Dirty Weekend Most Frequently Asked Questions
Below are all of the questions we could remember having been asked in the past. If you have a question that's not on here, please feel free to email dirtyweekend@alivenetwork.com or call our agent, Nick Taylor, on 01782 383548.
How much space do you need?
We recommend 3 x 5 metres, but we can work with pretty much anything (within reason). We are not precious about stage space, but some items (such as PA speakers, guitar amps, keyboards and drum kit) have a footprint that we can’t do much about. If you are really concerned about space, contact Alive Network and we will see if we have your chosen venue on file. Feel free to take photos to give us a sense of the scale.
How is it best to time things?
Every event is unique, but there are some ground rules that work for everything:
- Leave more time for everything than you think you will need.
- Push the live music back to a time when people are going to appreciate it the most. With the best will in the world, 7pm isn't really party hour; most good parties get going around 8 or 9pm, so if you schedule the band to start before then you risk using up your live sets before people are ready to enjoy them.
- Keep dancing time and anything else well separated, especially if we are playing in a side-room. If the photographer wants to do a night-time photograph with 100 sparklers, make sure its not going to conflict with one of the live sets.
We recommend something like this:
Set 1: 8pm (or even later!)
Set 2: 9.30pm
Set 3: 10.50pm
Can I pick the band’s playlist?
Dirty Weekend was conceived and designed to allow you the opportunity to customise the entertainment, whilst still retaining a solid structure that is guaranteed to be effective. You can choose the 3 different festival sets, as well as the order they appear, but we like to keep the general layout of each festival set fixed. They have been carefully designed to have a great flow and keep people dancing, as well as each set having a ‘headliner act’ - a song that creates a great moment to finish on. That being said, if you really dislike a particular song then we will happily swap it out for a suitable replacement.
Where will you travel to?
We are based in Brighton, and our pricing reflects the additional travel costs and potential accommodation requirements of travelling around the UK for any event. Alive Network can also provide customised quotes for travel outside the UK. We will travel anywhere provided it is logistically feasible.
Can I see you play live?
On the Alive Network website we provide live videos of us in session at the studio. Dirty Weekend is comprised entirely of professional musicians and the days of pub gigs are more or less behind us. We do so many private events now that we don't have much time left over for public performances. However, you might spot one of us playing a session on TV or at a festival!
Will you learn our special song?
Absolutely! We will happily learn one song for free. We also have an add-on option of 2 songs if you have extras, or just can’t decide between your faves! Please let the Alive Agent know at the time of booking.
Is the video on your website a true reflection of the band?
Yes! The videos were recorded live in the Alive Network studio.
How do I book you?
Call Alive Network; our booking agent will take it from there! You can also enquire via the ‘contact’ tab on this site.
Are you able to DJ in between sets?
Yes - we have an iPad/Spotify, from which we DJ floor-fillers of all styles!
Can we make DJ requests in advance to my event?
Sure! Feel free to send a Spotify playlist to us prior to the event, via email (this can be discussed on your pre-event call).
Can we use your sound system for speeches?
You are welcome to use our PA system for your speeches, provided the arrival time has been arranged accordingly.
What equipment do you use?
We are all complete gear nerds, so rest assured we use top-notch equipment in every area of our set-up!
Do you have lights?
Yes - we provide a number of colourful flood lights to give your event a great look!
How long do you play for?
We play 2 hours of live material, normally 3 x 40 mins as each 40-minute set is based around a different classic festival. We can also arrange 2 x 60 minute sets if that is required.
What time do you start and finish?
The start time depends on when you want to get your party started - we recommend the later the better. The finish time depends on your venue.
How long do you take to set up?
We require roughly 1 hr 30 mins to load in, set up, and soundcheck.
Can I provisionally book you?
Unfortunately we don’t take provisional bookings; a deposit is required to secure a date. However, when you make an official enquiry with us, your enquiry will be logged in our system and you will be given first refusal on your date should anybody else enquire for the same date.
What if the band split up before my event?
Like many professional party bands, our work is our livelihood and so we take our commitments very seriously. In the very unlikely event that the band had split up before your party, every effort would be made to find a suitable replacement band.
Can my sister/boss/daughter/dog sing with your band?
