Tag Archives: hire

That’s Magic

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When it comes to magic, you might think you know what you are getting at an event. A few strolling tricks, a vanishing card and perhaps even a flame or two! But these magicians go a bit further than that and seek to differentiate their act in new ways!

Singing Magician
This is certainly a bit of fun. You could book a singer and a magician for your party but why bother when you can book a Singing Magician and get more bang for your buck! Able to sing the classic songs or any song of your choice and astound you with his magic tricks and cheeky banter! Destined to draw a large crowd!

Keelan and Charlotte
A bit of a unique idea this – both wonderfully entertaining magic and expertly executed. Changing outfits as quick as a flash which will amaze your audience and bring a smile on their faces. Great for Corporate events and Private parties. Keelan and Charlotte are an original act and will bring a bit of fun to your event.

David Willmott
Perfect for both stage and strolling magic, he is a huge hit at events during December and is just the right option for a themed festive party. David’s unique brand of close-up magic is so flexible and engaging that it works wonders in a huge variety of different social situations.

His warm and approachable character enables him to break the ice effortlessly, then he mesmerises people, spreading laughter, amazement and entertainment. He creates talking points that really gets the party going and leaves everyone with memories they’ll treasure for years to come.

Andi Gladwin
Close up Magician – Andi can provide a fantastic show that will astound you, but if you are looking to go one step further, then booking a close up magician might be just up your street. He literally performs amazing miracles with playing cards, coins and various borrowed objects. Each guests gets to experience amazing magic right in front of their noses!. We think he would be great to hire especially if it’s a Star Wars themed evening!

David Redfearn
David doesn’t just put on a stage show for guests but creates an entire comedy routine out of his magic tricks that are sure to raise a laugh and have entertained thousands both in the UK and abroad. It is an electric evening of entertainment and a CEO or special person in the room can even be brought on stage to accomplish some magic of their own. A winning act for all!

Circus Entertainment

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When one thinks of circus entertainment, their mind often jumps to images of the big top, trapeze artists flowing to and fro and a unicyclist traversing a high wire. In short, not the kind of entertainment that you can book at most events. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Circus entertainment can fit pretty much anywhere, you just have to be careful which acts you go for. With that in mind, here are five forms of circus entertainment for intimate surroundings.

Hard Shoulder
A form of acrobalance, David and Jamie are a world class duo that pull off amazing feats of strength that have to be seen to be believed. They have travelled all over the world with their act, a superbly choreographed and intimate showcase of dynamic lifts and powerful balances. Set to a stunning soundtrack that captivates guests of all ages, they are a great choice for any event with their passion and intensity shining through.

Chris Marley
Juggling is one of those forms of entertainment that is synonymous with the circus. Not only can Chris juggle balls, but he can also toss bowling pins, blocks and many other props besides. What makes him so special? An ability to also perform many acrobatic feats as well.

Dangerous Productions
The beauty of fire performers is that ordinarily they can perform alone or as a troupe, needing only to light a couple of props to make for a stunning performance, especially as daylight disappears. You might be thinking that fire performers can only do their act outside, but Dangerous Productions use special chemicals to ensure that they can astound guests inside as well! A breath-taking and timeless form of entertainment for any event.

Hula Boy
We love a good hula show; there’s something absolutely mesmerising about the art form that has to be seen to be believed. Sure, we can also hula hoop around the waist for all of three seconds but Hula Boy bring together 10, 20, 30, 40 hoops all swinging in unison. Variants of the form abound with some involving LEDs and others even implementing a quick change effect whilst they spin. An incredible act to witness live.

The All American Barbeque

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Thinking of having a Barbeque at your event? Here’s how it all started…

Pork or beef? Kansas or Memphis? Texan or North Carolina? The evolution of America’s four most distinct barbecue styles has come a long way since Christopher Columbus.

