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Is 2024 the Year of Non-conventional Weddings? Here’s Why We Think So

Written by Emily Deane

New laws and fresh attitudes are seeing couples do away with wedding norms and embrace the unique and unusual. Find out what we think is behind the change.

The Christmas Party Index – The Best UK Cities Ranked for Christmas Spirit & More

By Mike Ausden

The most wonderful time of the year is almost upon us, and for some of us that means back-to-back festive parties. We used data to reveal the best cities to celebrate with friends, family or colleagues – whether you're a Christmas lover, a teetotaller or just on a budget.

Say ‘AI’ Do: The World’s First AI First Dance Song

By Mike Ausden

Have you ever wondered what makes a first dance so magical? We’ve created the ultimate first dance song by harnessing AI, combining elements of the most popular first dance songs chosen by couples. Listen to it here.

These First Dance Choices May End in Divorce

Written by Dan Golding

A survey suggests that certain wedding songs may lead to relationship disaster, whilst others will ensure a lasting union. Choose wisely!

The New Black Studio Gala Dinner

Posted by Kat Dadswell

Rebecca at The New Black Studio created a tropical gala dinner for 650 people at The London Hilton on Park Lane, and chose Upbeat to create a party atmosphere.

Supper Freak Immersive Dining Event

Posted by Kat Dadswell

Party Up are the resident band for Supper Freak, an immersive dining event held at The Bloomsbury Ballroom celebrating classic funk and soul music.

Connect Plus Service's 10th Anniversary Party

Posted by Kat Dadswell

Cassie chose the unbeatable Party Up to play at the classy London soirée she planned for Connect Plus Service's 10th Anniversary on The River Thames.

The RAC #OrangeHeroes Awards

Posted by Kat Dadswell

Rockit were the band of choice for The RAC's #OrangeHeroes Awards Ceremony at Resorts World Birmingham, and the night really went off with a bang!

The London Book Festival Awards

Posted by Kat Dadswell

The grandeur of The British Library was the backdrop for The London Book Festival Awards to which guitarist Andres G provided elegant accompaniment.

Ian & Lou's 25th Anniversary Party

Posted by Kat Dadswell

Ian and Lou held a Caribbean themed party to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, and chose The Merry-Makers Steel Band to help create the perfect party atmosphere!

GSMA London Office Christmas Party

Posted by Kat Dadswell

GSMA (Groupe Speciale Mobile Association), held their office Christmas Party at exclusive London venue The Yacht. Rockit helped the staff celebrate into the wee hours!

Richard's 70th Birthday Party

Posted by Kat Dadswell

Richard celebrated his 70th birthday party at home in Lancashire with friends, family and a vintage bottle of Petrus! One of Function Central's most in-demand guitarists Richard James, played a mixture of background classical, pop and jazz.

Musical Spooks – Our Halloween Playlist

Written by Kat Dadswell

Halloween – it's an excuse for nutty dressing up and for gorging on pumpkin pie. More importantly, it's not just skeletons that will be coming out of the closets, but hoards of guilty musical pleasures. Here are ours!

Virtual Gigs, Second Jobs & Mindfulness: How Musicians Are Surviving The Pandemic

By Kat Dadswell & Mike Ausden

With venues closed and most live shows postponed, the UK's gigging musicians have had to adapt and diversify in order to make ends meet.

Alexander's Bar Mitzvah

Posted by Kat Dadswell

Suzanne Lehrer threw a fun and relaxed party at Cecil Sharp House for son Alexander's Bar Mitzvah. Function Central's very own Hava Tequila played klezmer music and jazz for dancing, conga lines and the traditional chair dance!

Backstage with Midnight Blue Jazz Band aboard The Salient

Posted by Kat Dadswell

Spirits were high aboard the Salient Cruise Boat, as Midnight Blue kept guests enthralled all the way down the River Thames, and even did some impromtu jamming when a guest joined them onstage.

10 Covers That Were More Popular Than The Original Version

Written by Mike Ausden

Ever heard of "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" by erm, Robert Hazard? We thought not. Here are 10 cover songs that were bigger hits than the (often obscure) original.

The Ultimate Christmas Playlist – Classic Songs to Modern Favourites

Written by Kat Dadswell

We've scoured our bands' set lists for the best Christmas songs of all time.

Insider Publishing Insurance Market Conference

Posted by Kat Dadswell

Insider Publishing hosted a networking drinks reception at Merchant Taylor's Hall in London, with jazz music provided by London jazz trio Midnight Swing. Kelly, the company's events coordinator, gave us the low-down.

Karen's 50th Birthday Party

Posted by Kat Dadswell

Karen hired London party band Rockit to help celebrate her 50th birthday in a marquee in her garden. The theme was "festival fun", with face-painting, funky lighting and magic!

Jamie's 40th Birthday

Posted by Kat Dadswell

Jamie celebrated his 40th birthday at high altitude with a meal for friends and family at the Shangri-La Hotel, The Shard. He booked London harpist Sioban Marie to provide background music in a variety of styles including Thai and Scottish music.

LSBU Radiography Summer Ball

Posted by Kat Dadswell

The London South Bank University radiography students let their hair down at their good-time themed Summer Ball. Pop Rockers The Confidentials worked the crowd and created the perfect party atmosphere!

Is 2024 the Year of Non-conventional Weddings? Here’s Why We Think So

The Christmas Party Index – The Best UK Cities Ranked for Christmas Spirit & More

Say ‘AI’ Do: The World’s First AI First Dance Song

These First Dance Choices May End in Divorce

The New Black Studio Gala Dinner

Supper Freak Immersive Dining Event

Connect Plus Service's 10th Anniversary Party

The RAC #OrangeHeroes Awards

The London Book Festival Awards

Ian & Lou's 25th Anniversary Party

GSMA London Office Christmas Party

Richard's 70th Birthday Party

Musical Spooks – Our Halloween Playlist

Virtual Gigs, Second Jobs & Mindfulness: How Musicians Are Surviving The Pandemic

Alexander's Bar Mitzvah

Backstage with Midnight Blue Jazz Band aboard The Salient

10 Covers That Were More Popular Than The Original Version

The Ultimate Christmas Playlist – Classic Songs to Modern Favourites

Insider Publishing Insurance Market Conference

Karen's 50th Birthday Party

Jamie's 40th Birthday

LSBU Radiography Summer Ball

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