Essex is home to some of the finest cover bands in Europe...bands that perform regularly at high-end corporate events and celebrity weddings.
You'll see that there is a huge range of styles and that many of the cover bands offer something a bit different to make your wedding truly memorable.
All of these bands perform sets for dancing, as well as chillout music if you require a background set, e.g. for an afternoon cocktail event.
Some of these wedding bands can also incorporate a horn section (trumpet and saxophone), as well as electric string instruments to add another dimension to weddings and events.
Wedding bands on FixTheMusic have public liability insurance and PAT tested equipment.
FixTheMusic's cover bands perform in a variety of styles, from funk, blues, soul, acoustic, vintage and rock 'n' roll to R&B, Britpop, electro-swing and indie rock and pop covers. We also have a range of outstanding roaming bands, a particularly popular genre currently.
Every band on this list has been selected because they have the most bookings on our platform. The team at FixTheMusic invite only exceptional musicians to join the platform, so the wedding bands highlighted here are truly the best of the best.
Each band featured on FixTheMusic undergoes rigorous evaluation, chosen for their exceptional musicianship, verified reviews from past couples, high-quality videos, and dedication to customer satisfaction. We update this list regularly as new bands rise through the ranks and existing bands evolve.
We really hope you enjoy using FixTheMusic.com. If you have any feedback for us, please get in touch. Otherwise, have a browse of our FAQs or read our blog to find helpful articles, research, insights, definitive guides and much more!
1. The Young Bucks
2. ROAMEO
3. The Nauticals
4. Fusion Girls
5. The Old School 90s Band
6. The Manhattans
7. Wandering Three
8. The Legends Collective
9. Scintillate
10. Big Soul Beats
1. The Young Bucks
Average booking price: £1,500 - £2,000 (as of October 2024)
Location: Colchester, Essex
View more videos and read verified reviews of The Young Bucks ➡️
The Young Bucks are Essex & East Anglia’s premier wedding & function band.
With over 45 years combined gigging experience and an average age of 25, the four-piece band provide a professionalism, diversity and unique musicianship unmatched by competitors.
So if you're looking to hire the finest wedding band Essex has to offer, get in touch with us!
We're regularly booked to perform for weddings and events at Gosfield Hall and Channels Estate in Essex.
Many other bands provide a genre-specific repertoire whereas The Young Bucks pull a huge array of genres into their set list mixing the old with the new and playing with a musical dexterity that belies their years.
From Bob Marley to Kings of Leon, The Jam to Van Morrison, Red Hot Chili Peppers to Ed Sheeran, Oasis to Dizzee Rascal, The Beatles to Paulo Nutini…singer Carnell Cook pulls them all off with aplomb.
The fact that modern Indie numbers and classic Rock 'n' Roll can sit seamlessly alongside Reggae, Hip-Hop, Garage and R&B flirtations, makes this band perfect for the modern wedding or party as they pride themselves in catering for today’s consumer who due to the advent of the internet and online streaming are more exposed to music of all genres.
We believe that function bands should cater for everyone and The Young Bucks pride themselves on tailoring your event to your personal taste.
The band have extensive experience playing at weddings, parties and corporate events across East Anglia and London.
They have recently rebranded and are now available for shows nationwide. Previously the members have bagged highly acclaimed appearances including live sessions on BBC Radio 6 with Huey Morgan and BBC Introducing, countless festival slots including Latitude as well as support slots with BBC Radio 1 primetime rockers Lonely the Brave.
Other notable support slots include gigs with London based Roots, Reggae Rockers, The Skints and Carnell & Alex have shared the stage with none other than global megastar, Ed Sheeran.
Alongside providing live entertainment at countless weddings and private parties, The Young Bucks have played at various corporate events including Ipswich Town Football Club, AXA Insurance, Oxfam, Baiss & Co. and All Saints to name but a few.