While the never ending battle for barbecue supremacy will continue to rage, the history of American barbecue is as diverse as the traditions themselves, moving through a path that begins in the Caribbean – and even involves help from the British.

Spanning across the famous ‘barbecue belt’ that runs from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, arguably no nation on Earth takes the primitive form of cooking as seriously as the United States of America.

Indeed, it was over five hundred years ago that Columbus first witnessed native tribes on the island of Hispaniola cooking meat over an indirect flame using green wood to keep the food from burning.

Historical records indicated that the Spanish explorers named this cooking style, ‘barbacoa’ – and eventually the technique made it onto the mainland – where it kept its traditional attachment to pork.

This historical accuracy is very important in the arguments that rage between Texas, who use beef, Memphis who use mutton and the Carolina’s who use pork.

Purists argue that the meat used in BBQ must always be pork, because the tradition of southern cooks having to use the cheap, low maintenance hog as the meat in their barbecue pits.

This is because cows are expensive and need large amounts of food and land, unlike pigs who can be left to fend for themselves.

In pre-Civil War times, this meant that because the pig wasn’t cared for like a cow would be the meat would not be as fat and would need to be cooked slowly to tenderize.

Prior to 1861, Southerners ate an average of five pounds of pork for every one pound of cattle – and their reliance on this cheaper method of food lead to a form of patriotism that separated the richer north from south.

Despite the south’s historical attachment to the BBQ, primitive forms of cooking originated in the easternmost colonies.

The vinegar-based ‘whole hog’ barbecue that was started in Virginia made its way down to North Carolina and the technique of adding sauce to the meat as it cooks – is said to have originated with the British, despite their inglorious culinary history.

In South Carolina, where a large portion of French and German immigrants lived, mustard based sauces were created – both sweet and tart.

As the Carolina BBQ’s grew in popularity, the fashion for slow cooking spread to Texas – where the rich German immigrants who lived their used the meat from the cattle they were herding.

Up the Mississippi River in Memphis, the sweet, tomato based sauces used were created by mixing molasses to get the unique taste.

And once BBQ had moved along to Kansas City, he mixed everything up, allowing not only pork to be used, but beef as well.

A barbeque is a delicious and sociable way to feed your guests at your private party or corporate event. What could be better than the smell of a BBQ on a hot summer’s evening?

Balloon Decorating

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Balloons are the ultimate party decoration and are used for decorating birthday parties, weddings, corporate functions, school events, and for other festive gatherings. The artists who use the round balloons to build are called “stackers” and the artists who use pencil balloons to build are called “twisters.” Most commonly associated with helium balloon decor, more recently balloon decorators have been moving towards the creation of air-filled balloon decorations due to the non-renewable natural resource of helium limited in supply. The most common types of balloon decor include arches, columns, centerpieces, balloon drops, sculptures, and balloon bouquets. With the increased aptitude for balloon twisting as well as balloon stacking, the rise of the deco-twister manifests itself as the combination of stacking techniques as well as twisting techniques to create unique and interesting balloon decor option.

Decorative rainbow colored arches made of party balloons used at the gay pride parade in São Paulo, Brazil.

Party balloons are mostly made of a natural latex tapped from rubber trees, and can be filled with air, helium, water, or any other suitable liquid or gas. The rubber elasticity makes the volume adjustable.

Twisting balloons can be used to create decor centerpieces for events and to create a more unique look than can be provided by foil balloons.

Often the term “Party Balloon” will refer to a twisting balloon or pencil balloon. These balloons are manipulated to create shapes and figures for parties and events, typically along with entertainment.
Filling the balloon with air can be done with the mouth, a manual or electric inflater (such as a hand pump), or with a source of compressed gas.

When rubber or plastic balloons are filled with helium so that they float, they typically retain their buoyancy for only a day or so, sometimes longer. The enclosed helium atoms escape through small pores in the latex which are larger than the helium atoms. Balloons filled with air usually hold their size and shape much longer, sometimes for up to a week.

