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Tips on working with your venue, getting the most out of a small budget, and choosing the right music and entertainment for your party or event.
By Mike Ausden
The most wonderful time of the year is almost upon us, and for some of us that means back-to-back festive parties. We used data to reveal the best cities to celebrate with friends, family or colleagues – whether you're a Christmas lover, a teetotaller or just on a budget.
Before you put down the deposit on your venue, here are 10 questions we recommend asking your venue to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.
Need a band for a premium event next year? Welcome to our blue-chip boutique – Function Central’s top 10 recommended corporate event bands for 2024.
By Emily Deane
Have all the fun of a festival without the dodgy loos and bar queues with our handy festival themed party guide!
Our A-Z guide to booking a band for a wedding, private party or corporate event, from essential venue checks through to signing contracts.
By Sarah Dawson
Decadent, glamorous, stylish and flamboyant; what’s not to love about the Roaring ‘20s? If you’re looking to channel some Great Gatsby cool for your 1920s-themed party, you’ve come to the right place.
The 1980s is the decade that keeps on giving. Iconic films, incredible music and some seriously questionable fashion – what’s not to love? Here’s how to celebrate this iconic decade with your own 80s theme party.
Throwing a 70s themed bash? Whether you experienced the 70s first-hand or simply feel you were born in the wrong era, it’s easy to recreate the funky vibes that defined the decade with our handy guide.
Organisers might dread this element of event planning, but it doesn't need to be complicated. It's largely about applying common sense, taking reasonable steps to ensure safety of the participants, and what to do if an emergency arises.
Forget partying like it’s 1999, it’s all about the 00s. If you’re hankering after a serious nostalgia hit, step back in time with a 2000s theme party
It’s official; 40 is the new 30. Forget about being ‘over the hill’, turning 40 is something to be celebrated – big time. Here’s all the 40th birthday party inspiration you need to throw a party to remember.
Written by Mike Ausden
Our tips for putting on an office Christmas party your employees will remember for the right reasons – from booking the venue, to arranging the catering and choosing the entertainment.
World-class clubs, gorgeous beaches, chilled-out vibes and that sunset, here’s how to bring the magic of the White Isle to your Ibiza themed party.
by Hajar Woodland
Whether you’re organising a surprise birthday party or an end-of-year staff social, successful events require great planning and attention to memorable details, from the food to the entertainment.
Written by Hannah Higham
Planning an outdoor event or summer garden party this year? Impress your guests with some live music – we have singers, gypsy jazz trios, steel pannists, string trios, brass bands and more.
Steel drum bands bring a fun, carnival atmosphere to garden parties and outdoor events – they're also weather-proof and electricity-free! Here are 5 reasons to book one, plus our top Caribbean song ideas.
The joyous, beer-swigging marathon that is Oktoberfest isn't complete without a brass oompah band belting out Ein Prosit. Here our favourite oompah bands for hire, plus our recommended drinking songs to soundtrack the day.
Looking to add a little musical cheer to your office Christmas party or wedding? Then book a live band to fill the dance floor. Here are 7 live music ideas to get you started.
Here are our favourite wedding venues in Yorkshire and Humberside. From stadiums to stately homes, barns and castles, there's something for everyone on this list!
Ring out the bells! With so many great acts to choose from in Manchester and the North West, we’ve got your office Christmas party sorted.
Our complete guide to planning a low-budget micro wedding will cover everything from finding the perfect location to cutting back on food costs, so you can say ‘I do’ without breaking the bank.
Whether you're dreaming of a beautiful barn wedding or an elegant country house setting with sweeping lawns, you'll find it on this list!
Romantic country houses to rugby stadiums, and barns to breweries, the North West has a plethora of unusual wedding venues, here's our pick of some of the most unique.
Searching for the perfect wedding venue in the West Midlands? Here are seven of our favourite, from Gothic mansion to rustic barn, all perfect for live music and celebration!
From rambling seaside houses to architecturally imposing manors, here's our pick of the best wedding venues in the South West of England.
Looking for your perfect South East wedding venue? From a Tudor mansion to a converted oast house, here are 12 of our favourite venues for live music and celebrations!
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Ideas for your first dance, last dance, father-daughter dance, party tunes, ceremony music and more.
Our advice on setting up a band or solo act, developing promo and getting gigs. Plus, tips for musician on teaching, writing and gear.
Can't decide between a band or a DJ? Or need to cut costs? Here's everything you need to know to put on the wedding party of the century.
Read the latest news... plus we report back from the biggest events of the year featuring Function Central acts, from Christmas parties, summer balls, conferences and more.
Function Central's wedding clients share the highlights and pictures of their big day with us, give their planning advice, share their supplier tips, pictures and more!
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