The Young Bucks are available for weddings & functions as well as public shows and offer a full PAT tested backline which includes PA, lighting, amplifiers and a DJ upon request.
For general enquiries or to discuss arrangements and specific requests please do not hesitate to submit an enquiry.
Here are just some of the locations where we have been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings and events...
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What our couples say...
"Hi Alex, Hope you're well! Wow - thank you SO much for the band's performance at our wedding on Saturday. You guys were absolutely incredible, everything from the instruments to the vocals, to the repertoire for the night - it was perfect! It also helps when you are such genuinely nice people - apologies I didn't get to spend more time with you all! We had the best day and the night was topped off by your performance - something we will never forget. The guests loved the band! As you can imagine, we are compiling a lot of the messages, photos and videos for the night - so we will leave an extensive review once the dust has settled. Also, if there is anything that we can help you with in terms of sending you any footage etc just shout. Again, thank you so much for making our wedding day complete. What a night! Happy New Year to you all. Thanks again, Nick."
— Nicolas Georgiou, wedding at Gosfield Hall, Halstead, Essex, UK
2. ROAMEO
Average booking price: £2,500 - £4,500 (as of October 2024)
Location: London & Essex
View more videos and read verified reviews of ROAMEO ➡️
ROAMEO, previously known as NOMAD, is a carefully sculpted, slick and totally innovative music entertainment trio and quartet.
The outfit was formed to create something unique for the entertainment world, which brought to life a vision of a small, dapper roaming band, able to deliver a big dance floor sound, while weaving through rooms, interacting with guests.
We're regularly booked to perform for weddings and events at Sofitel Cairo Nile El Gezirah Hotel in Egypt, Borgo Sant'Ambrogio in Italy, Sky Garden in London and La Baronía in Barcelona, Spain.
ROAMEO are one of the UK's only electric / amplified roaming wedding bands. This is made possible by the unique addition of a musically involved sound engineer, who works wizardry with wireless technology. Wow.
View our complete list of UK roaming bands ➡️
ROAMEO's band members are all seasoned entertainers from established backgrounds - sharp presentation and honed audience-sensitive charm set this outfit well apart from the rest. Their set is full of cool hits, often put together in a clever mashup.
Previous clients include Facebook, Google, Manchester United Football Club, Ted Baker, Coca Cola and Hampton Court Palace, amongst many other prestigious organisations and venues.
The band is highly experienced at performing outside the UK. They have recently travelled to and have upcoming events in Malta, France, Italy, Spain, Egypt, Greece and Portugal. The band also recently performed at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Their performance at a destination wedding in Barcelona was recently featured as a real wedding in Whimsical Wonderland Weddings.
Here are just some of the locations where we have been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings and events...
So if you're looking for the finest pop covers roaming band London has to offer, get in touch with ROAMEO.
Duo Option
If you like the look of ROAMEO, but 4 musicians stretches the budget, we have just released a condensed duo version: Players Lite. Led by a singer or singer/guitarist and supported by the drummer who has all the other instruments stored in his live drum machine, triggered on the fly. All the sound, sass, mobility and interaction of the full complement - just smaller. Sax or an extra singer can be added.
We are forever gauging dance floors around the world and keeping an ear to the ground for the freshest party tunes. The sample set list provided here shows examples of places we like to go.
Please note that ROAMEO operates as a family of no-compromise musicians, who are the best in London for this show and at the very top of their game. This means that the band may not have all members from promotional footage. The set list is indicative only and will vary according to the singer.
3. The Nauticals
Average booking price: £2,758 (as of October 2024)
Location: London, UK
View more videos and read verified reviews of The Nauticals ➡️
The Nauticals are one of the UK's best 4-piece rock and pop covers bands, consisting of both male and female lead vocals, plus sax.
Their female singer also plays saxophone which means she can steal the show by ripping into some of the most famous sax solos of all time without the need for backing tracks.
