We've put together some of the questions we're often asked from our clients.
If you have a question that isn't covered below or want to ask something specific feel free to send us an email: info@thefireflies.co.uk
HOW DO YOU CALCULATE YOUR PRICING?
All prices advertised on our website and quoted by email are calculated by the following:
i - Performance fee
ii - Travel expenses
iii - Accommodation expenses (if applicable)
iv - Non standard extras (eg: early arrival)
We waive the standard 20% agency booking fees on all
direct bookings and pass the saving directly onto our clients.
We endeavour to keep all costs to a minimum by sharing transport and using our own equipment.
Our peak season runs from May to October so our fees reflect the demand.
HOW DO WE PAY?
The entertainment can be secured with a deposit of 20% of the quoted fee.
We will require cleared funds via a BACS transfer and will provide you with a reference.
The remainder of the fee is due one week prior to the performance via BACS transfer of cleared funds. On some occasions we will accept cash on the day of the event prior to the performance.
WHAT DO I NEED TO CHECK WITH THE VENUE?
i - Parking, Access & Loading
The band will require a secure area to park cars, unload gear and unobstructed access to the venue and performance space.
ii Performance Space
We are lucky to have state of the art sound and lighting equipment which we can adapt to suit any sized venue
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For health and safety reasons, for a four-piece band, we require a minimum stage space of 3.5m x 3.5m in order to perform safely.
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There are occasions we are able to perform in a smaller space, however this may degrade the quality of sound and lighting equipment we are able to set up in the space. We will let you know if this is the case when you book.
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In order for us to set up our equipment and sound check ahead of the performance, we require clear access to the performance space, the area must be clear of any tables and chairs and have clear access to power sources.
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We expect clients and their guests to keep a close eye on any children for their safety as the equipment is heavy and we may be yet to secure leads and cables.
iii - Changing & refreshments
In order to give their best performance, the band will require refreshments and a quiet space; to store personal items, to change, eat, drink and rest during breaks.
Please let us know ahead of time if this isn't possible so alternative arrangements can be made.
iv - Sound Restrictions
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Some venues have sound restrictions on their licenses which we are required to adhere to. We are happy to contact the venue on your behalf, please bear in mind we will have to alter our sound levels to reflect this, so we may use alternative equipment in keeping with this.
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Some venues may also request a copy of PAT Testing (Portable Appliance Testing) and PLI (Public Liability Insurance) which we are happy to provide upon request.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE FREE DISCO/ DJ SERVICE?
We provide our state-of-the-art sound system and professional lighting rig and as soon as we arrive and our system is assembled, we will get the sound pumping out and the lights rolling with plenty of time ahead of your guests arrival. For before and after the sets you can supply your own Spotify playlist, or we can use one of our tried and tested favourites
The disco service is essentially a continuous pre programmed party playlist, accompanied by our state of the art lighting show. We have various settings depending on the party type, clientele and vibe you prefer eg: acoustic, dance floor classics, mellow etc.
Unless otherwise specified we provide a 1-hour manned DJ request service for the final hour, following the main performance, however we will happily queue song requests and give shout outs for your guests throughout.
A fully manned DJ service is available as an additional extra which will incur additional costs.
CAN WE OR OUR GUESTS GET UP & SING/ USE YOUR GEAR?
We are often asked by friends and family members (after several drinks) if they can 'borrow' the microphone, have 'a go' on our instruments or sing a song....
To keep the vibe fun and professional it is a simple 'no'.
We obviously want you and your guests to have an amazing time, however, despite being fully insured, our equipment is worth several thousand pounds and we have trained for many years to give you the show you deserve.
That said we are happy to provide microphones for speeches, the only exception to the rule being a pre agreed surprise performance - we are happy to discuss this further with you prior to our booking.
If we believe at any point the band’s safety or equipment could be compromised, we reserve the right to withhold performance/ cease performing at any time before/ during the event. Such instances could include aggressive, intimidating or inappropriate behaviour towards members of the band, or interfering with any of the band’s equipment by the hirer, guests or venue.
CAN WE CHOOSE THE SONGS YOU PERFORM?
The band’s live setlist/ running order is exclusively put together by the band. It’s tried and tested, well-rehearsed and prepared – it’s cohesive, super tight and well-practised. It’s a mix of all decades with something in there that everyone will love. We know in our years of experience, it will keep everyone up on their feet, on the dancefloor having fun.
If there is anything on our advertised repertoire, in terms of a song or genre you love or really don’t want – it’s easy to substitute them if they fall into the set we decide to use on the night
We’ll happily learn a special song request for you that isn’t our repertoire which we can play with the live band, acoustic duo, to a track or simply the song streamed through out sound system
CAN WE REQUEST SONGS THAT ARE NOT IN YOUR REPERTOIRE?
We want to make your big day extra special so, at no extra cost, we will be happy to learn your first dance or your favourite song to serenade you with on the night.
Please be aware that the band will need to learn and rehearse the songs beforehand so any additional requests will be subject to an additional fee.
WHAT TIME DO YOU ARRIVE AND LEAVE?
It is important to check with the venue when and how the band can access the performance space.
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Where the band will be sharing the same space as a sit down meal, they will endeavour to assemble our equipment and sound check without disturbing you and your guests. However, they will need to perform a sound check prior to the first set.
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As a rule of thumb the band will arrive at the venue around 6pm and finish no later than midnight.
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Prior to the event, for an additional fee they are happy to arrange an early arrival, prior to the earliest available arrival time of 5pm
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Prior to the event, for an additional fee they can also continue the party past midnight
HOW LONG DO THE BAND PLAY FOR?
We include 2 hours of live music and we find that 2 x 1-hour sets are the best way to keep the party going and the dancefloor packed, however you can separate this into 3 x 40-minute sets if you prefer.
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For an additional fee we are happy to add additional acoustic/ full band sets for sit down meals or just to extend the evening into the early hours.
WHAT IS THE COVID-19 FLEXI PROMISE?
If you need to reschedule due to Covid-19, we'll honour the price & reschedule for a suitable date for you, your guests, the band & venue.
All we ask is as much notice as possible and no later than one month prior to the performance so we do not lose out on potential work.