South East Jazz Bands
Couples across South East England have been booking jazz and swing bands through FixTheMusic since 2015. Our bands have performed at weddings and events at venues including Wasing Park near Reading, Stanlake Park Wine Estate in Twyford, Highley Manor in Haywards Heath, Chapel House Estate in Ramsgate and Wotton House in Dorking.
Whether you need a roaming New Orleans-style band for a garden drinks reception or a vintage swing band for a barn wedding, the jazz bands below travel throughout South East England.
Most couples book their band around 7 to 9 months ahead, with July, August and September the most popular months for weddings in the region.
Popular jazz bands in South East England
How it works
Featured Jazz Bands in South East England
1. Barons of Jazz
13 confirmed bookings on FixTheMusic | 9 verified reviews | Based in Ramsgate
One of the only jazz bands actually based in South East England. Barons of Jazz have confirmed bookings at weddings across the region and beyond, with verified reviews from couples in Kent, Surrey, Oxfordshire, Southampton and Hertfordshire. Their average booking lead time is around 5 months.
A couple who married in Southampton wrote: "You were even better than I imagined and I loved listening to you and dancing to your music." A Surrey wedding reviewer noted: "We had some marquee mis-functions but you are true professionals and carried on regardless."
2. The Sweethearts
38 confirmed bookings on FixTheMusic | 9 verified reviews | Based in High Wycombe
A vintage vocal trio based in Buckinghamshire, one of the few acts on this page with a South East England address. The Sweethearts have performed at a D-Day 75 anniversary weekend at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, at a wedding in Reading and at a birthday party in High Wycombe.
A bride who married in Reading wrote: "All of our guests were really complimentary about the performance, so much so that some guests are keen to book them for events they are looking at." The Portsmouth Dockyard event organiser said: "There were lots of people enjoying the music, with plenty of positive compliments across the whole weekend."
3. The Jazz Dukes
24 confirmed bookings on FixTheMusic | 14 verified reviews | £1,802 (avg. price)
The most-booked jazz band on this page, with 24 confirmed bookings to date. The Jazz Dukes travel widely for weddings and events, including a confirmed booking at the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire. Their average booking lead time is around 4 months, shorter than most bands on this list, so they can be a good option for couples planning closer to the date.
A couple who booked them for an anniversary party in Wokingham wrote: "The quality of the music was just as good live as it is in their videos."
4. The London Orleans Band
11 confirmed bookings on FixTheMusic | 12 verified reviews | £2,400 to £3,000
A roaming New Orleans-style brass band with 12 verified reviews, the highest review count relative to bookings on this list. The London Orleans Band have a confirmed booking in Eastbourne and have also performed at the Royal Wimbledon Golf Club. Their average lead time is around 7 months, so couples should enquire well ahead.
A couple who married in Berkshire wrote: "You were the icing on the cake of our wedding day, all our guests are still saying how awesome you are."
5. Hot Swing
16 confirmed bookings on FixTheMusic | 6 verified reviews | £1,500 to £2,500
Hot Swing have a confirmed booking at Gate Street Barn near Guildford and at Stowe House in Buckinghamshire. Their average booking lead time is around 6 months. With 16 confirmed bookings they are among the more active bands on this page.
A couple who married in East Sussex wrote: "The day was amazing and you guys really made it. Everyone said the band were brilliant. My feet haven't recovered from all the dancing."
6. The Dapper Chaps
6 confirmed bookings on FixTheMusic | 5 verified reviews
The Dapper Chaps have a confirmed booking at Preston Court Wedding Venue in Canterbury. Their average booking lead time is around 5 months. With 5 verified reviews across 6 confirmed bookings, they have one of the strongest review-to-booking ratios on this page.
A couple who booked them for a London wedding wrote: "The band had lots of people dancing to them and was a talking point of the day."
7. Misty Jazz Band
4 confirmed bookings on FixTheMusic | 4 verified reviews
Misty Jazz Band have a confirmed booking at Worton Kitchen Garden near Cassington in Oxfordshire, an outdoor venue that suits their trumpet-and-guitar core lineup. Their average booking lead time is around 7 months, the longest on this list alongside The London Orleans Band, so early enquiring is advisable.
A couple who booked them for a wedding at Wimbledon Water Gardens wrote: "They played the ceremony music at our wedding and did the most stunning renditions of our requested songs."