With Male & Female Lead Vocalists and a repertoire that spans four generations, The Nauticals are the number one choice for couples looking to pack the dance floor on their wedding night with one of the UK's best live wedding bands with saxophone.
You can check out all of the UK's best wedding bands with sax ➡️
Having formed in 2010, the modern wedding band changed in 2014 to its strongest ever lineup! Now with a calibre of musicians and entertainers far superior to 99% of other bands, the party band travels the UK, Dubai & Europe full-time performing at weddings, awards ceremonies, and other corporate events, with their wedding band and DJ package being one of FixTheMusic's most requested options.
The band have one goal and one goal only! TO PACK THE DANCEFLOOR!
Invariably, the set list is chosen on the fly by the band so that they can maximise the number of your guests that take to the floor and get involved with the party.
With a repertoire that's got something for everyone, you can be sure that even Grandma will find there's something for her to jive to!
In addition to the phenomenal evening entertainment that the band offer, there's also the option of having them join you on the afternoon of your big day to perform one of a variety of different options they offer ranging from an acoustic set to a solo saxophone set.
Here are just some of the locations where we have been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings and events...
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What our couples say...
"I just wanted to say a massive thank you to The Nauticals for being the most incredible and talented group of people we could have asked for to help us celebrate our big day! They were incredible and got so many great comments from the guests too. Thank you for helping make our day so special 😊 Maddy and Sam xxxx"
— Maddy Hayes, wedding at Blake Hall, Ongar, Essex
4. Fusion Girls
Average booking price: £2,778 (as of October 2024)
Location: London & Essex
View more videos and read verified reviews of Fusion Girls ➡️
Fusion Girls are a unique trio of DJ mixing, light-up sax & percussion, available for events in the UK and worldwide.
Their unique combination of funky, soulful house mixes tied with jazzy sax grooves and an uber cool feel of percussion beats have created a sound like no other, that people just can’t help but dance to!
5. The Old School 90s Band
Average booking price: £2,632 (as of October 2024)
Location: London & Essex
View more videos and read verified reviews of The Old School 90s Band ➡️
The Old School 90s Band bring the best of 1990s pop, dance, RnB and hip hop to your party, event or wedding.
Their line up of highly experienced professional musicians have all toured internationally as well as across the UK. They faithfully recreate the spirit of the 90s. Get your glow sticks ready!
6. The Manhattans
Average booking price: £2,953 (as of October 2024)
Location: London & Essex
View more videos and read verified reviews of The Manhattans ➡️
The Manhattans are a high-energy pop & rock covers band based in London and Hertfordshire.
Having supported huge names including Bruce Springsteen at Hyde Park and headlined Trafalgar Square as part of the Closing Paralympic Celebrations, the band caught the attention of promoters in the United States.
Since then the band have been touring across the US supporting bands like Fuel and Alien Ant Farm.
What our couples say...
"The Manhattans made our night! They were amazing and had such a great vibe. Everybody has commented on how good they were and I would definitely recommend them to any of my friends! Great range of music and also very easy to deal with throughout the whole wedding planning process."
— James Nott, wedding in Dedham, Essex
7. Wandering Three
Average booking price: £1,987 (as of October 2024)
Location: London & Essex
View more videos and read verified reviews of Wandering Three ➡️
Wandering Three are London’s fresh, high-energy acoustic roaming band.
With no need for a PA, Wandering Three take no time to set up and can perform anywhere you need. They can roam around the guests at your event, entertaining them in small groups and playing their requests.
Or show them a stage and they'll fiddle the house down!
8. The Legends Collective
Average booking price: £5,000 - £10,000 (as of October 2024)
Location: London & Essex
View more videos and read verified reviews of The Legends Collective ➡️
This stunning 5-15 piece band provides a world-class spectacle that will absolutely floor your guests from start to finish.
Week in week out they perform a hit-filled repertoire that flows with the fluidity of a DJ set, but with the punch of Beyoncé’s live band.
