5 Best Wedding Bands in Cheltenham (2024)

Updated 18 September 2024
Reading time — 3 minutes
5 Best Wedding Bands in Cheltenham (2024)
In this blog post, we'll list the 5 most popular wedding bands in Cheltenham on FixTheMusic, based on the number of their confirmed bookings for 2024 and 2025 as well as verified reviews.

Cheltenham is home to some of the finest wedding bands in the UK...bands that perform regularly at high-end corporate events and celebrity weddings.

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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.

How we choose the best wedding bands for hire in Cheltenham

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!

Here's the list of the 5 best wedding bands in Cheltenham for 2024...

1. The Sidekicks
2. The Cardinals
3. The Dynamos
4. Mashup Kings
5. Brooklyn Funk

Get Quotes From Cheltenham Bands


Let's take a closer look at the most in-demand Cheltenham wedding bands this year...

1. The Sidekicks
Average booking price: £1,250 - £1,675 (as of October 2024)
Location: Gloucestershire & Somerset, UK

View more videos and read verified reviews of The Sidekicks ➡️

The Sidekicks are a little different, a little quirky and something which is proving to be very popular at weddings and parties.

Performing a large repertoire from pop and rock covers to indie classics, they know exactly how to judge the mood of your event...from a laid-back cocktail set to high-energy music for the dance floor!

They love playing the usual party tunes and changing them up in our own style. They also love playing live lounge style tunes.

Based in Weston-super-Mare, the Trio have been inspired by bands such as Mumford and Sons and artists including Hozier and they believe that these influences strongly show in their performance.


2. The Cardinals
Average booking price: £1,862 (as of October 2024)
Location: Cheltenham & Bristol, UK

View more videos and read verified reviews of The Cardinals ➡️

The Cardinals are a young, slick 5-piece covers band of highly experienced musicians who play a plethora of hits based on the Soul, Funk and Pop genres of the last 50 years.

Energetic and armed with an arsenal of floor fillers, this band know how to work a crowd and get your guests onto the dance floor!

The Cardinals are a slick five-piece band that has played at a range of weddings and corporate shows over the past few years.

They have played for the likes of Debenham's at their regional Christmas party as well as performing at countless weddings and birthday parties across the UK.

All band members have studied at musical universities including Bristol Institute for Modern Music.

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3. The Dynamos
Average booking price: £1,628 (as of October 2024)
Location: Gloucestershire, UK

View more videos and read verified reviews of The Dynamos ➡️

The Dynamos are an experienced, fun and lively four piece party band based in Gloucestershire with an impressive repertoire guaranteed to get your guests up and dancing.

With a highly energetic performance, the band request guests get up and dance whilst performing hits from across the decades with songs from The Kinks, The Beatles, Kings of Leon, The Killers, Rolling Stones, Status Quo, Pharrell Williams, Daft Punk, Arctic Monkeys and more.

The Dynamos are a professional outfit performing internationally at well over 70 weddings and events each year across the UK as well as Europe.

The Dynamos are happy to learn any new songs you may want for your event (as long as musically possible for the line up) and would be more than happy to play a first dance for a wedding.


4. Mashup Kings
Average booking price: £5,000 - £10,000 (as of October 2024)
Location: Cheltenham & Bristol

View more videos and read verified reviews of Mashup Kings ➡️

The Professional Party Starters, Masters of The Mashups….Mashup Kings are a true all rounder, being able to build a custom setlist to suit any event, whether it be weddings, parties, corporate events or award shows…..anywhere in the world!

Whether we are playing acoustic music during your afternoon drinks reception, creating a unique interactive & immersive atmosphere amongst your guests during dinner, or bringing a high-energy evening party…it will be an unforgettable experience!

We specialise in taking the very best songs from an era or artist & mashing them together, constantly taking the listener by surprise….playing a diverse range of covers that rarely sound the same as the original and more often than none sound completely fresh & original. We feel this is what really makes our band stand out. WE DON’T DO CHEESE!

We have been best friends for over 10 years and have built this band from a shared love for music, both listening and performing…and we feel that shines through when we’re on stage performing.

