The Complete Guide to Booking a Tribute Act
Presented by Garston Entertainments Ltd – One of the UK’s Leading Providers of Tribute Acts & Tribute Bands
Booking a tribute act is one of the most exciting ways to elevate your event and create unforgettable memories. Garston Entertainments Ltd represents some of the best tribute artists and tribute bands across the UK, supplying entertainment for weddings, corporate events, hotels, holiday parks, festivals, private functions and more.
From legendary artists like Elvis, Michael Jackson, Adele and Ed Sheeran to iconic tribute bands such as Queen, ABBA, Oasis and The Beatles, we offer a huge range of acts suitable for every audience and event type.
This guide covers everything you need to know before booking, including pricing, performance formats, technical requirements, and expert tips for getting the best from your chosen artiste.
Jump to a section
- 1. What Is a Tribute Act?
- 2. How Much Does It Cost to Book a Tribute Act?
- 3. How to Choose the Right Tribute Act
- 4. Typical Performance Lengths
- 5. What’s Included When You Book a Tribute Act
- 6. Technical Requirements
- 7. The Booking Process
- 8. Key Questions to Ask
- 9. What Happens If a Tribute Act Cancels?
- 10. Tips for Getting the Best Performance
- 11. FAQs
- 12. Why Book Through Garston Entertainments Ltd
- 13. Final Booking Checklist
1. What Is a Tribute Act?
A tribute act is a professional performer or band who authentically recreates the sound, look, style, and performance of a famous artist or group.
Types of Tribute Acts We Represent
- Solo Tribute Artists – e.g., Elvis, Adele, Michael Bublé, Ed Sheeran
- Full Tribute Bands – ABBA, Queen, Oasis, The Beatles
- Era / Genre Tributes – 70s disco, 80s pop, Motown & Soul, Rock
- Multi-Tribute Shows – artistes performing multiple themed sets or impersonations
Why Tribute Acts Are Popular
- Recognisable hit songs audiences love
- Affordable alternative to hiring a celebrity
- Suitable for all ages and event types
- Highly engaging, memorable live performances
2. How Much Does It Cost to Book a Tribute Act?
Pricing varies depending on location, popularity, production scale, and the number of performers.
Typical Price Ranges
| Type of Act | Typical Fee Range |
|---|---|
| Solo Tribute Act | £350 – £850 |
| Duo Tribute Act | £600 – £1,200 |
| Full Tribute Band | £1,000 – £3,500+ |
| Premium / International Production Shows | £4,000 – £10,000+ |
What Affects Pricing?
- Travel distance and location
- Day of the week (Saturdays are premium dates)
- Peak seasons (Christmas, summer weddings, New Year’s Eve)
- Equipment supplied (sound, lighting, musicians)
- Performance length and special requests
Garston Entertainments Ltd provides transparent pricing with no hidden charges, ensuring confidence and clarity from the outset.
3. How to Choose the Right Tribute Act
Selecting the right act is key to a successful event.
A. Consider Your Audience
Think about:
- Guests’ age range
- Music tastes
- Event theme or ambience
- Whether you want upbeat party music or a listening/performance-style set
B. Listen and Watch Before Booking
Garston provides audio clips and video clips for most acts so you can assess:
- Vocal accuracy
- Stage presence and energy
- Production quality
- Audience engagement
C. Read Verified Reviews
Client feedback helps ensure professionalism and reliability.
D. Check Availability Early
Popular acts often book months or even years in advance, especially for weekends.
4. Typical Performance Lengths
Most tribute acts perform:
- 1 × 60-minute set (most common)
- Some may offer 2 × 45-minute sets
- Longer or additional sets may be available depending on the artiste
5. What’s Included When You Book a Tribute Act
Usually Included
- Professional live performance
- PA system and basic stage lighting (varies per artiste)
- PAT-tested equipment
- Public Liability Insurance
Important Notes
- Background music between sets is not standard and varies by artiste
- Optional extras (DJ service, extended lighting, additional sets) are not available for all artistes and must be confirmed at booking
6. Technical Requirements
To ensure a smooth performance, venues should provide appropriate space, power and access.
A. Performance Space Requirements
- Solo tribute: approx. 2m × 2m
- Full tribute band: 4–6m stage or performance area
B. Electrical Requirements
- 2–4 standard 13A sockets
- Safe power supply provided by the venue
C. Sound Limiters
If your venue uses a sound limiter, the artiste must be informed in advance so performance adjustments can be made where necessary.
7. The Booking Process
Booking with Garston Entertainments Ltd is simple:
- Browse acts and shortlist your favourites
- Listen to audio clips and watch video footage
- Check availability and receive a personalised quote
- Secure the booking with a contract and deposit
- Finalise event details (arrival times, set length, special requests)
- Sit back and enjoy the performance
8. Key Questions to Ask
- How long is your standard performance?
- Do you provide your own sound and lighting equipment?
- Can we request songs?
- Do you have Public Liability Insurance?
- What are your setup and soundcheck requirements?
- What happens if you cannot perform on the day?
9. What Happens If a Tribute Act Cancels?
While cancellations are rare, Garston operates a replacement artiste policy which may include:
- Suggesting suitable alternative artistes from our roster
- Matching the same artist, genre, or style where possible
- Minimising disruption and ensuring your event still goes ahead
10. Tips for Getting the Best Performance
- Provide a clear running order for your event
- Ensure easy access for loading equipment
- Confirm space and power availability
- Inform artistes of venue rules (sound limiters, curfews, staging)
- Offer refreshments for longer attendance times
- Ensure performance space is clear and safe
11. FAQs
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking 6–12 months in advance for peak Saturdays.
Do artistes carry insurance?
Yes – tribute acts represented by Garston hold Public Liability Insurance and use PAT-tested equipment.
Can they perform outdoors?
Yes, provided suitable weather protection, staging and power access are available.
How long is setup time?
- Solo acts: 45–60 minutes
- Bands: 90–120 minutes
Can they learn special requests?
Often yes, sometimes for an additional fee.
12. Why Book Through Garston Entertainments Ltd
As a leading UK provider of tribute acts, Garston offers:
- A large roster of professional, vetted performers
- Secure booking and contract protection
- Clear pricing and support throughout the process
- Replacement artiste cover if needed
- Decades of experience supplying entertainment nationwide
Our goal is to make booking live entertainment simple, reliable and stress-free.
13. Final Booking Checklist
- Confirm event date, venue and availability
- Listen to audio clips and watch videos
- Review technical requirements
- Sign the contract and pay deposit
- Finalise timings and requests
- Enjoy the show!
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