contact enquiry list

Swing bands for hire

Hire a swing band for your wedding or party, to play the best danceable jazz, swing and jump jive across the decades: from Ellington, Louis Prima and Sinatra through to swinging versions of the latest pop music.

Excellent

5 stars

820 reviews on

Trustpilot

To check availability, please add your event date to the menu above.

Play 'video'
from£1,350

Bertie And The Spiffs

  • West Yorkshire
  • 4-5
  • (23)

Hugely entertaining and swinging 1920s-style jazz band, who have previously performed at Wembley Stadium. The band put their own unique and eccentric take on modern pop, from Taylor Swift to Motorhead! DJ laptop service available on request.

Play 'video'
from£1,285

The Retro Pops

  • Sheffield
  • 4-6
  • (47)

The Retro Pops re-interpret classic pop songs from the 1970s to the 2020s in a variety of other genres, from jazz and blues to calypso. A fresh approach to the traditional party band format.

Play 'video'
from£995

Knights of Swing

  • Kent
  • 4
  • (22)

Highly experienced and entertaining jazz / swing function band playing the classic hits from artists such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Michael Bublé, and more.

Play 'video'
from£1,660

Canal Street Swing Band

  • Leeds
  • 5-7
  • (21)

Immersing their audience in the essence of New Orleans' "roaring 20s" jazz era, The Canal Street Swing Band have earned acclaim at numerous venues, from raucous bars to highly respected jazz festivals.

Play 'video'
from£1,845

The Highball Swingers

  • Liverpool
  • 5-7
  • (43)

Quirky vintage swing band with a fantastic female lead putting a retro take on modern songs like Get Lucky, Uptown Funk and Billie Jean.

Play 'video'
from£860

The Bon Bons

  • London
  • 3-7
  • (20)

The Bon Bons add a touch of vintage glamour to any event or party, charming audiences with classics from the 1940s/50s or delivering a retro twist on modern chart hits. They're a delightful treat that's sure to please everyone!

Play 'video'
from£1,080

The Gin Rickeys

  • Manchester
  • 4
  • (14)

The Gin Rickeys are a postmodern jukebox band giving a jazzy and Latin twist to pop classics, from Dua Lipa to Junior Senior, with a dash of Rosalia and a sprinkle of Aretha Franklin. Imagine a postmodern jukebox, but with an extra dose of energy!

Play 'video'
from£1,970

The Swing and Jive All Stars

  • Brighton
  • 3-8
  • (13)

This dynamic band hits all the right notes with classic Lindy hop and jump jive tunes, along with swinging renditions of chart-toppers by Pharrell and Bruno Mars. With their all-singing, all-swinging style, they're a sure bet for getting everyone up and dancing on the floor.

Play 'video'
from£1,475

Swing Easy

  • Manchester
  • 4-6
  • (18)

A one-of-a-kind 5-piece jazz and swing band, specializing in a postmodern twist by performing pop standards with a classic jazz flair. If the mood calls for it, they effortlessly switch to funk and soul tunes to get everyone on their feet and dancing.

Play 'video'
from£2,460

Vintage Jukebox

  • London
  • 4-7
  • (3)

Vintage Jukebox, with highly talented jazz and blues musicians, sets an unmatched musical standard. From jazz standards to the latest pop hits, Vintage Jukebox are capable of catering to events and weddings, offering tailor-made entertainment for any occasion.

Play 'video'
from£860

The Postmodern Jazz Cats

  • London
  • 3-7
  • (24)

An intoxicating blend of swing, jazz and contemporary pop performed by experienced, world-class musicians. Additional musicians and afternoon sets also available.

Play 'video'
from£3,075

The Modern Swing Band

  • London
  • 5-7
  • (21)

This authentic postmodern style swing band masterfully plays classic swing tunes, as well as pop songs reimagined in a swing style. They also offer the option to include additional musicians in their lineup.

Play 'video'
from£1,230

The Swing Tigers

  • Brighton
  • 4
  • (13)

Combining smooth vocal harmonies, toe-tapping rhythms, and infectious melodies, The Swing Tigers play classic swing for dancing, breathing new life into timeless classics.

Play 'video'
from£1,970

Hipshakers

  • London
  • 4-7
  • (22)

Stylish vintage jazz band inspired by Postmodern Jukebox. The band play all your favourite chart hits from a 1920s Charleston version of Put Your Records On to a Motown-style arrangement of Can’t Feel My Face.

Play 'video'
from£380

Lily Von Rouge

  • Derbyshire
  • 1-10
  • (14)

Tantalizing singer available as a soloist or with a live band in varying sizes. Lily sings the best of vintage and postmodern jazz in sparkling 1920s style.

Play 'video'
from£740

The Cherry Belles

  • Northamptonshire
  • 3
  • (21)

Fantastic vocal harmony group specialising in the beautiful music from the 1940s and 50s. Amazing harmonies, beautiful dance routines, and stunning costumes!

Play 'video'
from£615

Vintage Swing

  • London
  • 2-7
  • (8)

Vintage Swing takes you back to the golden age of swing. This dynamic 2-7 piece ensemble pays tribute to the Jazz Age and the Swing Era, capturing the spirit of these iconic musical periods.

Play 'video'
from£960

The Starlight Singers

  • Buckinghamshire
  • 2-6
  • (6)

Vintage vocal harmony group that will transport you back to the swinging sounds of the 30s, 40s, and 50s at any event, from private gatherings to public festivals.

Play 'video'
from£985

The Hotsy-Totsies

  • Manchester
  • 5
  • (21)

Delivering a diverse range of songs from many genres and decades, reinvented in a captivating vintage style from upbeat funk, jazz standards or Brazilian samba and Latin beats.