We spend hours on the road laughing and sharing music, looking forward to whatever awaits us at the next event, always primed and ready to bring the party. We will provide a free DJ service with every booking.

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We love travelling and have spent not only a lot of time in the UK performing up and down the country….we also have extensive experience performing abroad in countries including France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Cyprus & Greece, which has given us a great understanding of how things work best when planning a wedding overseas, as well as great connections to help make the booking process very smooth.

If there is a song in our setlist that you can’t see then please be sure to request this when enquiring. We are also familiar with traditional Jewish & Greek Wedding songs/dances.

We offer a smaller band for more intimate events or different budgets… Acoustic Royale for weddings and events in the UK and worldwide.

We're regularly booked to perform for weddings and events at Abbazia di San Galgano in Italy, Château de Lerse in France, Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz in Malta, Finca Comassema in Mallorca and Hampton Court Palace in Surrey, UK.

We will always arrive in good time to make sure everything is set up perfectly and ready to go when required, and there will always be one of us ready to answer any questions you may have leading up to the event or afterwards.

View our list of the UK's best R&B wedding bands ➡️

We all have a huge passion for music and performing, as well as a very similar taste in music, being that we enjoy anything that sounds good!

We love funk, soul, jazz, R&B, and anything that grooves. This puts us in the perfect position to compile a set-list of songs from the 1960s to the Top 40, featuring tracks from the likes of Stevie Wonder, George Benson, Jess Glynne, Calvin Harris, Bob Marley, Ed Sheeran, Lauryn Hill, Van Morrison, Amy Winehouse, and loads more.

Our standard set times are Standard 2 x 1-hour sets or 3 x 40-minute sets. In between our sets, we are able to use our PA system to play some mp3s or your choice if required. We provide our own professional sound and lighting equipment.

We can also offer a DJ service after our live wedding band has finished playing, to keep your guests dancing into the night!

We pride ourselves on being willing to go the extra mile to make sure your event is everything you want it to be, whether it be learning a song for a special occasion or wedding, working with you to put together a bespoke set-list from our repertoire for a party or wedding reception, offering a DJ service, or anything else to make sure your event goes as smoothly as possible.

Between us, Mashup Kings have many years of experience, with achievements including touring the UK and Europe, performing on prestigious stages at Glastonbury Festival, and The Royal Albert Hall, as well as numerous other events and festivals.

But, all of that aside, we just love getting together, playing music and having fun, which we feel comes across well in our performance.

So if you're looking to hire one of the finest luxury wedding band's the UK has to offer, get in touch with Mashup Kings.

Here are just some of the locations where we have been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings and events...

  • Abbazia di San Galgano, Chiusdino, Siena, Italy
  • Castello di Petrata, Assisi, Perugia, Italy
  • Castello di Celsa, Siena, Italy
  • Finca Comassema, Mallorca, Spain
  • Château de Lerse, Pérignac, France
  • Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz, Malta
  • Bruisyard Hall, Woodbridge, UK
  • Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey
  • Old Gore by Yard Space, Cirencester, UK
  • Offley Place Country House Hotel, Hitchin, UK
  • Syon Park, Brent Lea, Brentford, UK
  • The Kingscote Barn, Tetbury, UK
  • Elmbridge Farm, Droitwich, Worcestershire
  • Burrow Farm Gardens, Axminster, UK
  • Holbrook Manor, Castle Cary, Wincanton, UK
  • Port Lympne Reserve, Aldington Road, Hythe, Kent
  • Fairyhill, Reynoldston, Swansea
  • Elmore Court, Weir Lane, Gloucester, UK
  • Brympton House, Odcombe, Yeovil, Somerset, UK
  • Swindon Road, Cheltenham, UK
  • Kingston Estate, Staverton, Totnes, UK
  • Ewen, Cirencester, UK
  • Consall Lane, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
  • Yeovil, UK
  • Builth Wells, UK
  • Bagley Wood Road, Kennington, Oxford
  • Kineton, Warwickshire
  • Hanham, Bristol, UK

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Mashup Kings acoustic duo

Mashup Kings is also the moniker of an acoustic duo with a difference. Playing a set list of classic funk, soul, jazz, reggae, R&B, and Motown, the acoustic duo is perfect for any occasion.

