So you've 'been out somewhere nice' for the past few years & it's getting a bit predictable? Why not try something different this Valentines Day?
Alive Network helps to make planning a great valentines party easy & fun.
It is impossible to be certain of the origins of our modern celebration of St Valentine’s Day. The Catholic Church recognises 3 saints named Valentine (or similar) who were all martyred for their religious beliefs.
The most popular story centres around Bishop Valentine who defied the Roman Emperor Claudius during the 3rd century AD by marrying couples in secret after the emperor outlawed the practice. The Bishop was captured and jailed where folklore has it that children posted notes of support through the bars of his cell. On the day of his execution, February 14th 269 AD, he allegedly left a final note for the jailor’s daughter signed ’from your Valentine’. This is possibly the origin of the exchange of love messages and modern Valentine’s card-giving.
In 496 AD Pope Gelasius designated February 14th a memorial to Valentine, leading to the saint becoming the patron of lovers, though the church no longer officially recognises St Valentine.
Other beliefs have been incorporated into the celebration, with the ancient Greek God of love, Eros and his Roman equivalent Cupid, the cheeky cherub with the passion-tipped arrow, being used as symbols of love on the designs of modern cards.
‘The rose was sacred to Cupid’s mother, Venus, the Roman Goddess of Love, hence the tradition of roses as a gift of love.
Medieval European customs cite February 14th as the day that birds choose their mates, especially doves, swans and lovebirds who pair for life.
The day developed romantic connotations when the names of girls were written out and placed in a pot. These were then selected by each of the village boys, who then wore the name (their heart) on their sleeve for the rest of the week.
This custom may derive from the Roman feast of Lupercalia, beginning on February 15th in honour of the Goddess Juno,. young boys would select a girl’s name from a jar and pair with them for the week-long festival, often becoming partners for life. After all, everyone knows what happened to the uninhibited Romans when the wine started flowing at their debaucherous ‘festivals’…..!
For party theme ideas think hearts, roses, Venice & intimacy. Recommended live music for a Valentines Party
(Rat Pack) The Rat Pack Is Back Tribute bands
Based in Essex From £1320 +
Valentines Day Live Music. 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!
Blond String Quartets
Based in Hertfordshire From £672+
Valentines Day Live Music. Blond are a highly professional, all female contemporary quartet. Their huge repertoire includes pop music & jazz, light classical, show songs, traditional sing-a-long tunes & Christmas carols. Perfect for weddings, corporate events and parties.
Jim McAllister Rat Pack Singers and Swing
Based in Worcester From £540 + with backing tracks, £1500 + for Jim with 4 piece band
Valentines Day Live Music. 'The Voice of Sinatra'; it's incredible how like Sinatra Jim really sounds! From parties & weddings to corporates & shows Jim’s star performance will leave you breathless (4 piece band, full orchestra, or solo with backing tracks) Video Online!
Status Cymbal String Quartets
Based in London From £570 +
Valentines Day Live Music. With a unique blend of musical styles, from classical works through operetta & jazz to witty arrangements of the latest popular music, STATUS CYMBAL will be an excellent choice for concerts, weddings, parties and corporate events. Based in London.
Graffiti Classics Specialist
Based in London From £1200 +
Valentines Day Live Music. AMAZING! Graffiti Classics will leave you with a smile on your face; 16 strings, 8 dancing feet & 4 voices. A talented quartet, they are a male & female group performing modern & classical music with a unique style & mischievous wit.Video online!
Russell Shaun Rat Pack Singers and Swing
Based in Lancashire From £480+
Valentines Day Live Music. 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
The Quartz String Quartet String Quartets
Based in Birmingham From £540 +
Valentines Day Live Music. 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!
Regent String Quartet String Quartets
Based in London From £504 +
Valentines Day Live Music. The Regent String Quartet is a young professional quartet with extensive experience in performing at wedding services and receptions, corporate functions, fund raising events and other special occasions. Based in London.
Stringfever Specialist
Based in London From £3300+
Valentines Day Live Music. For a show like you’ve never seen before, meet Stringfever! With their electric instruments, unique sound and sense of humour, they give a must-see performance; superb for unforgettable after dinner entertainment.
Giardino Strings String Quartets
Based in London From £470 +
Valentines Day Live Music. Wonderful and professional London based String Quartet. Perfect for weddings, Bar-Mitzvahs, corporate events, product launches and dinner parties.
Alexandra King (Harpist) Harpists
Based in West Sussex From £240+
Valentines Day Live Music. Alexandra is a fantastic young harpist with a varied repertoire from classical to traditional folk to popular music. An elegant backdrop to many events. Christmas repertoire also available!
Aurora Strings String Quartets
Based in Newcastle-Upon Tyne From £480+
Valentines Day Live Music. The string quartet with experience, professionalism & an extensive repertoire of classical, jazz, tangos, film themes & slick pop tunes. Aurora Strings are the perfect choice for any wedding, dinner, corporate function or private party in the North!
The Vixen String Quartet String Quartets
Based in Middlesex From £540 + (Based on 1 hour)
Valentines Day Live Music. Sexy, sassy professional and elegant!The Vixen String Quartet can perform for any occasion. Their wealth of experience includes performing at the Royal Albert Hall and with Pavarotti, Take That & Sting!
Clare Bakewell (Harpist) Harpists
Based in Cumbria From £192+
Valentines Day Live Music. Clare Bakewell is a harpist who can add the perfect accompaniment to any event such as weddings, christenings and parties. Clare has a repertoire ranging from folk to popular and musicals.
Fitz-Elliott Duo Harpists
Based in Surrey From £330 +
Valentines Day Live Music. The Fitz-Elliot Duo are an elegant and unique musical accompaniment, suitable for many events such as Weddings, private parties and Corporate events. Repertoire includes favourites & renditions of popular songs.
Persephone Duo Harpists
Based in London From £420 +
Valentines Day Live Music. The London based Flute and Cello duo Persephone regularly perform for private and corporate events. Their classical education and interest in contemporary styles of music make the duo the perfect choice for any occasion.
(Frank Sinatra) David Alacey Tribute bands
Based in London From £510+
Valentines Day Live Music. A truly remarkable performer, David Alacey has been stunning audiences throughout the UK with what is one of the UK’s top tributes to Frank Sinatra.
Maxine Molin (Harpist) Harpists
Based in Lancashire From £210 +
Valentines Day Live Music. A stunning harpist based in Manchester who has been playing since the age of 4. Perfect for weddings, corporate events and private parties.
Gabrielle Ghray Jazz and Blues
Based in London From £360+ (London)
Valentines Day Live Music. Gabrielle Gray is a superb sultry Jazz singer, available in duo with a pianist or guitarist, in trio and in quartet. She performs traditional jazz and pop/ soul, making her versatile and great for any elegant event.
(Tom Jones) Ian Scott Tribute bands
Based in Worcestershire From £620 +
Valentines Day Live Music. Tom Jones Tribute Act & International No.1 Ian Scott is based in Worcestershire. Ian performs all your favourite Tom Jones hits including 'What's New Pussycat?' & 'Delilah'. Ian is a GOLD AWARD Tom Jones Tribute & has appeared on GMTV, SKY, BBC and ITV2.
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
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24 hour emergency cover, 365 days of the year.
Safe & secure bookings with comprehensive contracts
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About Valentines day 
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