'Remember, remember the fifth of November, Gunpowder, treason and plot, We see no reason, Why gunpowder treason, Should ever be forgot!’ - (Old English Rhyme)
A brief history
In 1605, the Papist, Guy Fawkes and a group of conspirators attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament intending to destroy the Royal lineage of the time and improve life for the persecuted Catholics. An ultimate act of treason now coined The Gunpowder Plot, the conspirators stored 36 barrels of gunpowder in a cellar under the House of Lords. Before they were able to ignite the powder kegs on November 5th they were caught, tortured and eventually executed.
In celebration of the fact that the plot had been foiled, people all over London lit bonfires (bone fires) and burned effigies of the Pope. Every year since then we have traditionally celebrated the failure of the gunpowder plot by holding outdoor parties with bonfires where the original burning of the Pope’s effigy soon became the burning of ‘the Guy’.
In modern times firework displays accompany the traditional bonfire with venues competing for bigger and better shows each year.
Some people may wonder whether they are actually celebrating the plotter’s execution or honouring his attempt to do away with the government!! Either way, Alive Network has all the solutions to ensure an explosive party that goes off with more than just a bang.
If you would like Alive Network to locate a fireworks company for you, or if you would like us to incorporate a Firework Display into a larger entertainment package, please call us on 0845 108 5500 or speak with your Alive Network agent.
Otherwise, for DIY firework display packs AND professional display organisers, please visit the following company web sites.
The Swing Smiths Jazz and Blues
Based in London
The Swing Smiths are a sensational function band performing a huge range of hits from the Big Band, Rat Pack, Jive, Swing, Soul & Motown eras. This 9-piece band has female vocals and is also available in a 3 to 7 piece line-up. Great fun for all events!
Recent review:
31/01/2012
"Alive Network made it easy for me to find the right band for my event. The Swing Smiths were professional, talented, and most importantly, they got everyone dancing. ... "
The Shakers Rock and Pop
Based in Hertfordshire
The Shakers are a female and male led rock & pop band playing hits from The Beatles to The Killers, Lady Gaga. They provide a free disco option, & come with a great quality PA system as standard. A real talent & great for dancing to!
Recent review:
31/01/2012
"The Shakers are a highly professional band that can entertain a large room with ease and get everybody dancing! Their repertoire is wide enough to have something for everybody and so well copied - it is difficult to tell the difference to the original!
Our guests were enthusiastic about the Shak ... "
Tropical Steel Collective Steel Bands
Based in London
The Tropical Steel Collective‘s roots lead directly to such tropical islands as Barbados, Jamaica & Trinidad- the home of the steel pan! Even after 20 years, this excellent group cater for all occasions, available in many shapes & sizes!
Russell Shaun Rat Pack Singers and Swing
Based in Lancashire
Amazing Jazz & Swing singer! Recreating the sounds of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, Russell will bring style and sophistication to any event! Available as a solo artist or with a full band. 2-9 piece band available Michael Buble tribute available
Recent review:
30/01/2012
"Russell Shaun and his band turned up to our wedding venue early and were set up and ready when our evening guests started to arrive. They were all very smartly dressed. Russell accommodated us well by setting up and playing our first dance song with out any problems.
Russell's performance's was ... "
(Rat Pack) The Rat Pack Is Back Tribute bands
Based in Essex
THE RAT PACK IS BACK - THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY RAT PACK. The hit show perfectly captures not only the wonderful music and comedy of the original legends, but also the remarkable personalities.Video Online!
Recent review:
30/01/2012
"I just wanted to drop you a quick email to thank the guys so much for all their hard work with our event on Friday. Their music was exactly as I wanted them and really added to the ambience of the evening.
It was a little chaotic as I had to keep re-jigging the programme but hope the guys did ... "
Mike Allen Solo Duo and Trios
Based in Hertfordshire
One of the UK’s premier soul vocalists, Mike has fronted bands with chart success & played for prestigious clients including Royalty! His large repertoire can set the mood from smooth background to sing alongs & dance mania all in one amazing package!
Recent review:
30/01/2012
"Overall the service received from Alive was excellent, especially at relatively short notice and so close to Christmas.
Mike himself was boith polite, humorous and gave a great performance which really made the evening portion of our weddingf a success, he is a true professional. ... "
Manhattan Jazz Duo/Trio Jazz and Blues
Based in London
A high class jazz duo consisting of male vocalist & sax player with piano or guitar. A third member can be introduced to create a trio playing either bass or drums. Perfect for your wedding reception, corporate event or as background music in restaurants
Recent review:
28/01/2012
"Many thanks on behalf of Si and I for your involvement in our special day on Saturday. We genuinely had the most lovely time, and we appreciated your role in making it so “perfect”.