8. The Nightjars
11 confirmed bookings on FixTheMusic | 6 verified reviews | £1,500 to £2,000
The Nightjars have confirmed bookings at Winchester Cathedral and at Chiddingstone Castle in Edenbridge. Their average booking lead time is around 4 months. They also have a confirmed booking at the Bingham Riverhouse in Richmond.
A couple who married at Chiddingstone Castle wrote: "Perfect for the drinks reception and then kept the dance floor full for the evening." The Nightjars have also been booked for an upcoming wedding at Winchester Cathedral.
9. Eclipse Jazz
3 confirmed bookings on FixTheMusic | 4 verified reviews | £750 to £1,500
Eclipse Jazz have a confirmed booking in Tenterden, Kent. Their average booking lead time is around 4 months, making them a practical option for couples planning with a shorter timeline. At £750 to £1,500 they are the most affordable band on this list.
A couple who married in Tunbridge Wells wrote: "They took care of the lot just as we wanted, from the cool background jazz in the afternoon to the dance floor filling hits at night."
10. Lucky Numbers Swing Band
10 confirmed bookings on FixTheMusic | 8 verified reviews
Lucky Numbers have confirmed bookings at The Ivy in Brighton and at West Kent Golf Club. Their average booking lead time is around 5 months. With 10 confirmed bookings and 8 verified reviews, they have one of the strongest review rates relative to bookings on this page.
A couple who booked them for a birthday party in Berkshire wrote: "The dance floor was packed from the moment they started and stayed that way for the whole set."
View our South East jazz bands performing live
We have amazing jazz and swing bands available across the UK, ranging from solo singers and jazz duos to gypsy trios and full brass bands.
Musical styles include jazz covers of pop classics, vintage Gatsby-themed songs and traditional background jazz.
We really hope you enjoy using FixTheMusic. If you have any feedback for us, please get in touch. Otherwise, read more about FixTheMusic, browse our FAQs or read our blog to find helpful articles, research, insights, definitive guides and much more!
Check out our Instagram 📸 for videos and photos of our best party bands performing at real weddings, parties and events.
The videos below will give you a flavour of the talent you can expect to see...
Reviews from local events in South East England
“Totally brilliant. Amazing comms during planning and on the day seamless. Perfect for the drinks reception and then kept the dance floor full for the evening. Thanks so much. Can't wait to work with you again.”
Booked The Nightjars for a wedding at Chiddingstone Castle, Edenbridge, UK
“The Jazz Dukes went down really well with the guests and we received lots of compliments about them after the performance. The quality of the music was just as good live as it is in their videos! They were a pleasure to deal with throughout the booking process and in the lead up to the night. I would absolutely book them again!”
“The day was amazing and you guys really made it! It couldn't have been better. Everyone said the band were brilliant. My feet haven't recovered from all the dancing.”
“We booked Midnight Mirage for our wedding, and the band was absolutely incredible! Eliana was fantastic with communication and coordination in the lead-up, and on the day the whole group exceeded our expectations. We chose the trio—vocals, keyboard, and sax—and it was perfect. Eliana’s voice is stunning, every song sounded amazing, and the accompanying music was truly delightful. It was so special having Midnight Mirage as part of our celebration. A huge thank you to the band for making our wedding day even more memorable! Kristina and Nick”
“Hiring The Champagne Notes was the best decision we made for our black-tie event this winter. From their styling to the sound, everything was on point and such a pleasure to work with.”
“We had The Ipanema Duo play during our wedding ceremony and subsequent drinks reception. They were a brilliant addition: organised in the run up, flexible and constructive in deciding the set list and great musicians who alternated between intimate emotional and lively energetic moments easily. Would definitely use again, exceeded expectations.”
“Performers at our galas have included Edward Fox, Robert Bathurst and Alexander Armstrong... the need to 'get it right' for both the fundraising and 600 audience is of the utmost importance… Getting it right was exactly what Partners in Rhyme did!”
“I just wanted to say how fabulous you were and a big thank you for making my party so fantastic on what must have been the wettest night of the year! We had some marquee mis-functions but you are true professionals and carried on regardless, just a lovely bunch of people with tight sound.”
“Hello Laura, I just wanted to touch base to say thank you for last Saturday. My mum had a brilliant time at her party. So glad the weather held off! Many thanks, Hazel.”
“Misty were absolutely fantastic. The music went down really well, it created a great ambience and received great feedback. They were also highly professional and responsive and a pleasure to work with.”
