Concert Booking - FAQs

Whenever we discuss bookings for the Littlehampton Concert Band, there are some very common questions that we are asked and hopefully this page will provide you with all the information you need.

That said, sometimes it's just easier to discuss it with someone so if you would like to talk through the details, you can call Bob Haselip on 01243 788527 or email [email protected].

When can you perform?
​We perform regularly throughout the year aside from the month of August or between Christmas and New Year. 
  • Daytime performances can be on a Saturday or Sunday. It is also possible during the week however this can be more difficult due to the number of musicians who work full time.
  • Evening performances can be any day of the week although traditionally these are most commonly Friday or Saturday evenings.
Of course, there are always exceptions so feel free to get in touch if you want to discuss something a little different.

Where do you perform?
We can play pretty much anywhere as long as there is enough room at the venue! Location wise, we typically play in venues around West Sussex but have been known to go a little further afield - Isle of Wight, London, France, Germany, Belgium etc.

Can you play anything?
​Um... that depends! We like to be as accommodating as possible and have a wide library of music with over 500 titles, covering all different styles, genres and tastes. We always try to provide a varied and interesting programme of music, often incorporating the theme of your event or leaning towards a particular musical style.

If you have a certain piece you want us to play, this can often be done too so long as we have it in our library. The Musical Director will discuss this with you and as long as he thinks it is a reasonable request, and there is sufficient rehearsal time, it can be sorted.

If it is a piece we don't have in our library, then we may be able to buy a copy or, if it is not available to buy then we may be able to write an arrangement of it for the performance. We may need to charge extra, depending on the piece and the requirements.

How much would it cost?
​Good question - and it usually depends on a number of factors including the basis on which we agree to be paid. Depending on the type of event, we sometimes agree to a percentage of the ticket sales and other times, agree a set fee.

As a guide to what we might charge, we generally work on the basis of £150 per hour for the time we are on site, which generally begins from 30 minutes before the performance so we can set up. To put this in context, if you wanted us to perform between 2pm until 4pm (which would normally be 2 x 50 minute sessions with a 20 minute interval), we would typically charge £375. This would be the same price if you wanted us to play for 15 minutes at 2pm and then another 15 minutes at 3:45pm as we would be on site for the same amount of time.

There are sometimes other factors which affect our typical fees such as if we are required to bring additional equipment (such as a marquee or chairs), need to buy particular music, or perhaps you require us to use our Public Liability Insurance for the performance. On the other hand, if there are other benefits for band members such as complimentary refreshments, parking facilities etc. we can be flexible. (You'd be amazed at how much flexibility band members have when there is food and drink on offer).

Best thing to do is talk to us and we can agree a price based on the specific details of the event.

Do you do charity concerts?
​Yes, regularly. We enjoy helping worthy causes but we do have to limit the amount of charity work we do each year, simply because we could easily fill the diary with charity concerts but not make enough money to cover our costs. We also prefer to do charity work for local causes and charities which have a personal significance to band members so if you want to discuss a charity concert, please get in touch.

​How much space do you need?
​We are quite a large band with a typical turnout of around 40 players per performance. As a guide we fit comfortably in an area of 10m (wide) x 6m (deep) although we can adjust our layout to fit the space available. 

​How many chairs will you need?
​Typically 40 to 45 chairs would be required and event organisers will usually need to make sure chairs are available and on site ready for when we arrive. We can't play standing up I'm afraid!

We can supply our own chairs but there is an extra charge, usually £50 as we have to arrange separate transportation, allow for extra time setting up and packing away etc.

​Do you need amplification?
​Generally not as we're pretty loud simply by the number of players. If the venue was particularly big, then amplification might be necessary (such as very large outdoor venues where the sound needs to spread over a wide distance) but it is rare.

Do you need power?
​Again, generally not as nearly all our equipment is lung powered ("all full of hot air" I hear you shout!). That said, if you wanted us to perform somewhere dark / dull, we would need lights and if amplification were needed (see above), this would require power too.

​What else do I need to know?
​There isn't much else you need to know about booking the Littlehampton Concert Band but if you would like to see the full terms and conditions of booking the band please click here.