Richard's 70th Birthday Party

The occasion for our event was my husband Richard’s 70th birthday party, and we wanted it to be a truly special celebration. We held the party in a marquee set up in our home garden, which made the atmosphere feel relaxed, personal, and intimate. The marquee gave us plenty of space for our guests while keeping the event close to home, which was perfect for the mix of family and friends we invited. We arranged a sit-down lunch for 85 people, and it was absolutely wonderful — the perfect way to bring everyone together and celebrate this milestone.

We were extremely satisfied with Richard’s performance. He was absolutely excellent and had taken the time beforehand to ask us for our favourite tunes, which he then played expertly throughout the day. His music added such a warm, elegant backdrop to the lunch, making it feel relaxed yet special. Guests were able to enjoy their conversations and meals while still soaking up the wonderful atmosphere his guitar created.

The party started at 1.30 pm in the afternoon but carried on well into the early hours for a few stalwart guests who weren’t ready for the night to end! One of the most memorable moments was the joint gift from all the guests — a single bottle of Petrus. For a wine enthusiast like Richard, it was an incredible and thoughtful gift that left him completely speechless. Moments like that really made the day feel both personal and unforgettable.

Richard and I chose a classy marquee to complement our blue and white theme, which created a light, elegant setting for the celebration. To emphasise the countryside feel of our garden, we decorated the tables with vases of wildflowers, adding a natural and charming touch. The overall effect was simple yet sophisticated, giving the party a relaxed, beautiful aesthetic that everyone could enjoy.

We decided to book Richard, a talented guitarist, for our live entertainment because we only wanted background music rather than a full-blown performance. He provided this perfectly, setting the mood without ever overpowering conversation or the relaxed pace of the event. He had such a natural way of blending into the flow of the party, allowing everyone to enjoy the music subtly while still creating a sophisticated atmosphere.

Not only was Richard’s musical performance flawless, but he was also very friendly and approachable, taking the time to chat with guests during breaks. This personal touch made him feel like part of the celebration rather than just hired entertainment. We were so impressed with his professionalism, talent, and personable nature that I wouldn’t hesitate to hire him again for any future events — he truly made a huge difference to our day.

Some of our favourite moments from the party included seeing everyone thoroughly enjoying themselves, listening to the speeches that were given, and catching up with guests throughout the afternoon. Each element of the celebration felt meaningful, from the laughter shared over stories to the smiles on everyone’s faces as they soaked up the music and atmosphere.

We found Function Central while searching online and came across Richard among their list of talented guitarists. The booking process was incredibly smooth — Function Central were very efficient, helpful, and reliable, making the whole experience stress-free. Their service allowed us to focus on the celebration itself, knowing that the entertainment and logistics were in capable hands. We are so grateful for their support and would recommend them to anyone planning a special event.

Suppliers

The marquee was provided by Aries Marquees Liverpool

The amazing catering was done by Helen Carrington and staff of "Simply Helen".