Play 'video'
from£3,470

The Speakeasy Queens

  • London
  • 3
  • (6)

The Speakeasy Queens are a vocal trio inspired by the 1920s, offering a distinctive twist by blending contemporary and timeless hits with the vibrant and bold sounds of the Roaring Twenties. Their mesmerizing shows leave audiences enchanted and eager for an encore.

Swing wedding bands booking guide

What is swing music?

Swing music was popularised by bandleaders such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, and Glenn Miller, and became a staple of dance halls and nightclubs during the 1930s and 1940s.

Swing music is energetic and upbeat, so if you're looking to create a lively atmosphere and encourage people to dance, hiring a swing band is the perfect option!

Do your swing bands only perform swing music?

Not always. Most swing bands play a varied selection of swing and related genres:

Classic swing and big band music
Classic songs from the swing band era (1930s and 1940s). Popular tunes include: Sing, Sing, Sing, In the Mood, Take the A Train, Chattanooga Choo Choo and Minnie the Moocher by Cab Calloway

Rat Pack and crooner standards
Songs from the late 1940s through to the 1960s, popularised by artists such as Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. Songs include: Come Fly with Me, Fly Me To The Moon and L.O.VE

Pop songs performed in a vintage style
Often referred to as "postmodern jazz", this style became hugely popular thanks to bands such as Postmodern Jukebox and Nouvelle Vague. These bands re-imagine and perform popular songs in vintage musical styles, from swing and jazz to ragtime and bossa nova.

Other genres
Some of our bands will include uptempo songs in closely related genres, such as jump jive, soul, blues and gospel. Some examples are: Hallelujah I Love Her, Hey Bartender, Hit The Road Jack, Jump, Jive, and Wail and Straighten Up And Fly Right.

Can your swing bands get my guests dancing?

Yes! But this depends on the line-up. Make sure your swing band includes a drummer – providing an essential rhythmic element for dancing.

A vocalist/frontman/frontwoman is also recommended for dancing. This provides a focal point for your guests and makes the performance more interactive.

How much space do your swing bands take up?

This depends on the line-up. For small swing band consisting of 5 members you'll need a performance area (or stage if you can provide one) measuring 5 metres across by 3 metres deep.

Before researching bands, consider the size and layout of your event space, as well as the number of guests you are expecting. A swing band can take up a significant amount of space and may be too loud for a small or intimate gathering. It's also important to consider your budget and the cost of hiring a band.

Lastly, don't forget to have a dance floor set up and encourage your guests to join in the fun!

Do you have jive bands?

Yes! Jive music evolved from swing music, but incorporates elements of jump blues, boogie woogie, and early rock'n'roll. It typically features a driving rhythm section, with a strong emphasis on the drums and bass, as well as a brass section with trumpets and trombones.

Jive music is often associated with dance, particularly the jitterbug and the swing dances of the 1930s and 1940s. The fast tempo and upbeat rhythm make it ideal for lively, energetic dancing, with dancers performing a range of kicks, flicks, and other fast-paced movements.

Some well-known examples of jive music include "Jump, Jive, and Wail" by Louis Prima, "Rock Around the Clock" by Bill Haley & His Comets, "Hound Dog" by Elvis Presley, and "Choo Choo Ch'Boogie" by Louis Jordan.

How long do your swing bands perform for?

Our swing bands typically perform for 2 hours. This can usually be divided into two sets of sixty minutes each, or three sets of forty minutes each.

Most bands will be able to play recorded music via their sound systems in the intervals, to ensure you're never in silence.

Why should I book a swing band for my wedding?

There are several reasons why we'd recommend booking a swing band for your wedding or event:

  1. Gets guests dancing
    Swing music is known for its upbeat and energetic style, making it the perfect choice for getting guests up and dancing late into the night.
  2. Easier on the ears
    While still lively, swing bands generally perform at a lower volume than rock, pop, or soul bands, making them more suitable for events with kids or grandparents present.
  3. Sophisticated arrangements
    Although most swing bands include popular songs in their repertoire, these are typically arranged in a unique and sophisticated jazz style, avoiding the "cheese" factor!
  4. Enhances the event theme
    If you're hosting a vintage-themed wedding or event, a swing band can be the perfect addition to enhance the ambience and transport your guests to a bygone era.

In summary, booking a wedding swing band will add a touch of class, energy, and fun, and create a memorable experience for you and your guests.

Our venue has a sound limiter - is this a problem?

Most of our swing bands can perform within the limits of sound limiters with no problems, though always check the noise restrictions at your venue and let us know the decibel limit, so we can suggest appropriate bands.

In many cases, levels can be reduced by asking the drummer to use brushes or “hot rods” instead of wooden sticks.

I'm booking a swing wedding band. Can they learn my first dance?

Our swing wedding bands will be happy to learn and perform your first dance request – provided they think they can arrange it for their line-up and do it justice.

Firstly, check the band's profile page on our website, to see if the song is already featured on their song list.

If it's not, let us know your request and we'll run it past the band and let you know if they'd be happy to learn and rehearse it for you.

If they're not, don't worry, they'll make sure they play the recorded version through their PA system instead, at the right time.

When will the band arrive at my venue?

Assuming you've booked a swing band to perform in the evening, they'll aim to arrive from 5pm or 6pm.

Their set up and sound-check will then take between 60-90 minutes (depending on the size of the band), so please make sure they have a closed off room for this period. If you can't close the room off, don't panic, we can arrange a silent "line-check" instead, so as not to disturb your guests.

Is there anything else we need to provide for our swing band?

Aside from sufficient space, you'll just need to allow the band access to at least two standard domestic plug sockets.


Swing band reviews

Loading...

Back to top