Function Bands in Cardiff

Function bands in Cardiff

What to expect from a Cardiff function band

Cardiff function bands are live cover bands hired for private and business events across the city and the wider South Wales area. Most groups perform a mix of popular genres (pop, rock, soul, disco, and chart hits) and can adjust their setlist to match the room and audience. Many bands offer an evening format of two or three live sets plus background music between sets, with flexible start and finish times to suit venue curfews.

Set length: A common setup is 2 × 60 minutes or 3 × 40–45 minutes, but this varies by band and event schedule.

Suitable occasions in Cardiff venues

Function bands are commonly booked for weddings, corporate parties, awards nights, product launches, charity fundraisers, birthdays, and anniversary celebrations. Cardiff has a wide mix of venues, from hotels and waterfront locations in Cardiff Bay to city-centre bars, halls, and university spaces.

Audience fit: Planners often choose bands with broad, recognisable material for mixed-age crowds, while themed events may require a specialist style (for example, 80s, Motown, or indie).

Practical details for planners

Pricing depends on band size, date, and production needs.

Typical price range: Around £900–£2,500 for a 3–5 piece band; smaller acoustic options may start near £500–£1,200, while premium 6–8 piece acts with added production can run £2,000–£4,000+. Most bands supply their own PA and basic lighting, and some can provide microphones for speeches.

Equipment: Check whether the quote includes a full PA suitable for your guest count, lighting, and a sound engineer, plus PAT testing and public liability insurance if your venue requires it.

Booking is smoother when you confirm venue logistics early:

• Sound limits: Ask about limiters, curfews, and noise management
• Access: Loading routes, lift availability, and parking permits
• Power: Dedicated sockets and cable run distance
• Space: Stage or performance area size and ceiling height
• Timings: Setup and soundcheck windows, especially in shared venues

FAQ

How far in advance should I book?

For peak summer weekends and December parties, lead time: 6–12 months is common. Off-peak Fridays or midweek dates may be available at shorter notice.

Do bands in Cardiff handle special requests?

Often, yes. Requests: many bands will learn a first dance or key song if you provide notice, but it may involve a fee or limitations depending on complexity.

What is usually required to secure the booking?

Most bands use a contract and a deposit. Payment terms: a deposit is typically 10–30%, with the balance due before the event or on the day.

Will the band provide everything needed for the performance?

Usually the band brings PA and lights, but confirm details. Venue responsibilities: safe power access, a suitable performance area, and (sometimes) a meal and soft drinks for longer bookings.

How do I avoid issues with venue sound restrictions?

Ask the venue about limiters and curfew rules early. Best practice: choose a band experienced with sound-limited rooms and confirm they can work with monitoring and volume controls.