FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

How much do you charge How long do you play for
Can I come and see you play live How long are your breaks
Do you have a free Demo CD Can you play CD music during breaks
How can I check if your available Can I choose music from your playlist
How many in the band -what instruments do you play Can you play our first dance
How long have you been together Can you play background music during dinner
Do you provide your own PA and lighting What do you wear on stage
How long does it take you to set up your equipment How much space do you require
How far do you travel Do I need to arrange a changing room for you
How do I make a booking Do I need to arrange meals for you
How far in advance should I book you Can you perform in a marquee
Can you provisionally reserve a date for me Can you perform outside
What are your payment terms What happens if one of the band members is ill
Do you have Public Liability Insurance Do you use backing tapes or mini disks
Is your equipment PAT tested What if my question is not here
 

Q. How much do you charge?

Our  rates are very competitive. Please visit our Availability and Pricing page for more details.

Q. Can I come and see you play live?

Not normally, as the vast majority of our bookings are for private and corporate clients. We would love to invite potential customers to watch us perform live more often,  although in reality this is not possible. We hope you can appreciate that other clients prefer not to have uninvited guests at their party, even for a short time to watch the band. However, we very occasionally perform at public venues. please contact us for details. 

We wanted to say a very big thank you for playing at our wedding at the Wessex Hotel on the 29th January. I must admit, we were a little apprehensive because we hadn't heard you play live, but we were so bowled over by the band's performance, and every one of our guests commented on how great you were.  Thank you...  and if you ever need a recommendation, please don't hesitate to ask. Regards, Natacha F.

"Having never booked a band before we have to admit being quite apprehensive about what we would get - listening to sample tracks on a web site is one thing, but it's not until the band arrive on the evening and perform that you really know what you've let yourself in for!  Well we'd just like to say that Pop of Ages performed brilliantly (8th April). They arrived on time, were set-up and running as promised and the songs were superb! By half way through the evening they had managed to get everyone on the dance floor and once there they didn't leave. The range of songs were perfect and they performed so well that even a month later people still comment to us about how great the band were.... We cannot recommend them highly enough." Best regards,  R. Davey

(Further letters of thanks from customers may be found on our Recommendations page.)  

Q. Do you have a free Demo CD?

Yes, contact us if you want one or  you can download audio clips from this website which are taken from the same CD.

Q. How can I check if you're available?

Dates already booked are shown on our website. Please visit our availability page for details.

Q. How many of you are in the band and what instruments do you play?

Pop of Ages normally perform as a 3 piece band but often expand to a 4 piece. The live instruments played in the 3 piece are guitar, keyboards and percussion with lead and harmony vocals. The four piece adds saxophone as an additional live instrument.

Q. Do you use backing tapes or mini disks?

No. All instruments and vocals are completely live; we use a sequencer to enhance our live sound enabling our 3-4 piece band to sound larger and fuller (more like a 5 or 6 piece band).  This combination allows total volume control and also enables our price to remain affordable.

Q. How long have Pop of Ages been together and how experienced are you?

Pop of Ages was formed in 1998 and since then have performed at more than 800 events. On average the individual members have over 15 years experience as performing musicians, and combined have played in excess of 5000 engagements!

Q. Do you provide your own PA and lighting?

Yes, our booking fee includes a 3K professional sound system (PA), hi-tech lighting for the stage & dance floor suitable for 50-300 guests - we tailor our equipment to suit the venue and occasion.

Q. How long does it take you to set up your equipment?

Between 45 minutes and an hour and a quarter, depending on ease of access and the amount of equipment and lighting required. Please also allow us 30 minutes to get changed into our stage clothes.

Q. How far do you travel?

We are based in Swindon, Wiltshire and Bristol (Avon). We normally travel within 100 mile radius of these areas but will travel further. Contact us for details.

Q How do I make a booking?

Please contact us by telephone 01793 870595 or complete our enquiry form and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

Q. How far in advance should I book you?

As early as possible!  Popular dates are often booked 6 - 12 months in advance, but please check our availability page as we can be available at very short notice if the date is free.

Q. Can you provisionally reserve a date for me?

Yes, for 24 hours. We often have multiple enquiries for the same date especially if it is a Friday or Saturday, so our policy is to always take the first confirmed booking. Please visit our How to Book page for further details.

