How to Hire Musicians or a Band for an Event in the UK: Prices, Booking and What to Agree
Live music changes the feel of an event, whether it is a shop launch, a corporate evening, a festival stage or a private party. Booking it well means matching the act to the room and the audience, knowing what a fair fee looks like, and agreeing the practical details in writing. This guide explains the types of act to consider, typical UK prices, whether to post a job or a one off booking, what to agree, and how to choose between bands, singers and musicians.
Booking live music regularly, for a venue or a series of events? Post a job free on the ZOMZEY network and bands, singers and musicians apply through their ZOMZEY profile.
Choose the right kind of act
- Solo singer or musician: acoustic sets for launches, shops, cafés, drinks receptions and smaller rooms.
- Duo or trio: more sound and variety without needing a large stage.
- Full band, four or five piece: dancing, parties, corporate evenings and festival slots.
- Large band, six or more: big rooms and high profile events, often with horns or extra vocalists.
What live music costs in the UK
Prices vary with the number of performers, the date, the location and how far the act travels. Fantasia Music’s UK band hire guide (August 2024) gives these typical ranges for a standard performance, usually two hours, often split into two sets.
| Act | Typical UK fee |
|---|---|
| Solo musician | £250 to £450 |
| Duo | £450 to £700 |
| Trio | £600 to £1,200 |
| Full band, 4 to 5 members | £1,000 to £2,500 |
| Large band, 6 or more members | £2,500 to £4,000 or more |
| Corporate event, medium sized | £1,500 to £3,000 |
Summer weekends cost more, and weekday or winter dates can be cheaper. Travel, overnight accommodation, a PA and lighting if the venue has none, and learning special songs are usually charged on top.
Job or project: choosing the right route on ZOMZEY
- Post a job when you want people for an ongoing or repeat role. Posting jobs on the ZOMZEY network is free, members apply through their ZOMZEY account, and jobs are approved before they go live.
- Post a paid opportunity when you have one defined piece of work. Members send a priced offer, the work is agreed through the Prospect Centre, and ZOMZEY Protected Payments can hold the fee until the work is delivered and approved.
What to agree before the event
- The date, the venue address and the exact performance times, including breaks.
- The number and length of sets, and what happens if the event overruns.
- Who provides the PA, lighting and power, and when the act can load in and soundcheck.
- The style of music, any must play songs and any songs to avoid.
- Food, soft drinks, parking and a changing area for the performers.
- The fee, any deposit, travel costs and the cancellation terms.
Choosing between applicants
Listen to recent live recordings rather than studio tracks, because you are booking the live sound. Check that the act has played events like yours, ask how they read a room, and confirm the line up you will actually get. For a regular slot at a venue, start with one paid booking before agreeing a series.
Ready to book? Posting jobs on the ZOMZEY network is free, and you can listen to each act’s ZOMZEY profile before you reply.
Browse bands, musicians and venues by city
ZOMZEY lists its members by location, so you can find talent near you.
- Bands by city and musicians by city.
- Hubs by city, the venues, clubs and communities that host live music.
- Influencers by city, to promote the event before and after the day.
Common questions about hiring musicians for an event
How much does it cost to hire a band in the UK?
A UK band hire guide puts a four or five piece band at about £1,000 to £2,500 for a standard two hour performance, with solo musicians at about £250 to £450. Travel, PA and accommodation can be extra.
Is it free to post a music job on ZOMZEY?
Yes. Posting jobs on the ZOMZEY network is free, and bands, singers and musicians apply through their ZOMZEY profile.
How long do bands usually play?
A standard booking is usually about two hours of music, often as two sets of around an hour with a break. Agree the exact times in writing.
Do I need to provide a PA system?
Ask the act. Many bring their own PA, but some charge extra for it, and the venue may already have a system. Confirm power and space for the equipment.
Should I post a job or a paid opportunity for one event?
For a single event, a paid opportunity lets acts send priced offers. For a regular slot or a run of events, a job lets musicians apply for the ongoing role.
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