How to Book a Live Band For Your University Event

End-of-year soiree, Christmas do, or activity club social — whatever university event you’re putting on, hiring a live band can make it a night to remember. But where do you start with finding a band that fits your event’s vibe?

Our guide is here to walk you through finding the perfect function band so you can hire with confidence.

Why book a live band for your university event?

No matter what kind of university event you’re putting on, live music is a great addition. Whether you're looking for a jazz band for background music at a sit-down dinner or a cover band to get everyone up and dancing all night long, live artists bring any university celebration to life.

Choosing the best band to hire

No two party bands are the same, so how do you choose who to hire? Here are a few pointers to help you hire the ideal band for your event.

1. Think about the venue, event type, and atmosphere

First up, what is your event? Think about the venue as well as the kind of atmosphere you’d like to create. If your event is being held in a large hall, your requirements will likely differ from those of a small gathering in an intimate space.

Likewise, if you’re setting up an event with a distinct theme — be it nostalgic 90s, a roaring twenties speakeasy, or Bond-inspired Black Tie — you’ll want to find a band that compliments your events theme.

2. Choose a type of band

With this in mind, it’s worth exploring different band types. Do any of the following match what you would like for your event?

• Acoustic musicians: If you’re looking for a musical accompaniment to a meal or a band for a garden party event, acoustic musicians could be ideal. Bands such as Foxy Rewind, an acoustic trio based in the North of England, offer a chilled yet upbeat sound. Most acoustic bands require a straightforward setup, making them an excellent option for smaller venues.
• Jazz and swing bands: Jazz, swing, and rat pack artists can bring a touch of class and old school elegance to any event. Whether you go for a 12-piece big band like the Strictly Smokin’ Band showcasing classic tracks from throughout the decades or a retro take on contemporary songs with the Honey Bee Jazz band, our jazz bands offer a smooth sound that’s ideal for everything from a graduation drinks reception to a night of cocktails and dancing.
• Rock bands: Heavy metal, noughties pop punk, classic 80s rock… Whatever genre you’re looking for, there’s a rock band ready to bring energy and excitement to your university event. A live rock band is ideal for getting everyone on their feet and singing along.
• Function and party bands: Do you want an all-rounder? Party and function bands give favourite tracks a new lease of life and can cover a whole array of genres. Take a look at our catalogue of artists, and you’ll be sure to find the ideal party band to hire for your university event.
• Cover bands: Similar to function bands, cover bands put their own unique spin on tracks from other artists. However, cover bands are often dedicated to a particular genre or artist. So, whether you want a Spice Girls tribute for the ultimate girl power or a quirky band showcasing tracks from Quentin Tarantino films, there’s a cover band for every occasion!
• Classical ensembles: For a truly refined atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with a classical ensemble. From string quartets to full orchestras, these musicians can provide beautiful background music for dinners, graduation ceremonies, and event receptions.

3. Add a DJ

Have you thought about combining a live band with a DJ set? A DJ can keep the party going with a broad range of songs. It’s a fun way to round off an event. Plus, you can choose a playlist to fit your event theme or encourage your guests to request tracks ahead of time. When you hire a band with AMV Live Music, you almost always* have the option to add a DJ service.

*(Subject to location).

4. Consider your budget and location

As with any part of planning a university event, it's important to keep your budget in mind when hiring a band. As a general rule of thumb, the more band members onstage, the higher the fee — so this may affect whether you go for a trio or an 8-piece band.

If you’re looking for a band to hire in the North of England or Scotland, we have a whole catalogue of artists ready to bring talent and entertainment to your university event. Whether you’re in the North East at Newcastle, Northumbria or Durham University or Yorkshire at York University, the North West at universities including the University of Manchester or Lancaster University, or up in Scotland at the University of Edinburgh, the University of Aberdeen and so many more, see which fantastic bands are available to hire near you.

How to hire a band with AMV Live Music

Ready to hire a live band? The process is easy with AMV Live Music. Our aim is to connect venues and event organisers with talented artists — no fuss, just a straightforward, transparent booking.

So, what do you need to do?

1. Browse our artists and listen to their samples to find the ideal band for your event. You can filter by band type, genre, and location.
2. Add any artists you like the sound of to your shortlist.
3. Get in touch with the AMV Live Music team and make an enquiry about the band you’d like to hire through our handy enquiry form. Let us know your event date and any special requests or requirements.
4. Receive a quote from the AMV Live Music team.
5. Pay a small deposit to secure your chosen musicians for your event.
6. Finalise any details — get in touch with the AMV Live Music team to finalise your event details. The AMV Live Music team manages all communication and performance details for you, meaning you don’t have to worry about communicating with the band directly and organising this yourself. We know this can be a weight off university students' minds, especially around exam season!
7. Enjoy your university event. The band you hire with AMV Live Music will arrive, set up, and entertain your guests.

Hire a live band and make your university event truly memorable

No matter the celebration or occasion, hiring a party band is the ideal way to create a vibrant atmosphere. For more details on the hiring process, take a look at our guide: how to hire a band for an event.

Ready to explore some talented bands from across the North of England and Scotland? Check out our artist catalogue. Got a question? Please feel free to get in touch with our friendly team.