Magicians and make-believe may all be well and good for the under 12′s, however if he doesn’t have the sleight of hand skills that would give Derren Brown a run for his money, then he isn’t going to be suitable for your dad’s 50th.
Party entertainment has undergone some considerable evolution since the days of dinner-dances and comedic impersonators. Nowadays, our entertainment requirements are far more bespoke, with many looking to outdo each other in the originality stakes. Clowns no longer cut it at cocktail parties, and the generic four-piece band is usually hired in addition to other formats of entertainment, such as a DJ, dancers, videographer and even oxygen bars! No matter what your intended theme, or even the purpose of your party, there is a contemporary option that will go down a storm with your guests!
Visual Artists
The latest craze in alternative party entertainment is the hiring of visual artists. Remember those life-like silver painted robots you see outside big city department stores? They’re now the fashionable inclusion for both children’s birthday parties, and human décor at themed celebrations for everyone aged 16-60. They definitely create a talking point among the guests!
The term “visual artist” also refers to other creative forms of entertainment such as fire-eaters, stilt walkers, circus acts and the multifarious types of magicians now seeing a revival, largely due to the diverse nature of their entertainment. Magicians are no longer associated with the mediocre card tricks and sleight of hand we’re all familiar with. Now, magicians (also known as ‘perceptionists’) also offer palmistry, hypnosis, spoon-bending and mind-reading, along with some cleverly crafted illusions to keep your guests on the edge of their seats.
Stand-Up Comedy
There has almost always existed a handful of decent comedy acts within the U.K party entertainment industry, however it wasn’t until fairly recently that the inclusion of a comedian as an alternative format of party entertainment once again became popular. The misconception that such performers command extortionately high rates is usually a myth, as many will happily perform for the same or even lower rates than your average DJ. An on-line entertainment directory is probably the best resource for finding comedy artists, especially as you’ll be able to view the kind of audience response/ testimonials that will make, or break your decision.
Singing Service Hire
The idea of a Maitre d’ breaking into song just as you’re about to bite into your medium-rare sirloin isn’t for everyone, however singing service personnel (notably waiters/ waitress and butlers) are becoming the newest trend for both corporate and private dinner parties. Such acts are relatively hard to find at present, however the few first-class quartet and quintet groups who do offer such services, tend to offer nationwide coverage.
Ceilidh and Barn Dance Bands
Forget your everyday party entertainment ‘covers’ band; Ceilidh and barn dance bands are the live music performers offering a completely new take on the classic four-piece set-up. Ceilidh bands are renowned for their Celtic/ classic folk styles, and generally comprise of a quartet: a tin whistle player, banjoist/ guitarist, percussionist and fiddler. Celtic music has that innate ability to get even the most subdued of guests clapping along to lively Irish, American and even British tunes, all delivered in the trademark toe-tapping folk style. If it worked well enough for the old fashion barn dance, it’s guaranteed to get your guests on their feet, whether it’s a wedding party, or the annual office Christmas do!
Tags: circus acts, cocktail parties, comedy acts, contemporary concepts, dinner dances, entertainment requirements, oxygen bars, party entertainment, sleight of hand, stilt walkers