when thinking of hiring bands, singers, musicians, comedians and other artists. You may be confused especially when you don’t know any of the artists in person. You can save yourself the trouble by ensuring that Red Masque only advertises the very best and whatever choice you make will always be the right on

An entertainment directory is known for offering unique services at wedding receptions, meetings, corporate events and other special gatherings. We at Red Masque have artists who may be musicians, comedians, and singers and so on. They can thrill your guests at any event. There’s a lot to gain from us. Here are some of the benefits:

We advertise artists which we think are exactly what you want. You are able to contact various artists of your choosing and meet if you so wish to choose suitable music or songs for your event.
You can save enough time and energy when you engage a good party entertainment directory. In most cases, we have taken care of the brain work you would have carried out, and have the best unique and highly acclaimed artists in the business.
With a reliable entertainment directory, you can get suitable price for hiring a band. You can also get the right price for other artists you may want to hire.

To locate us, you have to come online; which is the first step. There are lots of agencies offering unique services on the internet, but you need to consider some factors when looking for the right agency. You have to compare several agencies before making your choice. When you book one of our advertised artists you are able to arrange a private interview to help you make the right choice.

Make 2016 a year to remember

2015 has seen Red Masque entertainment directory – bringing party entertainment to events all over London and beyond. We’ve also seen some of our former acts go on to big things.

As an agency bursting at the seams with talent, here we look at just a couple of our recently added acts to look out for in 2016.

Male and Female singers stormed onto the Red Masque Entertainment directory in late 2014 and are picking up great feedback wherever they go! The boys and girls have put everything in their set lists to make sure that everyone’s musical tastes are pampered to.

Many people believe that Rock’n’Roll will never die and here at Red Masque, we tend to agree. So when our 60’s bands are hired out, it makes us Rock ‘n’ Roll too. With a completely authentic feel and sound, these bands deliver a full sound which is bound to keep the Dance floor full at many different types of event

There’s no denying that when Dynamo and Derren Brown came onto the scene, magic got very cool again. Our illusionists work along the same ethos – sharply dressed and delivering amazing tricks using any number of items including phones, cash and other belongings and also engages with a persona that sees guests always trying to lure him back to their table to do “one more trick”!

London based Musicians with Guitars and along with silky vocals to put well known songs in a different light. Thanks to a set list that can go from Beyoncé, Farrell Williams, The Beatles and Louis Armstrong. Guitar soloists are to feature very heavily in 2016.

You can be confident that whatever event you’re planning, we offer one of the biggest and most diverse choices of corporate event entertainment to hire to make sure you get the perfect act for your event in 2016 and beyond!

Ideas for walkabout artists

There are many brilliant musical strolling acts or bands that wander around guests at events. It’s actually quite common these days.

Why not book a walkabout artist wearing mirrors, a strolling act that incorporates 6,000 mirrors into its performance? No matter where you are, you can always check what you look like! Available as a walkabout character and living statue, he is the epitome of ambient entertainment and is sure to make a stir at your event. Cameras at the ready!

A unique strolling entertainment act that are loved wherever they go, living topiary are sure to raise a smile from even the most Scrooge-like of guests at your event! Approaching them, you may be unsure if they are hedges shaped liked humans (which would be impressive in and of itself as I totally can’t do that and not because I don’t a hedge…well partly because of that) but no, when the ‘hedge shaped men’ begin moving, people are always amazed! Living Topiary are the act to have at your next event.

So how about an impressive speaking act you’ll see all year. A fantastic poet will wow you. Able to string together an accomplished poem with five of your chosen words in mere seconds, this poet is as spontaneous an act as they come.

Illusionist

Well, it wouldn’t be an event without a magician, would it? But how to make a magician stand out at your party? Well before you can say ‘magic!’ A fantastic Christmas magician get-up that is sure to go down a storm at your Christmas party. Also suitable for many other functions including parties and product launches, these magicians are sure to impress with his conjuring.

SAMBA!!

Rio 2016 just a few months away, we thought it might be prudent to go a little more in-depth on exactly what you can look into for Brazilian party hire this year. From music to dancers, we have some great ideas for your corporate event or private party!

Brazilian Samba Dancers

Perhaps the first thing that people think about when they picture a Brazilian party, the Brazilian dance troupe actually specialise in a whole lot more than just samba, also able to dance Baile Funk and Brazilian Axé to get the party started! Their high energy routine can be presented as a stage performance or in a wandering Brazilian carnival style. Oh and to put you at ease, hiring Brazilian carnival dancers for your event doesn’t mean you have to dress like them, though we think you’ll agree that they look fabulous!

Bateria Drums

You could just have your colourfully costumed dancers jiving, but to really ramp up the Brazilian energy in the room, we recommend bringing in a few Bateria drummers or a Latin band to enhance the flavour of your party. With a multitude of instruments to choose from, the percussion will wow the crowd. Do you want a Surdo? A Repinique? How about an Agogô? There’s so much choice that the Rio 2016 opening ceremony will feel like it’s happening right in front of you!

Although it’s Rio 2016 we are celebrating this year, the sport most associated with Brazil and a number of countries in South America is undoubtedly football (or soccer if we want to use the local lingo.) Having a ‘freestyle footballer for hire’ – is sure to be a match winner!