The music was simply “unforgettable” Eric (even though we didn’t do our first dance once again!) ... "
Sugarbeat Rock and Pop
Based in Nottinghamshire
Polished 4-piece band playing popular dancefloor hits that span the decades. Sugarbeat can tailor their set to suit any occasion playing everything from current chart hits to dancefloor classics.
Recent review:
28/01/2012
"Hi Guys!
Thanks for a great night, the music was excellent, I haven't danced that much in ages! Dad had a wonderful night and everyone really enjoyed your entertainment, I hope you appreciated the dodgy dancing that was on display!!!
I will definitely be in touch for the next event I'm roped ... "
William May Rat Pack Singers and Swing
Based in Warwickshire
Talented Rat Pack singer available to entertain & suit any occassion. Performing all rat pack classics by artists such as Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davies Jr. as well as more contemporary material by artists such as Michael Buble & Robbie Williams.
Recent review:
28/01/2012
"Hi William,
I just wanted to say thanks so much for providing such great entertainment at mum's wedding last night. They absolutely loved you and you really managed to get the party going.
You have been great to deal with and I will definitely recommend you to anyone, I had many people asking ... "
The Supertones Rock and Pop
Based in Surrey
The Supertones are a fantastic four piece rock and pop covers band, specialising in contemporary classics. With a stunning live show, performing everything from The Kinks to The Killers, The Supertones are sure to rock your function!
So we already know a bonfire and fireworks are going to play a big role in our party but what else can we add to make the party more interesting?
Party games
Being so close to Halloween, games such as apple bobbing are a favourite with children, along with carefully supervised sparklers, face painting & fancy dress.
Cold nights are also a great excuse to bring out those winter warmer cocktails & liqueur coffees. Favourites include a Hot Toddy, Irish Coffee, Prairie Fire (Tabasco & Tequila) or a Rusty Nail (Scotch, Drambuie & a lemon twist). More cocktail recipes >
For
food, think about toffee apples, stews, chili, soups and seasonal game. Candy floss is also a popular for outdoor parties. Bonfire Night food ideas > Bonfire Safety - follow the fireworks code
When buying fireworks, make sure they comply with BS 7114 and are clearly marked for their intended use "Indoor, Garden or Display"
Keep fireworks in a sealed box or tin
Use them one at a time, replacing the lid immediately
NEVER put fireworks in your pocket
Read the instructions carefully, using a torch or hand lamp NEVER use a naked flame
Light fireworks at arms length using a taper or a firework lighter
Stand well back and NEVER return to a firework after it has been lit, it could explode in your face
Ensure that all children with fireworks are well supervised
NEVER throw fireworks
Keep all pets and animals indoors
Take care of sparklers, wear gloves to hold them and dispose of sparklers in a bucket of water as soon as they are finished
One of the simplest and easiest types of party to organise is a venue or marquee with a live band. Nothing gets guests excited like a live music performance as it's far more interesting & engaging than a DJ or background music. You'll need to chose a band to suit to the occasion, your guests and the type of atmosphere you're looking for.
Any private hire venue with a cool bar and space to dance would be suitable, but bear in mind parking and accommodation for those guests traveling beyond a taxi ride. For something a bit different try the Hard Days Night Hotel in Liverpool, complete with a live Beatles Tribute band like The Blue Meanies.
Parties based around a live band, especially a lively band, are likely to be quite loud so consider how many elderly guests you might have. Venues with sound limiters can be a real pain so before you hand over any money, make sure the venue you choose doesn't have a limiter fitted (or if it does, that the threshold is set higher than 95dB). Also, make sure there is a dance floor and if at all possible, try to avoid venues where the bar is in a different room to the dancing as this can split guests and leave you with a less party atmosphere.
Good quality function bands will provide all of the
equipment you'll need, so all you need to do is ensure they have enough space and some light refreshments. Expect to pay upwards of £1000/£1400 for a really good 4-5 piece band. To save money check the listings here on AliveNetwork.com and choose a band located close to your event. You can also ask the band to DJ in between sets rather than hiring a separate disco.
For most private parties a really early arrival is not necessary so if you ask the band to arrive around 6pm they should be set up, sound checked & ready for guests to arrive by 7.30pm - 8pm. Most function bands will play 2 x 60 minute performances, and we'd suggest the first to start no earlier than 9pm so guests have time to get a drink and have a chat before the music starts.
Venue + fancy dress + look alike's + casino tables + live band or DJ
For a different take on the traditional fancy dress party, try a celebrity or film theme to suit the mood you want to create. Fancy dress can be completely optional and example contemporary themes could include Lady Gaga, Footballers Wives, Sex and The City, Harry Potter or Pirates of the Caribbean. For tried and tested favourites go with James Bond, Phantom of the Opera, The Godfather, Alice in Wonderland or Hollywood Oscars Night.
Don't forget professional look alike's who will add a real wow factor to your party. To really get your guests talking why not arrange a red carpet entrance to your venue & have them arrive in a hired limousine! Alive Network has look alike's to match many tv shows & films as well as musicians, footballers & royalty. Also consider hiring a photographer or comedy paparazzi photographers to take snaps as the look alike's arrive, and then later on guests can have their photos taken with them & take the pics home as a party souvenir.