“Having trained as a jazz saxophonist, I am picky when it comes to live music, but Jo & The Jazz exceeded expectations for our event. They are prompt, professional, courteous and above all excellent musicians. Highly recommend.”
“Your performances were fantastic - above and beyond everything I could have imagined. You managed to get everyone in the party spirit and I can’t thank you enough. People were speaking about your brilliant performances all afternoon.. and ever since! The residents LOVED it, the fundraisers have been playing ‘Sing Sing Sing’ on repeat in the office our CEO’s main comment from the day was Hot Swing NEED to come back next year!”
FAQs About Hiring a Jazz Band in South East England
What kind of jazz bands are available in South East England?
There are a number of bands based in the region, including in Kent and Buckinghamshire. The styles range from vintage swing and Gatsby-era 1920s bands to New Orleans-style roaming brass bands, gypsy jazz, Latin jazz and postmodern jukebox acts that rework modern pop songs in a jazz style.
To expand your search, you can view our best jazz bands in the UK.
How much does a jazz band cost in South East England?
Based on confirmed bookings on FixTheMusic, the median budget couples in South East England set for their band is around £2,000, with most bookings falling between £750 and £3,000. Smaller lineups like duos and trios sit at the lower end, while larger five- and six-piece bands and roaming brass bands cost more. Roaming bands that perform acoustically among guests are often cheaper than amplified bands because they bring less equipment.
How far in advance should I book?
Couples in South East England book their band an average of 8 months before the wedding date. The busiest months for weddings in the region are July, August and September, so bands get booked up earlier for those dates. If your wedding falls on a Saturday in peak season, start enquiring at least 8 months ahead. Some bands on FixTheMusic have been booked with as little as 4 months lead time, but the most popular acts go earlier.
What are the most popular wedding venues in South East England for jazz bands?
Based on confirmed bookings, our jazz and swing bands have performed at venues including Wasing Park near Reading, Stanlake Park Wine Estate in Twyford, The Oak Barn in Kent, Highley Manor in Haywards Heath, Chapel House Estate in Ramsgate, Farbridge in Chichester, Wotton House in Dorking, Chilston Park Hotel in Maidstone, Preston Court in Canterbury, Gate Street Barn near Guildford and Winchester Cathedral.
What size jazz band should I book?
The most common lineup couples book is a 4- or 5-piece band, but jazz bands are more flexible than most. Duos and trios work well for background music during drinks receptions and ceremonies, especially at outdoor venues or smaller barn venues where space is tight. Larger 5- and 6-piece bands are better suited for evening entertainment where you want guests dancing. Many of the bands on this page offer multiple lineup options at different price points, so you can start with a trio for the afternoon and add players for the evening.
Can jazz bands perform outdoors at South East England venues?
Yes, many South East England wedding venues have outdoor spaces for drinks receptions, garden parties and ceremony setups. Acoustic bands and roaming bands are particularly suited to outdoor performances because they do not need amplification. If the band does need power for speakers or microphones, the venue will need to provide a safe power supply. Always check with your venue about outdoor power and noise restrictions before booking.
Do jazz bands play for the whole wedding or just part of it?
Most jazz bands on FixTheMusic perform 2 x 45-minute or 2 x 60-minute sets, which typically covers either the drinks reception, the evening party, or both. Some couples book a smaller lineup for the ceremony or drinks reception and a larger lineup for the evening. Many bands also provide background music playlists between their live sets, and some offer a DJ service for the rest of the night. If you want live music throughout the whole day, ask about booking multiple lineups or a combined package.
Are there any noise restrictions I should know about?
Some South East England venues, particularly rural barn venues and country house hotels, have sound limiters installed that cut power to the stage if the volume exceeds a set threshold. Acoustic jazz bands and roaming bands are a good fit for these venues because they perform without amplification. If the band uses a drum kit, trumpet or saxophone, these instruments can trigger a sound limiter. Always check with your venue about noise limits before booking and mention it to the band when enquiring.
What do couples in South East England actually ask for?
Based on enquiry data from couples in the region, the most common requests are for jazz bands that can play both background music during drinks receptions and dancefloor sets in the evening. Couples frequently ask for bands with a vocalist, and many specifically request a singer with double bass and saxophone. Gatsby and 1920s themes are popular, and several couples have asked for jazz combined with Christmas music for winter weddings. A number of enquiries mention venues with an in-house piano, which can reduce the band's equipment needs.