Their impressive set list includes 200+ bangers ranging from R&B throwbacks, Garage classics, Ibiza anthems all the way to your favourite old school soul and Motown!
9. Scintillate
Average booking price: £5,000 - £7,500 (as of October 2024)
Location: London & Essex
View more videos and read verified reviews of Scintillate ➡️
Scintillate are a luxury high-end function band with over 15 years of industry experience.
They perform at weddings, corporate events and private functions in the UK & across the globe.
From music selection and arrangements to performance and attire, everything about Scintillate oozes class and professionalism.
They aim to uplift your function by creating an incredible atmosphere to suit, with utmost elegance and sophistication.
10. Big Soul Beats
Average booking price: £5,000 - £10,000 (as of October 2024)
Location: London, UK
View more videos and read verified reviews of Big Soul Beats ➡️
Big Soul Beats are carrying the torch for the UK’s ever-evolving R&B, Garage and soul scene.
The band rose to prominence from their YouTube covers (also supported by Spotify Editorial) and has received praise from music legends such as Nile Rodgers, Teddy Riley, Boyz II Men, Louis Tomlinson & Tyrese Gibson.
In their short career, Big Soul Beats have opened up for the likes of Boyz II Men, Jeremih, Little Mix and was invited to perform at the wedding of Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner.
View our list of the UK's best soul & Motown bands ➡️
Big Soul Beats are more than happy to travel and regularly perform across the UK and beyond at weddings, private parties and corporate events.
We're regularly booked to perform for weddings and events at The London Marriott Hotel in Grosvenor Square, Pavilion Club in Knightsbridge and The Kennels in Goodwood, West Sussex.
As performers, Big Soul Beats is the amalgamation of all the greats who have come before them, such as Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown and Boyz II Men.
Perfectly blending and fusing 80/90’s nostalgia of all these legends is what makes Big Soul Beats the one to watch.
This exceptional group is at the intersection of where the past meets the future, and trust us when we say it sounds refreshing!
So, if you’re looking to hire one of the UK’s best luxury soul bands, look no further than Big Soul Beats and get in touch today!
Here are just some of the locations where we've been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings and events...
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At FixTheMusic, we supply bands for hundreds of weddings and events in Essex each year. From our experience and having spoken to our wedding couples and bands, we've put together a list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) about hiring a wedding band in Essex.
Wedding bands in Essex cost between £1,500 - £3,500. The average price in 2024 is £2,795. Some bands will be a lot more expensive than this (e.g. an 11-piece band will cost much more than a 5-piece wedding band), and some younger and smaller bands will be cheaper.
You should aim to book your band as soon as possible. Most of our best wedding bands have bookings at least two years in advance. If your wedding is on a Saturday in May, June, July, August or September, you should really be looking to book at least a year in advance of your date. This is because most weddings fall on a Saturday during summer so our bands receive the most enquiries for these days. That said, there are more and more weddings taking place on Sundays and mid-week (especially on Thursdays and Fridays) so it’s best not to wait too long before locking down your band.
Usually it’s not possible to see the band live. Most professional bands perform at private events only, such as weddings and corporate events. It’s not usually possible for the bands to allow potential clients into these venues to watch them perform. It is occasionally possible so there’s no harm in asking. And sometimes wedding bands will do the odd gig at a pub or festival that’s open to the public.
Most wedding bands play 2 x 45 minute or 2 x 1 hour live sets at weddings. If you'd like your wedding band to perform for longer, just ask the band. It's usually possible but they might charge a bit extra.
Most wedding bands provide a “laptop DJ” service. This isn’t the same as providing the service of a professional DJ who reads the room and adapts to the feel on the night. Instead, they will have a playlist (usually on something like Spotify or iTunes) that they play out of their PA system.
Yes, usually you can send the band a list of requests before the wedding and the band will download them onto their laptop or device, ready to play on the night. Alternatively, you can compile a playlist and bring your own device to plug into the band’s PA system.
