What is an oompah band?

An oompah band is a Bavarian-style band made up of brass and woodwind instruments. The word "oompah" is said to derive from the alternating sound between the tuba playing the chord's root and 5th/dominant notes (the "oom"), and the higher-pitched brass instruments playing the intervening harmonies on the off-beats (the "pah"). The music played by oompah bands has its origins in traditional German folk music that has been adapted to a more popular and commercial audience. <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity"

How much does it cost to hire an oompah band for an event in the UK?

Based on 73 confirmed bookings on FixTheMusic since last year, the median cost to hire an oompah band for an event in the UK is £2,000, with prices ranging from £450 for a smaller lineup to £4,700+ for larger bands at high-end events. Most of our oompah bands offer a range of sizes, from smaller 4-piece lineups through to larger 6-, 7- or 8-piece bands with a mix of brass instruments and singers. The cost will vary depending on the size of band booked, the time of year (September and October are peak months) and travel distance. <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity"

Where will the oompah bands travel?

Our oompah bands are based throughout the UK and are happy to travel across the entire country, as well as overseas, in Europe and the Middle East. <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity"

Will the oompah bands play games with our guests?

Yes – most of our oompah bands are happy to include musical games in their performance. These can include drinking games, but if you'd prefer to keep it more family-friendly then that is also possible. The games are a great way to have your guests interacting with the oompah band and provide a unique style of musical entertainment that will have your guests talking for months and years to come. <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity"

What will the musicians in the oompah band wear?

The musicians in our professional oompah bands will wear traditional German and Bavarian clothing (think Lederhosen and Dirndl) suitable for any Oktoberfest events. If you have any particular requests, get in touch with the oompah bands and they will be happy to help. <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity"

What sort of events do the oompah bands play at?

Our UK oompah bands are most frequently booked to perform at pubs and bars, usually for Oktoberfest events. Inspired by the traditional Bavarian parties at the local bierkeller (underground pubs in Germany and Austria), Oktoberfest events have become commonplace in the UK in recent years, with the best oompah bands are fully booked throughout September and October each year for numerous Oktobestfest festivities each night of the week. Our oompah bands for hire also have lots of experience providing musical entertainment at corporate events, ourdoor weddings and product launches. <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity"

How long do the oompah bands perform for?

As is standard for an Oktoberfest event, wedding or corporate entertainment, most live oompah bands will provide around 2 hours of live music. This is often split into 2 x 60 minute sets, or 3 x 40 minute sets. Most oompah bands arrive at the venue at around 5pm and expect to finish by 12 midnight. <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity"

Is it possible to see the oomopah bands perform live before I book?

It's often not possible to see the oompah bands perform live before you book them for your wedding or event, as most oompah bands perform at private events mostly. That said, public events do take place, especially in October, so you might be able to see your oompah bands performing live in the UK then. <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity"

What instruments are in an oompah band?

Oompah bands are made up predominantly of brass and woodwind instruments, such as tuba, trombone, trumpet and clarinet. For larger oompah bands, additional instruments such as saxophone, drums and an accordion will be included, as well as more brass instruments, for example, a euphonium, flugelhorn or sousaphone. <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity"

Does an oompah band need a PA system or amplification?

Whether or not an oompah band will need to be amplified through a PA system will depend on the size of event space they are performing in and the number of guests at the event. For most smaller events, the oompah band will usually perform without amplification. However, for larger events, they will most likely bring their own PA system – though it's always worth checking with the oompah band to check if they need any equipment provided for them. If they do bring their own PA system, they will need access to a safe supply of electricity. <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity"

Can an oompah band play outside?

All of our oompah bands have ample experience of performing outside, especially for Oktoberfest events in beer gardens or at summer outdoor weddings and drinks recepetions. The band might need shelter from the elements if it's particularly hot and sunny, or cold and wet (as might be the case knowing British weather!). <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity"

Can the oompah band move around whilst performing?

Yes – FixTheMusic's oompah bands can move around whilst performing live. Our oompah bands are very similar to marching bands in that sense – though less rigid! <div itemscope itemprop="mainEntity"

What music does an oompah band perform?

Our oompah bands will perform a mixture of German and Bavarian music, as well as more international pop covers in an "oompah" style. Traditional German drinking songs are a common request, such as Ein Prosit and Eselleid, as well as other German songs (including Ach Ich Bin So Mude, Herr Schmidt and Fingertanz). Pop covers that our oompah bands perform include by artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Beyonce, Black Eyed Peas, The Killers and S Club 7.

Oompah Bands for Hire in the UK

Name: Oompah Bands for Hire in the UK
Rating: 5

Oompah Bands for Hire

Browse our selection of professional oompah bands available for hire across the UK. From traditional Bavarian outfits performing Oktoberfest classics to high-energy brass bands playing pop covers in an oompah style, our bands bring the beer hall atmosphere to weddings, parties, corporate events and Oktoberfest celebrations nationwide.