Even a perfect rubber balloon eventually loses gas to the outside. The process by which a substance or solute migrates from a region of high concentration, through a barrier or membrane, to a region of lower concentration is called diffusion. The inside of balloons can be treated with a special gel (for instance, the polymer solution sold under the “Hi Float” brand) which coats the inside of the balloon to reduce the helium leakage, thus increasing float time to a week or longer.

It is becoming more common for balloons to be filled with air instead of helium, as air-filled balloons will not release into the atmosphere or deplete the earthly helium supply. There are numerous party games and school-related activities that can use air-filled balloons as opposed to helium balloons. When age-appropriate, these activities often include the added fun of blowing the balloons up. In many events, the balloons will contain prices, and party-goers can pop the balloons to retrieve the items inside.

Planning New Year

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New year is that time of year when we start to reevaluate our lives, think about what the year has brought us and how we can smash the next with bigger and more exciting adventures. Whether you are having a small New Year party with close family and friends at home or planning a huge blow-out ball Red Masque have entertainment to suit all event shapes and sizes. So, we thought we would put together a list of fabulous acts up grabs for the 31st, that will really make your night shine…

Want to leave your guests begging for more? Busking Bellas are an exceptional, and are completely unplugged and acoustic who can get mingle with your guests on the dance floor by recreating some of your all-time favourite songs with flare, creativity and excellent fluidity.

Caricaturists are a brilliant way to entertain the guests and to salvage some memories from the year. They can work the room quickly and smoothly producing 10-12 full-body caricatures per hour, while you guests are chatting and soaking up with atmosphere. No matter what your event is celebrating, ensure your guests take home a memorable free gift from you. Caricatures for corporate events, weddings and parties. We highly recommend extremely talented artists for guests entertainment,

Get together enough people to fill a dance floor – then book Swing Patrol and we assure you – they will do the rest! The talented team of swing dancers can bring exciting floor shows, fun and friendly dance lessons or just a great group of dancing couples to social dance and add atmosphere to your event.

Calling all Dancing Queens! Abba’s Angels reproduce the original vocals perfectly whilst performing professional choreographed dance routines just like the real ABBA! Featuring some incredibly talented singers and musicians they offer one of the most captivating and authentic tributes to one of the greatest bands of all time.

The Postal Museum Venue

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If there’s one thing we love about London it’s the fact that there are always new and exciting things going on within its bustling confines. One of the hottest openings this year is undoubtedly The Postal Museum, a unique look at how London’s postal services have been ran for over 100 years. We don’t want to hype it too much but you do get to ride a two mile train underneath London so… Let’s see what we know!

The Postal Museum will offer a fascinating and often surprising look at the very first social network. London’s letters and parcels used to manoeuvred from place to place via a special train line, which has now been modified for guests to enjoy as they travel through this subterranean landscape. We ourselves have not ridden it yet, but we are pretty certain this will be cool as hell. And the best bit? You can book it for events!

We love providing ideas for entertainment for events but naturally having your very own private train is probably the best entertainment of all. What else can you get when you hire the Postal Museum for your event? Available for both corporate and private hire, the venue’s spaces include the Mail Rail depot and the Postal Museum itself.

The Mail Rail depot is a must-see for your exclusive party! Within captivating architectural features, guests will be able to dine and drink to their heart’s content and there can even be an opportunity to ride the train! A hugely adaptable space, you could hire a band for a dance or make use of the vaulted brick arches in a completely unique way. From receptions to product launches and even award ceremonies, this is a truly exciting new space in London’s event world and holds up to 275 people!

Perhaps you’d prefer your guests to stay above ground? No problem! The Postal Museum itself offers a contemporary space that’s light, bright and perfect for a stunning summer’s night. Featuring a private courtyard and innovative living wall, it’s ideal for cocktail receptions or summer parties. Looking to enhance the space by booking some entertainment? No problem! Holding up to 140 people, you may even like to enjoy a private museum tour whilst in attendance.