To end your evening, why not indulge in a little Capoeira dancing? An Afro-Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, music and dance is technical and graceful in equal measure. Incredible performed to live drums, the act can also perform to any music style desired. Though if you’re going for a Brazilian party evening, we recommend you steer away from the slow Classical numbers!

Really stand out!!

In order to promote your brand successfully, you have to be excited about the product. Well, what if your product just isn’t that exciting? If you can’t present it to your trade show visitors in a way that delights them, they’ll move along. To attract crowds to your trade show booth, you’re going to have to use a little creativity. At Red Masque we like to help you make every event extraordinary. So, here are our five proven ways to attract crowds to your trade show booth and make your brand stand out.

Make your services clear, offer some freebies, display visuals, and have an articulate staff. Now what?

Photo booths

Offering to take a visitor’s photo can help you initiate a fun conversation and leave them with a memorable souvenir. We recommend using an electronic photo booth for a contemporary approach. This new form of photo entertainment allows you to add quirky graphics and can instantly be shared on social media platforms. With the green screen technology, you can place your company’s logo into every photo, transforming a fun experience for the trade show attendees into a unique opportunity to promote your brand.

Themes

Creating a theme for your exhibit requires a bit of associative thinking. For example, if your product solves a customer’s problem, you could opt for a magic theme, playing off of the idea that your product will cause specific problems to magically disappear. Your theme could be incorporated into ornate and unique attire for your company’s exhibitors. You could offer giveaways associated with your theme, like pens with disappearing ink. And of course, you can hire an entertainer (such as an illusionist) to draw in the crowd and keep them in awe.

Strolling Tables

Strolling tables, also referred to as living tables, are performers who wear elaborate costumes designed to provide a flat surface surrounding their form. On this, you can display promotional materials, giveaways, or even hors d’oeuvres. Not only will visitors remember your company, but they’ll also associate you with innovation and imagination.

Casino Games

With all of the exciting lights, sounds, and moving parts of casino games, it’s easy to see the benefits of offering them at your exhibit. You can recreate the adrenaline-inducing casino atmosphere to draw in a crowd, and likely the crowd will inspire more onlookers to stop out of curiosity. For the prizes, you could offer your company’s giveaways, and for the grand prize, offer one of your products. You’ll create more value in your product by making it fun and challenging to win!

Impersonators

Nothing is as eye-catching as a well-known celebrity standing in your booth. Hiring an impersonator or celebrity lookalike is a comical way of showing mock celebrity endorsement for your company. The impersonator can offer their autograph on your promotional materials to keep your brand in the visitor’s hand. Create a memorable experience for your visitors by offering photo opportunities with the ‘celebrity’ at an electronic photo booth. This will allow you to brand the photo with your company logo, and visitors will be excited to share the moment with their friends on social media, offering additional exposure.

With these five showcasing methods, you can make your visitors as excited about your brand as you are. Your company will step outside of the ordinary, and trade show attendees will remember your brand and associate your product with ingenuity.

Outdoor music events

Outdoor music events are some of the most engaging and lively performance opportunities for any entertainer. The thrill of being in front of a huge crowd in an open space is enough for most artists to eagerly agree to a performance. But as every outdoor event environment comes with a unique set of challenges, an open air performance is an animal of its own. It’s crucial to be properly prepared and maintain good communication with your client. Here are a few things you’ll need to discuss prior to the event.

Mother Nature

Mother Nature is a fickle lady you’ll want to keep your eye on. Because this element is completely out of your control, you’ll need to check the forecast well in advance and all the way up to the day of the event. Include a plan for inclement weather in your booking agreement that clearly outlines what is to be expected in these cases. Whether it’s an alternative venue or rescheduling the event altogether, make sure you and your client agree to the specifics.

If there is a performance stage at the event, make sure it’s covered. A covered stage not only protects against rain, but it keeps the equipment and performers cool and out of direct sunlight. Stay hydrated, take advantage of the break times you’ve discussed with your client, and keep extra gear with you for unexpected hiccups.

Power

Always make sure your power needs are communicated with your client in advance. Getting power may be as simple as running a few extension cords, but be sure to ask the important questions to make the event organizer aware of any details that might have been overlooked.

Will a safety-certificated power supply be provided close to the performance area?
If power is supplied by a generator, will it be located at a distance far enough away as to not affect the performance?
What limitations exist regarding the running of cables within the site?
Will a PA system be available or provided by the talent?

Extra Equipment

​At every outdoor event, you’ll want to bring extra gear, but outdoor parties and events make it necessary to bring things that are not ordinarily needed.

Extension cords. It’s typical that you have to stretch our reach when playing outside.
Power generator. This can also be a big help if playing where you’re not in proximity to a building or power source.
Drum rug. This helps prevents music kits from “crawling” on a slippery surface.
Water for hydration.
Sunscreen; playing guitar in 3 hours of afternoon sun (it’s a no brainer!!).

City or Area Restrictions

When performing or planning outdoor events, be aware of any local sound ordinances. Many communities have a specific time of the day when the sound should stop, and a certain decibel level that the noise should not exceed.

Make sure that the client has contacted the appropriate council offices for rules and information according to their local guidelines. You don’t want to run into an issue that prevents you from being paid for a full set.

There are many things to consider when playing at an outdoor venue. Be sure to ask your client the necessary questions, and once you’ve got all the specifics, list all of the details in the booking agreement.

Happy outdoor eventing!