'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.
Gold Rock and Pop
Based in Sheffield
Gold; The ultimate function band. This international party band is made up of the highest quality professional musicians, who specialise in performing choice party tracks from the wide ranging genres of Funk, Soul, Motown, Rock, Indie, Pop and Disco.
Recent review:
30/07/2010
"I would thoroughly recommend booking through Alive Network. The band were superb! They were excellent musicians, had a great stage presence and looked like they were having just as much fun as the guests! I avoided leaving the room while the band were playing. I didn't want to miss a minute! ... "
The Quartz String Quartet String Quartets
Based in Birmingham
Excellent male & female string quartet based in the Midlands who are as comfortable playing Status Quo as they are Strauss, and who move from The Beatles to Bach with ease. Suitable for any reception or ceremony. Christmas songs in repertoire!
Recent review:
29/07/2010
"Alive Network were friendly, helpful, efficient and communicated well enabling me to find exactly what I needed for my son's wedding. The Quartz String quartet, were all I expected and wanted from them and they made a very special occassion memorable and I would use them again for future events. Tha ... "
The Quartones Jazz and Blues
Based in Staffordshire
The Quartones are a professional 4 piece band brimming with a wealth of music and performance experience. With music ranging from smooth jazz to funky tunes, the young and energetic Quartones can tailor a set to suit any event!
Recent review:
29/07/2010
"Hi Rebecca,
Hope you are well? We just wanted to leave feedback for The Quartones. They played at our wedding and we really want to leave some feedback on their site.
They turned up hours earlier than planned to make sure they were at the venue on time as there was a huge event going on in t ... "
(Beatles) Counterfeit Beatles Tribute bands
Based in Kent
The Counterfeit Beatles re-live the excitement of the days when Beatlemania was at it's height and the world went wild for the Fab Four.....!
Recent review:
29/07/2010
"Hi Peter and the Lads / Kay
I hope this email reaches you well,
Heidi and I want to say a big thank you for making the evening in our Wedding at Hurst House top draw, you were worth every penny!... You were absolutely brilliant!!! All the guests enjoyed it, and looking back at our photos the ... "
Mustard Latino Latin and Salsa
Based in London
Performing in 4 styles - Latin jazz, Latin dance, laid back Latin & Salsa, Mustard are a female led 2-7piece band. With professional musicians & experience they guarantee to have you on the dance floor all night long. Extra percussion & brass available
Recent review:
29/07/2010
"We found the whole process of dealing with Alive Network very easy. The response time to our enquiries was quick and efficient, and the Band were exactly as described and represented. We would certainly consider using Alive Network again in the future and will also recommend the service to our frien ... "
The Northern Monkeys Rock and Pop
Based in North Yorkshire
The Northern Monkeys are a young and vibrant all-male 4 piece band with a great setlist to cover the tastes of many generations. Performing classics from The Beatles to Modern legends The Arctic Monkeys, they can entertain the crowds anywhere they go!
Recent review:
28/07/2010
"What a great night we had, every one of us had a night to remember, and that’s all down to a great band giving their all. The Northern Monkeys were fantastic, they travelled a long long way for our wedding and gave a performance that really went down well.. we could have gone on for much longer!!! ... "
Masterjam Solo Duo and Trios
Based in Warwickshire
Highly talented, lively & experienced duo. Playing floor filling music from 50's to present day with all the energy of a band. The extremely versatile duo also offer laid back acoustic sets ideal for wedding drink&meal receptions & more laid back events
Recent review:
28/07/2010
"I have dealt with Alive Network in the past and always know that I am going to be satisfied with their service.
We were very pleased with Masterjam and would like to pass on our thanks to them. 10 out of 10 for Masterjam and Alive Network. ... "
All That Jazz Jazz and Blues
Based in South Yorkshire
EXCLUSIVE TO ALIVE NETWORK - All That Jazz is a versatile collection of the country's finest young Jazz musicians. They are available in a range of ensemble formats, including duo, trio, quartet and quintet, with male & female musicians.
Recent review:
28/07/2010
"Dear Mat & the rest of All That Jazz,
Thank you so much for contributing to our special day, we both had a great day and you certainly helped that. Many people commented on how good the music was and asked where we found you.
Thanks once again for helping to make our day so perfect!
Jon & ... "
Flash Magicians
Based in Newcastle upon Tyne
Flash is a funny, close up and stage magician who has a slick style of performing magic in a friendly and entertaining manner. With an appearance on Britian's Got Talent, Flash is a personality not to be missed!
Recent review:
28/07/2010
"I couldn't believe how smoothly everything went from booking to my event. Customer service was excellent and the artist was great. Would definitely use Alive Network again. ... "
All That Jazz Jazz and Blues
Based in South Yorkshire
EXCLUSIVE TO ALIVE NETWORK - All That Jazz is a versatile collection of the country's finest young Jazz musicians. They are available in a range of ensemble formats, including duo, trio, quartet and quintet, with male & female musicians.
Recent review:
28/07/2010
"The best thing I can say is that I won't hesitate to use Alive Network or All That Jazz again. It feels like "excellent, that's the entertainment sorted, just call Alive Network" ... "
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 5000 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 1999-01/08/2010. 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.
30/07/2010
Review from Peter
.
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