Frequently Asked Questions

Got a burning question? We’ve made a list of our most frequently asked questions right here. If you still can’t find the right answer, feel free to give us a call on 0800 564 2240 or email on info@thamesmen-band.co.uk. We can’t wait to hear from you.

I really want to have a great party with everyone on the dance floor - are you the right band for that?

Absolutely! We have been performing at weddings and events for several years and have an infectious live show that guarantees a packed dance floor and a party that you and your guests will remember for years to come! Our repertoire features the biggest classic and current chart hits, so there's certainly something for everyone.

Do you take requests?

We are happy to perform one special request for you - for weddings this is usually the first dance. You can also let us know your top 10 preferences from the repertoire, as well as send up to 30 requests for the disco - so you can be sure to hear all your favourites on the evening.

How long do you take to set-up?

Up to 90 minutes. If you are organising a wedding or event where the evening reception is in the same room as your meal, we often arrive to set-up while the room is turned around - we can have background music playing within around 30 minutes of load in.

What time do you play?

At a time to suit your event, standard prices are for 2 hours of live music, any time between 7pm and midnight.

How long do you play for?

We perform 2 x 60-minute live sets in the evening and also provide a pre-mixed disco (tailored to your tastes) before and after live sets, so your whole night of entertainment is covered in one booking.

Can you provide music for our drinks reception?

Yes - we can perform a 1 x 60-minute live lounge acoustic set as an add-on, which is perfect for during drinks or dinner. This can be as a full band or a solo singer/guitarist.

What is the difference between the ‘pre-mixed DJ service’ that comes with the standard package and the 'band member to DJ live' which is an optional extra?

The pre-mixed DJ service is where the band put on a bespoke playlist (you can request up to 30 songs in advance for this) through the PA before and after their live sets. We do this at most events and it works great - the volume of the music would be the same as if you had a DJ.

If you upgrade to the live DJ service, you can still send over preferences in advance, but you will also have a band member selecting and mixing tracks live on the night, as well as taking requests. The DJ will be happy to make important announcements but they will not talk constantly over or between tracks (that's just not our style!). We also think it's important to say that the DJ won't have a separate DJ booth - they will set up in an appropriate space (ideally to the side of the stage) and the PA/lighting will be the same as what is being used by the band.

Do you have your own PA and lighting?

Yes – all included in the price. You won't have to hire any additional equipment in.

What is the website guide price based on?

The published guide price is based on our 3-piece line-up performing at a venue within 30 miles of our base in Surrey. We charge travel costs for venues further than 30 miles, and if your venue is more than a 2 hours 30 mins drive home, we charge a bit extra so we can book accommodation. For an accurate quote please contact us with your event date and venue details.

Our venue has a noise limiter, can you work with that?

Yes, we regularly work at venues with noise limiters. We are happy to contact the venue in advance of the event to make sure we have all the required information to enable us to plan accordingly.

Do you have Public Liability Insurance and PAT tested equipment?

Yes.

Will you perform our first dance?

Yes, as long as we have three weeks' notice we will learn the first dance of your choice.

How much space do you require?

We have played in some very small spaces, but ideally a minimum of around 2.5m x 5m.

How much power do you require?

2 x 13-amp sockets are fine for our system.

Do I need to provide food/drinks?

The band's standard rider is for a hot meal and soft drinks for the band members or a £15 pp rider buyout.

Can we see you play live before booking?

As a professional function band our bookings tend to be weddings and private events that unfortunately we are unable to invite guests to. Our videos are a very accurate insight into our look and sound, and we'd also encourage you to check out our testimonials page to see what previous clients have said about their experience with the band.

“The Thamesmen were absolutely fantastic and truly captured the crowd as the dance floor was constantly full at our wedding reception. We had picked the band as we had listened to their music and loved the variety of songs they played, and especially loved their Beatles covers. The band very kindly accepted our request to play a special version of In My Life for our first dance song which has left us and our family and friends with some very special memories. I have received so many compliments from our guests about how great the band were, the music, their talented instrument and singing skills, the song choices, the interaction with the crowd. It all made for a perfect evening of entertainment and I would certainly recommend them to others as we were thoroughly impressed with the bands services.”

Brooke Daniels