Mediaeval Dragons (Historical Music)
Mediaeval Song and Dance

Line up: Standard lineup 4 Piece.


Vocals, hurdy-gurdy, cittern, bouzouki, citole, percussion, bass.



"...a fantastic medieval banquet and such a high level of professionalism."
- P.M., Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess, Redford Barracks, Edinburgh.

The Mediaeval Dragons recreate the atmosphere of a mediaeval-themed event by playing evocative, scene-setting music, from the soft, romantic ballads of mediaeval Italy to rousing songs and dance tunes. They can also lead you in some authentic mediaeval dancing, which is a great way either to round off the evening or warm your guests up before the disco. If you've ever been to a ceilidh or barn dance, you'll have some idea of what to expect; the band will demonstrate and teach you the dances, which are easy, quite energetic and a great way to bring your guests together. Expect the musicians to intermingle with you as they show you how it's done, or pull individuals out to show off their dance moves!

The band have performed widely throughout Europe: mediaeval festivals and fayres in the UK, Holland, France and Germany, as well as concerts, museums, street parades, and a computer battle game launch! They also featured in a mediaeval-themed celebration in the TV series “A Very British Party.”

If you'd like to augment the entertainment at your banquet with a juggler, a jester, or perhaps a Henry VIII lookalike, who can MC the evening and lead your audience in games and quizzes, Alive Network will be happy to provide whatever you wish for. They only work with the best, so a great evening's entertainment will be guaranteed, whatever your choice.

Fees
The Dragons charge a basic fee of £780, plus travel costs for a performance of up to two hours of music, which may include a mediaeval dance session if required. They also charge a supplementary fee if they are required to be at your venue for more than four hours, excluding setting-up and packing time, but including performance and waiting times.

The fees shown on the autoquote are an approximate guide to the Dragons' fees in the general areas shown. Any of Alive Network's agents will be happy to give you a precise quote based on the exact location of your venue.



FAQ
How far will you travel?
The Mediaeval Dragons work nationally and internationally. We are prepared to travel anywhere.

For how long do you play?
Our normal contracted time is for up to two hours of music, which can be spread out any way that you like within a four-hour timeframe, though we can play for longer for an additional charge. Please contact Alive Network for details. If we are required to be at the venue for longer than four hours (excluding setting-up and packing-up times) we make a surcharge of 50% of our normal fee (see “Fees” above,) for example if you would like us to play for your wedding ceremony during the afternoon followed by another performance during or after the dinner. We will phone you before the event to discuss the performance schedule in detail.

What is mediaeval dancing? Is it anything like a ceilidh?
Yes if you've ever been to a barn dance or ceilidh you'll have some idea. The dances that we will teach you are easy to learn a lot of fun and very energetic! They're also quite interactive- most of them are danced in a circle or lines and involve moving to a new partner each time you go through the dance so they're great for bringing people together.

Do we need any prior knowledge of this kind of dancing?
No! It's easy- we spend a few minutes before each dance showing you the steps and we call the instructions out as we play so you can't go wrong.

Is it suitable for children?
We have taught the dances on school days at historic fairs and children of all ages from eight upwards have thoroughly enjoyed them. We don't recommend including children younger than this, as the experience of being in with a group of adults leaping around can be a little overwhelming for them. There is no bawdyness or anything unsuitable for young ears in any of our songs.

How much space do we need for the dancing?
Visualise all your guests standing in a circle, holding hands. That's the amount of room that you need. If you're planning an event that incorporates a meal followed by a dance in the same room, you may need to arrange with the venue staff to have the tables removed, or pushed to the sides of the room. We can keep you entertained with some songs while this is being done.

Can you play outside?
Yes, and we often do. Please bear in mind that we will need an electricity supply for our sound system and, if it's after dark, our lights. For a night-time outdoor dance, you will also need illumination for the dancing area, otherwise the dancers are likely to fall over each other!

Can anyone else use your PA system?
Our sound system is a very expensive one, and we don't let other musicians, DJs, etc. use it, as, however careful they may be, it's possible to damage it by unwittingly sending a loud noise through it, spilling a drink on it, etc. We're quite happy to provide a microphone for speeches or announcements, though.

Can you play recorded background music during breaks or before or after your performance?
Yes; we always carry an MP3 player stocked with music in a similar style to ours.

Are you insured?
We carry public liability insurance up to two million pounds.

What about risk assessments and electrical safety?
Our electrical equipment is PAT tested to the required standard. We are sometimes asked to complete risk-assessment forms, particularly for outdoor events, and are happy to comply.

Any other questions, please e-mail or phone Alive Network!



Background information:
The band was formed in 2008 by Maggie Sand and Mark Powell. Maggie has long experience in many musical fields: as a session singer and performer in her own right. Mark has previously worked on mediaeval and historical productions such as the "Kingmaker's Feast" mediaeval banquets at Warwick Castle and the historical plays performed by Fieldwork the touring theatre company.

Some of our previous clients:
Warwick Castle (UK), Hampton Court (UK), Les Mediavales de Provins and Largentiere Mediaeval Festival (France), Pulley Mediaeval Fayre (Switzerland), The Hinterhalt and Munich Ars Musica (Germany), The Elf Fantasy Fair and the Woodfolk Festival, Holland, corporate events for JCB, John Lewis, Ford Motor Co., Toys-R-Us and Travis & Arnold, plus many other weddings, anniversaries, military and corporate dinners and private parties and almost every UK mediaeval festival.