Starlight 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 starlight@alivenetwork.com or call our agent, Alive Network, on 01782 740839.
How much space do you need?
We need a minimum performance area of 4m x 3m. Should space be limited we're also available to perform as a more compact 3-piece with pre-recorded drums.
How is it best to time things?
Starlight are happy to discuss your requirements and suggest a bespoke schedule based on the plans you've made for your event (Cut cake, food, first dance, etc.).
However, based on our experience, the following timings have proved to work perfectly for many of the weddings we've played at:
7.30pm-8pm – Light background music
8pm-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 consider these as a suggestions only.
We're also happy to play 3x40 min sets but suggest 2x60 min sets where possible.
Can I pick the bands playlist?
We will contact you 3 weeks before your event and ask if there are any songs you definitely DO or DON’T want us to play. This allows us to order the songs in a sequence we know it's going to work well and the freedom to swap the order of songs on the fly if we feel that this will help to keep all of your guests involved.
Where will you travel to?
We are a London party band, but we do travel UK wide and even internationally.
Can I see you play live?
Due to the nature of our work, most of our gigs are private functions. However, we occasionally play public gigs, for our clients to come and see us before they commit to a booking. We're also happy to organize a private showcase at a Central London rehearsal studio for a small fee, typically £150. If you decide to go ahead and book us, this will be deducted from our performance fee.
Will you learn our special song?
We are happy to learn your first dance or special song at no extra charge. Please give us enough notice to make sure we can learn the song properly (min 3 weeks) and do it justice when we perform it live.
Below is a sample list of first dances we have learned and played live in the past 12 months:
All of Me - John Legend
How Long will I love you - Ellie Goulding
Bonfire hearth - James Blunt
Marry Me - Bruno Mars
Ho Hey - The Lumineers
Hey Soul Sister - Train
Is the video on your website a true reflection of the band?
Videos on our website have been made to give you a true feel of how entertaining, energetic and talented Starlight are in a live situation, and show you the enjoyment your guests will have from having Starlight play at your event. What you see is what you get.
How do I book you?
You can book us through the enquiry form on this website or through our agency. You can also email or call our booking agent Alive Network on 01782 740839.
Are you able to DJ in between sets?
Starlight use an iDJ mixing console and have a large database of classic and modern party anthems to keep guests entertained in between live sets. Music playlists between sets comes as standard with every booking. If you are looking for a more bespoke DJ service, we offer a DJ package upgrade option where one of the band members will DJ, take requests and make basic announcements.
The DJ package upgrade option is offered for free when your booking is confirmed within 7 days of receiving our official quote.
Can we make DJ requests in advance to my event?
We can DJ using our clients' iPods, CDs and Mp3 players and are happy to play custom playlists made by them. Just let us know before the day of your event.
Can we use your sound system for speeches?
You are more than welcome to use our PA system for your speeches.
What equipment do you use?
Starlight live sound system is a collection of some of the top audio equipment available on the market. This includes: Gibson Les Paul and Ibanez electric guitars, Yamaha acoustic guitars, Marshall and Laney amps, Yamaha Motif6 Keyboard, and Shure wired and wireless microphones.
The band also own a Mackie + Cerwin Vega PA for a truly amazing live experience!
Do you have lights?
We are equipped with a basic lighting rig and also own a smoke machine, which can be included into our performance upon request.
How long do you play for?
We typically play 2 x 60 min sets or 3 x 40 min min sets. We also offer an acoustic upgrade option which consists of 2 x 30 minutes of acoustic music, perfect for your drinks reception. We can provide this service as an acoustic duo or 3 piece group.
What time do you start and finish?
Arrival and finish times are 6pm and midnight as standard, with early arrival and late finish fees applicable outside of these timings. We're totally flexible with timings, even though we usually start our first set at around 8.30pm, and play our second set in the final hour of the evening.
How long do you take to set up?
Ideally 1 hour, once all the equipment is loaded in. This can be reduced to a minimum of 40 minutes if necessary.
Can I provisionally book you?
Unfortunately, we don’t take provisional bookings. However, when you make an official enquiry with us, your enquiry will be logged in our system and you will be given first refusal on your date should anybody else enquire for the same date.
What if the band split up before my event?
In the unlikely event we had split up before your party, whatever the reason we've agreed to honour all of our existing bookings. A potential band split won't affect the date you've booked.
Can my sisters/bosses/daughters dog sing with your band?
We are happy to arrange this with you in advance, provided that those singing or playing with the band have some experience of being on stage.
What will the band wear? We tend to stay away from the suit & tie cliché and dress like you'd expect a Pop & Rock band would be dressed on a music magazine cover. However we're happy to dress in a more formal attire if requested or more suitable. Please check out the photo gallery for an idea of our typical performance 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 Starlight?
Starlight are a talented and professional function band who's made a name for ourselves filling up dancefloors throughout the UK. With a repertoire made of songs spanning 6 decades, we are guaranteed to provide a top-notch evening of entertainment!
Starlight are a first-class act – not only in terms of their musicianship and the mighty powerhouse delivery of the songs we play – but also in our outstanding showmanship. We have carefully constructed sets to cater for every type of performance. From the late 50s to todays chart toppers, Starlight have something for everyone with hugely recognisable hits by artists and bands such as Adele, The Beatles, Guns N' Roses, The Killers, Kings of Leon, Bruno Mars, Daft Punk, Jessie J Rihanna and Bon Jovi to name just a few.
If you’re looking for a really special wedding or function band that will guarantee you a superb night of entertainment, Startlight might just the band for you.
Here is a brief list of some of the places and venues that we have played at:
- UK
- Italy
- France
- Dubai
- Indigo2 (o2 arena)
- Wembley Arena
- Kensington Olympia
- Ronnie Scott
- Henley Royal Regatta
- The Brewery
- Cafe Royal
How much does it cost to book the band?
Standard price starts at £1032 for a London gig and varies depending on the location of the venue where we perform.
Can we see some previous client testimonials?
Sure! Please check out some previous client testimonials here.
Do Starlight have any specific requirements?
A room in which to change, something to eat and drinks while they're at the venue.
What type/size venues are you able to play at?
We have played in every type of venue, from small venues to huge corporate events and festivals.
How loud will the band be?
Being a Pop & Rock function band, we're going to be pretty loud as you'd probably expect. If your chosen venue has a dB limiter, please let your agent know: Starlight either going to perform using an electric drum kit or as a 3-piece with pre-recorded drums. Either option will allow us to be quieter and within the sound limit, while providing you with the same quality entertainment you'd expect from the standard line-up/equipment.
What is the band power requirement?
Usually a minimum of 2 double 13 amp supplies near to the stage area.
Do Starlight offer any additional services?
Starlight offer a number of additional services at very competitive rates: from afternoon acoustic sets, to a bespoke DJ service, live song requests and additional musicians. If you would like more information regarding the above options please contact us via email to discuss.