Most bands have a repertoire of songs that they perform regularly at weddings. This will be a tried-and-tested playlist that they know works well at weddings: it appeals to guests of all ages and keeps people on the dance floor.
Most bands will be delighted to learn your first dance song and perform it live for you on your wedding night. If it doesn’t fit the band’s style (e.g. if your first dance song is a jazz song, but you’ve booked an indie-rock band), then they might suggest you use the recorded version of the song and the band will play this out of their PA system. Some bands might charge a bit extra (often around £150) to learn a new song to cover rehearsal time.
Most bands will usually learn one song for your wedding that isn’t already in their setlist. Some bands will offer to learn 2 or 3 new songs, but in our experience they are rarely able to learn more than this. It can be very time consuming for the band to learn and rehearse new songs, and especially so for singers to learn all the new lyrics.
Most bands will be happy for you to indicate which songs from their set list you dislike and don’t want them to play, and songs that you like and absolutely want them to play on the night. The band will usually then build their setlist around these preferences.
Most bands aim to arrive at around 5pm to be ready to play by 7pm. During this time they will set up their equipment and carry out a sound check, essential to making sure the volume of the band is appropriate to your venue and that any sound / noise limiters are taken into account.
Yes, most bands will be happy to turn up earlier than 5pm, but you should expect to pay them for the extra time. A lot of wedding couples worry about the band setting up while guests are at the venue. Bands with lots of experience of weddings should be able to set up discreetly and without making too much noise and mess. The noisiest part is when they have to carry out the sound check, but this should only last about 15 - 30 minutes. Rather than asking the entire band to turn up early, it’s often more cost-effective for one or two band members to arrive in advance to unload most of the equipment and get set up, which saves having to pay an extra fee for every band member.
Most bands expect to finish by midnight. This suits most weddings as the majority of UK venues require live music to stop by this time.
Yes, but bands will normally charge a slightly higher fee to finish later than midnight.
Usually, yes. Though this will also attract a slightly higher fee, as it means that at least one band member has to wait until the end of the party to pack up the PA system and head home. Some band members might be a couple of hours’ drive away from your venue, so finishing at 1am means they won’t arrive home until 3am or 4am.
Yes. Professional wedding bands will bring their own equipment. This includes a PA system, mixing desk, some basic lighting for the dance floor and their own instruments. If you are planning a particularly large wedding with hundreds of guests, you might consider hiring in a larger PA system and more lighting.
No. Most bands are happy to perform without a stage, though it can look special if you can offer them a stage to perform on.
This will depend on the size of the band of course, but to give you a rough idea, a 4-piece band would usually need at least 5m x 4m. This is to provide room for not only the band members themselves, but also their instruments (keyboards and drum kits take up quite a bit of space) and other things like speakers and a mixing desk.
If you ask the band in advance, most will be happy to allow you or one of your guests to sing or play along with them for one or two songs. We always advise checking this with your band first. Some bands’ public liability insurance doesn’t allow wedding bands to permit guests to use their instruments or equipment.
Most bands will provide pre-recorded playlists between and after their live sets, so your entire evening will be covered. However, if you want a professional DJ who will adapt his music choices on the night and interact with guests, then it’s better to hire a DJ as well.
Bands and DJs will often share the same PA system, as it can look cluttered to have two sets of speakers around the dance floor. However, you’ll need to discuss this with both the DJ and band before the event to check the equipment suits everyone’s requirements and that everyone is happy to share. One problem can arise when the DJ is booked to provide music into the small hours, but the band is to finish at 11pm. In this case, it would make more sense for the band to use the DJ’s equipment to save the band having to wait until the DJ had finished his set.
