Chelsea Swagger Most Frequently Asked Questions
Below are all of the questions we could remember having been asked in the past. If you have a question that's not on here, please feel free to email chelseaswagger@alivenetwork.com or call our agent, Alive Network, on 01782 740839.
How much space do you need?
Typically the band will need a performance area of 5 x 3 meters. However, we have performed in a range of venues from marquees, barns, lorry trailers, balconies and small tents so the band is really flexible to your requirements.
How is it best to time things?
Please consider the following points when arranging the timings for the band performances. We will always be happy to play lighter background music/DJ sets for when guests arrive. Please note that the below timings are only a suggestion, and we can cater for your event/venues needs fully, even within a tight schedule.
Below are the best timings (through experience) for Weddings performances, 7.30pm-12am with 2 x 60 minutes sets.
7.30pm-8.45pm – DJ set
8.45pm-9pm – Cut cake, photos, first dance
9pm – 10pm – First band set
10pm – 11pm – DJ set
11pm-12am – 2nd band set
Please plan sets around the evening food. Do not have the band start at 8pm if the buffet is then ready to come out at this time also as your guests will want to eat in peace. We suggest 2 x 60 minutes sets over 3 x 40 minutes where possible.
Can I pick the bands playlist?
We are more than happy for you to pick which songs from our repertoire are played, but we do prefer if we are left to decide the order in which they are played.
It is usually best if you let us know any songs you definitely DO or DON’T want rather than a ordered play list. We need to have the freedom to cater for all your guests and may need deviate to involve all of your guests.
Where will you travel to?
We are a Bristol party band but we do travel UK wide and even internationally.
Can I see you play live?
Due to the nature of our work we do not usually perform at local live events as we are often busy performing at events across the UK. However, we have a live video where you can see the general audience interaction that we have as well as viewing our promotional videos, pictures and other testimonials from previous clients which show we have done many events where our clients have been really happy with the band.
Will you learn our special song?
We are more than happy to learn a first dance or a special song for your event. The band will always be happy to do this as long as they feel they can do the song justice for your event. In cases where the band cannot do the song, we will happily play it through the PA system for you.
Is the video on your website a true reflection of the band?
When recording our promotional videos we do everything live and unedited so as to give you a true representation of the sound and feel of the band. As you will be able to see from the bands pictures, the band always gets the crowd up and dancing.
Are you able to DJ in between sets?
Yes. We are more than happy to DJ between the sets. If you do not choose the DJ option but wish to have your own playlist being played then we are happy to plug in your laptop / iPod / iPad into our PA. This gives you the ultimate control on the music that is played during the breaks.
Can we make DJ requests in advance to my event?
Yes – if you have the DJ option then requests are more than welcome. If you require the bespoke playlist option then we are more than happy to organise your specific playlist on our dj system so that you can the exact songs played at your event.
Can we use your sound system for speeches?
You are welcome to use our PA system for your speeches. However, we don’t use radio mics in our live setup so, should you need them, and you will have to hire them in advance.
What equipment do you use?
Chelsea Swagger use a Mackie PA system which powers over 3000watts. This is usually suitable for up to 350 – 400 people. We also use a Mackie DL1608 mixer which can be used wirelessly to control the sound from anywhere in the room and therefore during soundcheck we can check to see that the sound is perfect for your event.
We also use the highest quality instruments and equipment which is regularly PAT tested and insured.
Do you have lights?
We have a huge variety of lights including lasers, scanners, LED lights, LED uplighters and much more.
How long do you play for?
We usually suggest 3 options. 2 x 45 minute sets, 2 x 60 minute sets or 1 x 45 minute set and then a 1 x 1.15 hour set.
What time do you start and finish?
We usually start our first set at around 8.30pm, and play our second set in the final hour of the evening, but again we are totally flexible with this. Arrival and finish times are 5pm and midnight as standard with early arrival and late finish fees applicable outside of these timings.
How long do you take to set up?
Assuming access to the venue is straight forward (i.e. ground floor room with no steps and vehicle access close to the venue), once all the equipment is loaded in we can normally be set up and sound checked in an hour.
Can I provisionally book you?
Unfortunately not. Due to demand, it is required that you book quickly in order to secure the band for your event. The band is extremely busy and therefore get booked quite quickly.
What if the band split up before my event?
The band will always perform for events they have committed to. The only unlikely event in which the band will not be able to perform is due to severe illness or an act of god, in which case a suitable replacement band will be found for you.
Can my sisters/bosses/daughters dog sing with your band?
We love it when people get up to sing a song with us, but we do like to make sure that those singing or playing with us have some experience of being on stage. We’re happy to arrange this with you in advance. However, past experience has taught us that welcoming impromptu guests onto the stage on the night itself can often end in disaster so we’d rather steer clear of that situation!
What will the band wear?
We usually dress formally for most parties (trousers, shirt and tie) unless informal attire is requested. In the past, we’ve also been asked to join in with an events theme, which we’re more than happy to do if you wish. Please check out our photo gallery for an idea of our typical wedding attire.
Does the band have PAT and PLI certificates?
We always carry up to date PAT certification and have Public Liability Insurance cover up to £10M.
Why should I book Chelsea Swagger?
Chelsea swagger are a hugely experienced band with countless performances both in the UK and abroad. The band really knows how to get the party going and guarantee to astound you by their musical ability and stage presence. The bands set list means that everyone from your great grandmother to your young nephew will be able to get up and dance to something.
What type/size venues are you able to play at?
We have played in every type of venue, from festivals and football stadiums, from huge marquees and ballrooms to intimate clubs and private residencies.
How loud will the band be?
The band can be as loud or as quiet as you want. For venues with noise limiters, the band also offer the option for the drummer to use an electronic drum kit so as to have total control over the bands volume.
What is the band power requirement?
We usually request 2 double 13 amp supplies near to the stage area. We use LED lighting which keeps our power consumption down but we prefer to run lights from one power source and audio equipment from another to reduce the risk of noise interference. As a rule, we draw approximately 16 amps with everything on and have only ever experienced any issues in events in marquees where the generator capacity has been too low.
Chelsea Swagger additional services?
As an added fun extra why not also hire a photobooth for your event. The photobooth provides guests the opportunity to let their hair down at your event and leaving both your guests and yourselves with a great souvenir in the form of photos as well as the option for video messages. What's included:
- Stand alone photobooth with attendant to help guests with props and guest book.
- Funny props including wigs, inflatable microphones and guitars, wacky sun glassed, blackboards for messages, picture frame and much more.
- Print for guests to take away and a print for the guest book
- CD / DVD at end of the night to take away with all images and video from the night.
- Individually designed print with personalised logo
- Green Screen option - how about striking a pose against the Hollywood backdrop.