Mashup Kings acoustic duo can perform at your party, corporate event, wedding ceremony, wedding reception, as background music, or as upbeat evening entertainment. As an acoustic duo, Mashup Kings are the perfect musical backdrop for any event.

We are based in Wiltshire and regularly perform as a wedding band or acoustic duo in the towns of Swindon, Salisbury, Chippenham, Trowbridge, Warminster, Melksham, Devizes and Calne.

We also perform at weddings and events in South West England, and throughout the UK.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram 📸

Please check out our website for more information.


5. Brooklyn Funk
Average booking price: £1,949 (as of October 2024)
Location: Cheltenham & Bristol, UK

View more videos and read verified reviews of Brooklyn Funk ➡️

Formed in 2011, Brooklyn Funk was created as a way for seven talented musicians to play the music they love...funk, soul and Motown.

Initially playing in pubs and clubs around Bristol & The South West, the authentic sound of Brooklyn Funk has led to more and more wedding and corporate performances throughout the UK.

Brooklyn Funk's musicians can really play. Their busy schedule includes performing and recording with artists such as Kenny Thomas, Bizarre Inc & This Picture.

They are also seasoned wedding band players, having only the best equipment and will speak directly with your venue to ensure that everything runs smoothly!

Brooklyn Funk band are all you need to make for a memorable evening – they can’t fail to impress!

So if you're looking for the finest funk covers band Bristol has to offer for your wedding or event, get in touch with Brooklyn Funk.


Get Quotes From Cheltenham Bands

At FixTheMusic, we supply bands for hundreds of weddings and events in Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham.

How much does a wedding band cost in Cheltenham?

The average price of a wedding band in Cheltenham in 2024 is £1665. Exact prices will vary hugely, and some bands will be much more expensive. Quotes depend on a few factors such as the size of band and number of musicians, travel expenses and how long you book them to perform for.

How early should I book the band?

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.

Can I see the band perform live before I book?

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.

How long do Cheltenham wedding bands perform for?

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.

What happens between and after the band’s live sets?

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.

Can I choose the music they play in between and after their live sets?

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.

What songs do wedding bands play?

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.

Will the band learn my first dance song?

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.

Can I give a list of songs to the band to play at my wedding?

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.

Can I indicate my song preferences to the band?

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.

What time do wedding bands normally arrive at the venue?

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.

Can the band turn up earlier than that?

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.

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What time do wedding bands normally finish?

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.

Can I ask the band to stay later than midnight?

Yes, but bands will normally charge a slightly higher fee to finish later than midnight.

Can I use the band’s PA system after 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.

Do wedding bands bring their own sound equipment and instruments?

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.

Do wedding bands need a stage to perform on?

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.

If I do provide a stage for my wedding band, how much space will the band need?

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.

Can I or my guests play with the band?

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.

Do I need to hire a DJ as well as a wedding band?

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.

If I do hire a separate DJ, can the band and DJ share equipment?

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.

Do I need to provide anything for my wedding band?

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.

Will the band members be the same as the ones I’ve seen in their videos?

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.

What do wedding bands wear?

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!

Will the band need parking spaces?

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.

My venue has a sound limiter. Is that a problem?

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.

My wedding venue says the band needs to hold Public Liability Insurance (PLI). What is PLI?

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.

Do wedding bands need PAT-certified equipment?

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).

Can wedding bands play outside?

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.

Do I need a contract with my wedding band?

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.

Get Quotes From Cheltenham Bands

How do I find a band for my wedding in Cheltenham?

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

Do wedding bands play during dinner?

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 Cheltenham has to offer in 2024.

FixTheMusic is a one-stop shop for booking outstanding professional musicians – and it's completely free for you to use.

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.

Adam is a co-founder of FixTheMusic and works on everything from copywriting and marketing to design and user experience. He studied Music at Cambridge University. Adam is a keen pianist, and also learned cello and trumpet from an early age.
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