Professional wedding bands will bring all their own technical equipment and instruments. However, most will expect to be provided with a hot meal each and soft drinks.The musicians will probably have left their homes around lunchtime to arrive at your venue in good time to set up and soundcheck. It can be a long day for them and they will be much more energetic on stage if they’ve had a good meal and refreshments before performing for you. The bands won’t expect to be given the same meal as you provide for your guests. Most wedding venues have an option you can purchase in advance for your suppliers or you can give the musicians access to your buffet if you’re having one.
Not always. Most professional bands will have a core group that plays at the majority of weddings they are booked for. However, they will also have a group of deputies (or “deps” as they are known in the industry) that they call upon frequently to cover for band members. This is a standard and essential practice in the music industry. Most musicians work as freelancers, meaning they might work for different function bands or tour with famous pop groups for example. Being able to draw upon a deputy musician to cover a band member who is unavailable (or ill) means the rest of the band can still work.
You should get a good idea of what the band wears from their videos online. Most will opt for a smart shirt, but if you have a particular theme or any requests, let them know well in advance. For example, if you’re having an 80s style wedding, you might want to check if the band could wear appropriate clothing to match!
Most bands will arrive by car as it’s the easiest way for them to bring their equipment and instruments. Having 1 or 2 parking spaces available for them to use that are close to the venue will be appreciated by the musicians. In certain cities, you might also need to cover the costs of parking.
Some wedding venues have what’s known as a sound or noise limiter installed. This is particularly the case with venues in built-up areas in cities or towns or where the owners have to be careful not to damage the building (e.g. a National Trust or English Heritage property). Most professional wedding bands are experienced at adapting their performance to the sound limit in place. You should make your band aware of this in good time before your event, as it might mean they need to bring an electric drum kit. Some bands might even refuse to play at venues with sound limiters in place. You can read more on our guide to sound limiters at wedding venues.
Most wedding venues in the UK require bands performing there to hold valid Public Liability Insurance (PLI). PLI provides protection from the financial consequences of legal action and compensation claims if anyone is injured or any property is damaged during the wedding. Your wedding venue will often ask the band to provide a certificate to show they hold up-to-date public liability insurance in advance of the wedding. Membership of organisations such as the Musicians Union usually comes with PLI included. Read more on our guide to PLI.
PAT stands for portable appliance testing. Most wedding venues will require your band to produce evidence that their equipment has been PAT-certified. This means that it has been tested to ensure it is safe to use. If your band can’t produce valid PLI and PAT certificates, you might question whether they are a professional band, as all full-time bands will have these documents ready to send to venues. Read more on our guide to Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).
If you’re getting married in the UK, it’s a good idea to make the most of the summer months and have as much of your wedding outside if possible. That said, the British weather isn’t the most reliable – so whilst many bands will be happy to play outside in principle, they will always require access to a shelter from the elements, whether that’s strong sunlight or rain. Musicians’ instruments can be worth thousands of pounds and a small amount of water damage can have a devastating impact on the instrument.
The most secure way to book a band is to do so via FixTheMusic. All bookings are governed by the agreement on our website, which is based on the UK Musicians Union standard contract and amended by the particular details that you agree with your band by email (date, venue etc.). The contract provides protection to both parties.
The best option is to submit an enquiry on FixTheMusic. The best bands will have the most limited availability, so the solution is to submit details of your event on our enquiry form to receive offers from available bands, after which you can be in direct contact with them and book your favourite band for free on our site. Furthermore, we curate our selection of bands so you will only receive quotes from top-quality UK acts and musicians
If you have your heart set on the wedding band playing during dinner (often called the wedding breakfast), then by all means ask them if they can. You could opt for your wedding band to provide some lighter, instrumental background music (for example an acoustic or jazz set) during the dinner, though they will charge extra for this. Another popular option during the wedding meal is an acoustic roaming set, with the band weaving between your guests, providing something unique and a real talking point!
We hope you've enjoyed reading this list of the best wedding bands Essex has to offer in 2024.
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Fill in the enquiry form to receive offers directly from hand-picked musicians. Once you've confirmed details with your preferred act, book and pay securely through our secure online checkout.