Q. What are your payment terms?

Bookings are secured via contract and deposit of £100. Payment of any outstanding fees will be due 7 days prior to your event. On the night or non-pickup payments are only available for Agencies or Corporate Clients by prior agreement.

Q. Do you have Public Liability Insurance?

Yes, we are insured for Public Liability through Musicguard Insurance for £5million. Copies are available upon request.

Q. Is your equipment PAT tested?

Yes, our equipment is tested and certificated. Copies are available upon request.

Q. How long do you play for?

The band perform a maximum 2 hours of live music - typically 2 x 1 hour or 3 x 40 minute sets. We are of course able to play CD music for dancing during breaks.

Q. How long are your breaks?

Our break for 2 x 1 hour sets would normally be for 30 minutes, but we are flexible and would adjust our breaks and performance times to ensure your event runs smoothly.

Q. Can you play CD music during breaks?

Yes, we have a wide selection of pre-recorded CDs which can be played at any time throughout  your event;  for example during dinner, and in between live music performances from the band. Disco lighting can be added which will help to create and maintain the party atmosphere.

Q. Can I choose music from your playlist?

Yes, you can choose your favourites, we do update our playlist regularly so it's better to do this a few weeks prior to your event.

Q. Can you play our 'first dance'?

Yes, you can choose a song from our current playlist or many couples have a specific song which most prefer in its original format which we will play for you on CD prior to our first live set.

 Q. Can you play background music during dinner?

Yes, we have pre-recorded CDs perfect for background music or if you prefer live music, we can offer our female cocktail pianist -  for more information please visit our Cocktail Pianist Page.

Q. What do you wear on stage?

We wear smart stage clothes which suit the occasion and venue, and we are able to follow any dress code etiquette; for example Black Tie or themed events. The female members always bring a variety of outfits!

Q. How much space do you require?

Typically the performance area (or stage) should be 4 metres wide x 3 metres deep (minimum).  We can set up in smaller spaces if required, but please let us know in advance or contact us for advice.

Q. Do I need to arrange a changing room for you?

Yes please. We request the room is clean, lockable and private, and preferably has a mirror and washing facilities. Please note that toilets are not suitable changing facilities.

Q. Do I need to arrange meals for you?

Not necessarily, but we would appreciate a meal being arranged for us as our working 'day' is often 12 hours long. This need not be the same meal as you are having - most venues can provide hot food or sandwiches for the band at little cost, but generally this needs to be ordered in advance.

Q. Can you perform in a marquee?

  • Yes, a MAINS power supply must be provided close to the performance area with a minimum of THREE SEPARATE 13 amp sockets (not a single 4 block extension lead) Please note we are NOT able to use generators under any circumstances.

  • A level stage or performance area must be provided 4m x 3m and away from public access routes.

  • The marquee must be easily accessible to load and unload equipment - we are not able to access over muddy fields or up / down grassy embankments.

  • A safe and secure changing room area must be provided (toilets are unacceptable)

  • Please note that if for any reason we deem the marquee to be unsafe for either our own personal safety or equipment safety ( for example power cut outs or inclement weather resulting in leaks or low temperatures within the marquee)  we reserve the right to cease performance at any time.

Q. Can you perform outside?

Yes, if the sound system is provided by a professional hire company, the performance area is fully covered (top and sides) and provisions are made for inclement weather should the event be cancelled. Please also note adequate mains power should be made available in close proximity to the performance area (for power requirements, please see above answer to : Q Can you perform in a marquee?)

Q. What happens if one of the band members is ill?

Being a professional band, we ensure that we always have access to other professional musicians who can act as deputies should any one of our members fall ill at late notice.  Each 'dep' has worked with Pop of Ages before and are highly experienced professional musicians and performers in their own right. Although it is incredibly rare that any of our members would be unable to perform, unlike most other bands Pop of Ages will always honour contracted agreements in these circumstances to a very high standard, therefore providing complete peace of mind to our customers.

Q. What if my question is not here?

Please contact us by telephone 01793 870595 send an email info@popofages.co.uk or complete our enquiry form and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

 
 

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