We love it when people get up to sing a song with us, but we do like to arrange this with you in advance.
What will the band wear?
Steering clear of the usual stuffy function band look, we generally wear cool/casual clothes, similar to our favourite bands! We have multiple looks to choose from so our look can be specified on your 3-week courtesy call if you need us to adhere to a specific dress-code.
Does the band have PAT and PLI certificates?
Yes, we will include them in the 3-week call pack we send to you prior to your event.
Why should I book Dirty Weekend?
As we are Alive Network’s only festival-themed band, we are the only choice if you really want your event to stand out! Lots of Functions bands follow the same formula; ‘take a few hits from each decade, mix ‘em up a bit and bish-bash-bosh, job well done!’. With Dirty Weekend, we wanted each set to have a distinct character. Basing each set around a classic festival works well because, of course, festivals are already designed to appeal to a target demographic. If you are a rock music fan, chances are the ‘Reading and Leeds’ set will appeal, if you love pop, then the ‘V festival’ set is probably more appropriate. Tailoring the sets in this way means that each set flows extremely well, meaning we can keep people on the dance floor from start to finish. This allows you to customise the event by choosing the sets that you know your guests will love, without having to micro-manage each song individually.
How much does it cost to book the band?
Prices vary slightly based on the time of year, the location of your event, timings, and any upgrade options. Contact Alive Network for a comprehensive quote.
Can we see some previous client testimonials?
Yes - we have many reviews from happy customers on both our website and Alive Network profile.
Do Dirty Weekend have any specific requirements?
Dirty Weekend operate on a vegan diet, but don't let that put you off, we don't expect anything fancy! After a long day of travelling, loading in and setting up, we would ideally like a hot meal so that we have the energy to give our best possible performance. Most caterers know just what to do, but if there’s any confusion over food we can certainly provide some ideas of quick, easy, cheap food that can be knocked up in a simple kitchen. We ask that there is a supply of free drinking water on site so we can stay hydrated. That’s about it!
What type/size venues are you able to play at?
We can play in a small pub or large barn! And everything in between! We come fully equipped with everything we need to perform in any space, up to 300 people at a time. If you have an extremely large event, we can also source a larger PA system, but our standard equipment is usually more than adequate.
What is the band power requirement?
All we ask for is access to 2 x standard 13 amp sockets, then we can use extensions to power everything. Using less than two is a bit risky, as we have so much powered equipment. The same is true of a gig where we are running off a generator; simply tell the generator company that we will require 2 x 13 amp suppliers for our section of the room, plus whatever else is required for your party i.e. the bar, main lighting etc.
Do Dirty Weekend offer any additional services?
We do indeed! We have an excellent selection of add-ons that can be factored into your quote, including:
- Learn two additional songs - Sometimes one first dance just isn't enough. Perhaps there’s a song that’s special to your parents, the track that was the anthem to the whole stag weekend, or the song that all the Hens can’t stop singing every time they meet up. For just £90 Dirty Weekend will learn and perform two additional tracks at your event, allowing you to choose up to 3 songs including your complimentary first dance request.
- The acoustic tent - No festival would be complete without the acoustic tent, and every wedding needs a little chill-out time in the early afternoon. For an additional £260 Dirty Weekend will arrive early at your event and provide a 45-minute set of dreamy acoustic pop classics, chilled Live Lounge-esque re-imaginings and summer time vibes. 4pm arrival as standard.
- An additional festival set - Marriage may be about compromise, but on your wedding day you need to get your own way! If you just can’t decide between all the great festival sets, you can add an additional 40-minute performance for just £200. No early arrival time will be necessary here, timings can simply be arranged on your 3-week call.
- Early arrival/late finish - if you need us to arrive early or finish later we charge an additional £120 per hour.
- The Big Tamale - Maybe you're the kind of couple who can’t get enough live music. Maybe you need it all! For an additional £700 Dirty Weekend will arrive early to perform an acoustic set, and then follow it up with 5 x 40-minute live sets - our entire repertoire in one night! This option includes a 1am finish, which will normally be required just to fit in all that live music!
If you want us to do something special and you can’t see it itemised here, please do get in touch! We are more than happy to put together a bespoke quote for a special suggestion - the more off-the-wall the better!
