We have put this Website together to help clients decide if we are the right band for the event. This is important to us. We play traditional Irish music. Don't book us unless this is what you want! Do read our recommendations page, listen to the sample music and check out our local gigs and other news on our MySpace site.
How do we book you?
Firstly, please read these "frequently asked questions". Then email us at mail@flyingtoads.co.uk to discuss your event. Try to provide the following information to help us determine if we are what you're looking for, if we are available and how much it would cost you:
1. The nature of the event (wedding reception, party, festival, etc);
2. The date of the event and possible timings;
3. The location of the event and type of venue;
4. Are you thinking of having a dance and would like us to bring a dance caller, or is it a concert, or background music, etc;
Please be aware that certain times of the year (e.g. St. Patrick's' Day and Saturdays in summer) are very busy for us - so BOOK EARLY!!
- How much do you charge?
It depends! If we have all the above information we should be able to provide you with a quotation by return. There is no such thing as a "normal fee" as we have many things to take into consideration. We obviously need to cover our travel costs and if the event is some distance from our base in West Sussex, we may need to consider charging for accommodation. If you require a caller then of course this costs more than our normal 3-piece line-up.
However, let us know the details and we shall do our best to agree a price we can all live with!
- What's included in the charge?
Band, caller (if required), high quality PA system, travel, accommodation (if necessary).
- And what's extra?
Nothing! Once we agree the fee it's fixed!
- How do we know you'll show up? Can we have a contract?
Once we have agreed the fee we will draw up a simple booking agreement. We sign and exchange copies and do so not for bureaucratic reasons, but to protect each other from any misunderstandings or assumptions.
We normally ask for a deposit of 25% when you return your booking agreement - the balance being payable at the event please.
We will contact you within one week of the event to confirm last minute details and you will have our mobile phone number on the day of the event.
- What sort of events do you play at?
All sorts! We play for wedding receptions, birthday parties, school PTA's, social clubs, pubs, village festivals, folk festivals, shopping centre/bandstand events, PR launches, etc, etc! Take a look at our MySpace site for local gigs.
- How long do you play for?
Normally about a 3 hour set. A typical evening event would run from about 8.15 - 11.15 with a suitable break - but other times are possible. We may need to charge more if you want us to play after midnight.
- Do you play/sing.......?
While we do all the "usual favourites", if there is a particular tune/song you'd like, then check with us before the event. If we don't know it, we'll do our utmost to learn it especially for you. For example, at a recent wedding we performed "Have I Told you Lately" (Van Morrison) as a "one-off" for the bride and groom.
- How loud are you?
We play traditional instruments - so there's no rock bass and drum to worry about! We can play an acoustic set - i.e. without a PA system. However, this is only suitable for very small venues and not if you want songs. We normally use a high quality PA and play at the appropriate volume given the audience and venue - we will always turn it down (or up!) if asked!
We are happy to discuss our PA requirements with your venue management in advance of the event. Often hotel managers are happier about allowing amplified music once they have talked to us - especially once they know that we can be quieter than a disco!
If you are booking us for a festival, etc, then we will insist on discussing our sound requirements with the appropriate technical representative of the venue beforehand.
- How much time do you need to set up before you start playing?
1 hour is required to set up. If you are booking us for a wedding reception please be aware of this - it does not create a good atmosphere if we have to carry all our equipment across the room during the Best Man's speech!
We have many years experience of organising successful events - so we'll be able to advise you on the best arrangements.
- Do you need a stage?
It's not essential, but we do need sufficient room for 3/4 musicians to sit with microphones and speakers, etc. There's nothing worse than having your Guinness knocked over while you're playing!
- Can we come and see you play before we book you?
Yes - please do! Come up and say "hello"! We try to keep our MySpace site up to date. If you don't see an appropriate event do contact us and we'll try to arrange something.
In addition, listen to our sample music.
- Can we have our special tune played before you start?
Yes. We have a CD player plugged into the PA. You can bring your own CDs if you wish.
- Can you add a fiddle/flute/pipe/... player to the line up?
Yes - but it will cost more.
- Can I buy you all a drink??
Oooo - yes please!
- Do you need feeding?
That is always acceptable!
Our Songs / Our Tunes / Our Dances / Our Instruments / Flyer / Gallery
Title Page / Band Info / Musicians / Sample Music / Recommendations / Gig List / Links
Read our Guestbook / Sign our Guestbook
Contact: mail@flyingtoads.co.uk
Phone: +447971 661615
See also: F-Rocks