Submit an enquiry to receive free quotes from our oompah bands, with confirmed booking prices starting from £450 and a median of £2,000.

The best UK oompah bands and Oktoberfest bands for hire

About Our Local Bavarian Oompah Bands for Hire in the UK

The UK has a vast array of outstanding professional German oompah bands to choose from when it comes to hiring an oompah band for an Oktoberfest event, private party, public event or wedding in the UK.

Our local oompah bands are selected by invitation only, and all are highly recommended by previous clients based on several factors, including quality, professionalism, punctuality and the ability to get guests dancing.

Our oompah bands for hire are available throughout the year but are particularly popular for Oktoberfest parties, as well as other German and Bavarian themed events.

Hiring a traditional Bavarian oompah band for German-themed events in the UK

Oktoberfest in München (Munich), where the festival was founded in 1810, generally begins at the end of September and lasts until mid-October.

However, outside Germany, one will find Oktoberfest events taking place throughout the month.

It's a time of raucous celebration, of men in lederhosen, women in dirndls (a traditional feminine dress worn in Austria, South Tyrol and Bavaria), lager served in 1-litre "stein" mugs, bratwurst, sauerkraut, dancing, singing and general merriment...

This merriment is always choreographed by an oompah band, usually consisting of trombone, tuba, trumpet, accordion and drum kit – performing traditional Bavarian folk songs, polkas and waltzes.

We've curated a large range of the UK's finest German Oktoberfest bands, all of which are highly skilled at performing the traditional Bavarian songs as well as pop & rock covers in an oompah style!

If you're looking to hire an oompah band for your Oktoberfest party, submit an enquiry on FixTheMusic to receive offers from relevant local bands.

At FixTheMusic, the oompah bands will provide quotes directly to you – FixTheMusic is free for event planners to use. You can submit an enquiry to get offers directly from our hand-picked professional brass bands bands and German oompah bands in the local area.

You are always in direct contact with bands via our messaging system. When you've made your choice, you can book and pay securely on FixTheMusic.

Outstanding professional musicians

Members of our brass oompah bands for hire in the UK have trained at some of the most renowned performing arts universities in the UK, including the Guildhall School of Music, The Royal Northern College of Music, the Royal College of Music, the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.

As they are in high demand, particularly for Oktoberfest season, we'd recommend enquiring at least 6 months ahead for September and October events.

Bands on FixTheMusic have public liability insurance and PAT tested equipment.

Some FAQs About Hiring an Oompah Band

Reviews from local events in the UK

Real Booking Prices From Our Oompah Bands

Here are just some of the recent confirmed booking prices from our oompah bands for events across the UK:

Deutschland Blasmusik — £900 to £2,150 across 9 confirmed bookings (London, Sevenoaks, Lewes, Bedford, Farnham)
Cheeky Brass — £800 to £1,951 across 8 confirmed bookings (London, Ipswich, Frome, Norwich, Maidenhead)
The London Orleans Band — £980 to £5,640 across 12 confirmed bookings (London, Ipswich, Bath, Nottingham, Greece)
Band Of Brassers — £1,890 to £9,939 across 17 confirmed bookings (London, Suffolk, Bristol, Minehead, Isle of Wight)
Viva Bavaria — £1,980 to £2,544 across 5 confirmed bookings (Norwich, Andover, London)
The German Oompah Band — £1,725 to £2,550 across 4 confirmed bookings (London, Bishop's Stortford, Wiltshire)
Oktoberfest Oompah Band — £1,440 to £1,830 across 3 confirmed bookings (London, Dorset)

Prices based on confirmed invoices paid through FixTheMusic. Your quote will depend on band size, event date, location and performance length.

View Some of Our Professional Oompah Bands and Oktoberfest Party Bands Performing Live...

When to Book an Oompah Band

Based on our confirmed bookings on FixTheMusic, September is by far the busiest month for oompah band bookings, followed by July and October. The Oktoberfest season drives a surge of demand from late September through October, so if you're planning an Oktoberfest-themed event, we recommend booking as early as possible.

Outside the Oktoberfest season, oompah bands are increasingly popular for summer weddings and outdoor drinks receptions, where the band can roam among guests. Our data shows couples typically book 4 to 5 months before their event, but for September and October dates, we'd suggest enquiring at least 6 months ahead.

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Beyond the UK, FixTheMusic has helped clients find amazing local musicians and book UK-based bands for destination weddings and events as far afield as Cyprus, France, Malta, Monaco, Ibiza, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, Iceland, Finland, Poland, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Guinea, India, Israel, the Dominican Republic, Singapore and China.

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Having provided the live music entertainment for thousands of weddings and events worldwide, we were often asked by clients if we provided other entertainers aside from bands.

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