It's good to ensure there are plenty of attractions to keep guests talking & mingling so you could also consider casino tables which can tie in nicely with the celebrity theme and create a space for guests to meet, mix and break the ice. Also check out our mix and mingle acts who will work the floor & get people talking.
As always live music makes a great feature and
you can choose an act to suit the celebrity theme. Tribute Bands often fit the bill perfectly for themed events or for something more background, try a jazz band or string quartet. If you have a small number of guests or a limited budget, also take a look at our solo/duo acts who offer excellent value for money and won't take up much room.
With any themed event it's also important to get the staging and venue right. If your budget allows, try www.smyle.co.uk or www.themetraders.com who offer top class event production services. For a more DIY approach, try www.partybox.co.uk or for a huge range of backdrops & scene setters, visit www.amazingpartythemes.com
Venue + prop hire + fancy dress + live music + mix & mingle
It you're prepared to do a bit of decorative work (or have the budget to hire a party organiser like Theme Traders) then you can theme your venue or marquee to look like a beach bar, a scene from the arabian nights or even the Wild West! Fancy dress is optional though it does help bring the whole thing together. For fancy dress costumes try www.escapade.co.uk or www.fancydress.com. For childrens fancy dress costumes try www.charliecrow.com
Possible theme locations include The Wild West, Beach/Tropical/Hawian, New York, Las Vegas, African/Safari, Ancient Egypt, Atlantis, Ancient Rome, Mardi Gras/New Orleans, the list goes on. For more party theme ideas try www.partydelights.co.uk and www.amazingpartythemes.com.
In terms of making your venue look the part, you can chose from a wide range of props and accessories. For example, for a Hawain themed party you can hire a bamboo beach bar, free standing & table top palm trees, hoola hoops, flower garlands, surf boards, fishing nets and sand pits! Just visit some of the links on this page to find suppliers once you know the theme you want to run with.
Remember to ensure you have plenty of ice breakers to keep guests chatting and mixing. Close up Magicians, Caricaturists, Meet & Greet all work well, as do Chocolate Fountians! For something a bit different, try Singing Waiters who will really bring the house down!
Moving away from the traditional concept of a party, many people now celebrate a significant occassion with a day out at an activity and adventure centre, moving on to a bar or restaurant in the evening. There are hundreds of such activity locations around the UK so we'll focus here on popular activity types.
For the guys: Paintball, Go Karting, Quad Biking, Golf, Wine Tours, Clay Pigeon Shooting & Football
For the Girls: Day at the Races, Pampering, Salsa Dancing, Pole Dancing, Wine tasting & Nude Life Drawing
To arrange an activity day we can highly recommend our friends at www.freedomltd.com who arrange stag & hen parties, plus corporate and birthday party outings across the UK.
Essential Party Planning Supplies
Click the links below to view suppliers for all your essential party requirements.
Why hire entertainment for your party from Alive Network?
Alive Network is the UK's premier live music entertainment agency and the largest online entertainment booking service in the world. Established in 1999, we provide high quality live entertainment for over 7500 events per year. We represent hundreds of the UK's very best live bands, DJs & entertainers who are available to hire for weddings, corporate events & private parties. A few of the benefits of booking through Alive Network Entertainment Agency
Instant online quotes and availability confirmation
100's of professional quality, reliable artists
Fast, friendly, personalised advice from expert staff
The easiest way to hire amazing entertainment
A small selection of our previous clients:
24 hour emergency cover, 365 days of the year.
Safe & secure bookings with comprehensive contracts
Registered offices: Ground Floor Suite, Silk Mill Studios, Princess Street, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 1DD, United Kingdom
All content (c) Copyright Alive Network 1999-04/02/2012. All rights reserved.
Registered Company Number: 04084200
Some artists may appear with the kind co-operation and consent of their respective management companies.
This service is intended for personal use only and no part of the service may be displayed in public, broadcast or used for any business purpose without the consent of Alive Network. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of our services and web content, we accept no responsibility for any use made of the information provided and we shall not be liable for any loss suffered thereby.
Bonfire Night History
If you would like Alive Network to locate a fireworks company for you, or if you would like us to incorporate a Firework Display into a larger entertainment package, please call us on 0845 108 5500 or speak with your Alive Network agent.
Reviews for Bonfire Night Live Entertainment
31/01/2012
Review from Nadine Hermon 
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Venue + Live Band
Venue + prop hire + fancy dress + live music + mix & mingle
Moving away from the traditional concept of a party, many people now celebrate a significant occassion with a day out at an activity and adventure centre, moving on to a bar or restaurant in the evening. There are hundreds of such activity locations around the UK so we'll focus here on popular activity types.
Instant online quotes and availability confirmation