Retirement Party

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For almost everyone, music is the key to many wonderful past memories. And it’s one of the easiest ways to host some retirement home entertainment! Take your residents on a walk down memory lane with a musical group.

1. Crooner
Crooners were king in the ’40s and ’50s, with their smooth voices and sultry songs. Some of the best artists in history came out of this era, including Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Bing Crosby. Your residents are sure to feel some nostalgia with a performer like this! Whether you want an actual Rat Pack show or just a Frank Sinatra tribute, these performers love an older crowd that appreciates their act.

2. Beach Boys Tribute
Gaining popularity in the 1960’s, the Beach Boys launched a new type of musical sound with their “surf songs.” Their killer harmonies and clever lyrics helped them rise to the top of the music charts. Booking a Beach Boys tribute band is definitely one of our more energetic ideas for retirement home entertainment! If you want to see your residents groove to the music, you can’t go wrong with the Beach Boys.

3. Barbershop Quartet
With perfect pitch and harmony, a barbershop quartet can dazzle any crowd! They generally have a large repertoire of tunes from years past and love singing for older crowds. If your guests have a request, most groups are happy to oblige. And get ready to see the ladies swoon!

4.. Boogie Woogie Tribute
The Boogie Woogie is best known for those who lived through World War II. With lively patriotic songs, they entertained troops and kept their spirits up during a tough time in our history! Show your veteran retiree how much their service has meant with a Wartime tribute act. Songs like “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” and “Pistol Packin’ Mama” will keep the crowd swaying to the beat!

5. Gospel Group
Depending on the religious diversity of your guest, a Gospel group may be a meaningful performance for them. As people are nearing the end of their lives, faith begins to play a bigger part. Booking a Gospel group guarantees a great show!

Events for 2018

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High Impact Stage Shows
Gather your guests for bespoke shows that dazzle your guests with skill and spectacle from start to finish.

– Aerial artists create intricate patterns above the stage, fusing circus skills and ballet in a show that’s beautiful and breathtaking. Add in 3D projection, and you have something quite astounding; aerial acrobatics in an ever-changing landscape of light that responds to their moves with split-second precision.

– Dazzle your guests with your own custom-made light show, showcasing a whole variety of high tech acts, from the intricate patterns of LED light shows to the primeval appear of jets of flame and sparks of fire and glow performers.

– Project the ever-shifting creations of iPad artists, sand artists or silhouette artists, accompanied by acts that literally shine, such as the unique Swarovski Violinists, who play electric gold violins encrusted with jewels. Or combine lasers and violins with our Laser Violin Show, choreographing lasers, smoke hazes and even audience interaction.

– There’s no doubt about it, tech is here to stay and is looking to proliferate across the industry. We’ve already seen it in some instances; those attending various conferences have been given a barcode with their name imprinted on it upon entry and any stall whom you choose to engage with will almost certainly scan the code to add your information to their database. It’s quick and easy and these technologies are set to continue if the recent CES conference in the US is anything to go by.

Pretty much every item you use in your home is being connected to the internet in some form, so you can rest assured that before too long, there’ll be numerous new ways to interact at events. As for the entertainment, well last year there was a rise in drone use during performances – including one that garnered a lot of praise on Britain’s Got Talent.

– It makes sense that with the economic outlook uncertain, individuals and companies would get creative in order to receive the most bang for their buck. Whether this means creating their own act to best symbolise their business rather than hiring entertainment on the fly, or theming a party to make sure that it is as memorable as possible, creativity is the order of the day!

– Costumed Characters and various acts that be personalised to attendees. One final thing, don’t go for a tired theme – try and think of something you haven’t heard before and we guarantee that the event planners involved will be just as excited as you about your party!

Relive your School days

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Take yourself back in time by planning a school reunion where you and your colleagues can relive your memories. Getting a class together and pulling off a reunion party is no small feat.
There are always other school friends that you are still in contact with that will have school friends that you have forgotten about. Send everyone a paper invitation to get the initial word out and create a Facebook page or website for your event where you can post reminders, updates, and information for your invited guests. Take this opportunity to start getting your guests excited about the reunion!
You may have many school friends on facebook or such like, but if there are people you just can’t remember or if someone has disappeared off the radar then you old school should have a list with all this information.

Theme & Venue
Remember to consider your theme and potential decorations as you hunt for that perfect venue. Use Party suppliers and securing the venue makes planning decor that much easier, so you can begin creating your ideal atmosphere. Follow your general theme and have fun with it! Contact your classmates and request photos and keepsakes from the ‘good ole days’ to hang around the rooms or to create a nostalgia table!

Entertainment
You know the songs that just seem to recapture moments from your school experience? Have a DJ and the music bring you right back to those days with the perfect music to set the tone and liven up the party.
Keep the party going and conversation flowing with collages of old photos and videos. Everyone’s got those slightly embarrassing pictures of good friends they’d love to share. Stick with fun-inducing entertainment, give out prizes for games, or even have awards! Capture the new memories by booking a Photographer or even a photo booth!

We’re confident you’re ready to plan the best possible school reunion your classmates could have imagined!

Entertainment Venues

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Your corporate event or private party has come to a close, the food’s finished and it’s time to crack open another bottle of bubbly and get the party started. Unfortunately, it’s not always that easy. Get a function in a town hall and you might not have anywhere to set up a party band; have an event in a hotel and you might find your night winding to a rather quick close when the music is turned off at eleven to accommodate the other guests.

Here are some entertainment venues that are perfect:

Smiths of Smithfield

This venue is perfect right next to the City of London it’s conveniently located in the bustling hub of the city. The restaurant’s two private rooms can be opened out for larger parties and – most importantly – it is licenced for live music right up until 1am, so you can keep dancing as long as you’d like. The restaurant is even a short walk away from some amazing London clubs so, if you really aren’t ready to stop, you can head on over to keep the night going.

Southbank Centre
Ideal for any celebration – This world famous multi-art centre is known for its unparalleled festival programme, reaching 6.25 million people a year and featuring 5000 events by world-class artists.
For those of you looking to use the centre for your wedding reception, the rooms to hire are just as well equipped for musicians as their festival halls. The Level 5 Function Room is the largest of their events rooms; it comes with free Wifi, a fully integrated PA system and can be opened out onto a balcony for incredible views of the London skyline.

The room is accessible by lift – so you won’t have to worry about lugging heavy speakers up and down stairs – and comes with a variety of optional hired extras. These include: A sound technician to set up, two radio mics, a plug in and play system for background music. The room is licenced for entertainment until 2am, so the party doesn’t have to end.

Bush Hall
The talking point of this venue is definitely the famous faces that have graced it in the past. The venue has hosted such music legends as Adele, Amy Winehouse and The Killers. The hall’s curtained stage is an ideal place for your band and, if you’re planning on using the stage during the wedding speeches, the backstage area is perfect for storing the band equipment until you’re ready for them to setup.

The hall was originally created as a dance hall and so designed for incredible acoustics that have been preserved throughout all the hall’s renovations and changes and remain to this day. They offer a wide variety of musical equipment for hire and even provide use of their Green Room for musicians to use as a dressing room. They do have a live music curfew of 11pm but there’s no reason why you can’t link your playlist to the speakers and keep the music going a little longer.

Gibson Hall
For those of you who would love an outdoor reception, finding one in London can be tricky – unlike an isolated country venue in London you run into the risk of the surrounding neighbours putting in a noise complaint and getting the party shut down. Fortunately, Gibson Hall, a former bank transformed into a beautiful venue for hire, boasts a stunning courtyard garden and no noise restrictions – you can host a magical garden wedding beneath the stars without having to worry that you’re about to get told to ‘turn it down’.