Band Hire Newcastle

Live music changes the feel of a room in a way a playlist can't, and Newcastle's function bands cover a useful spread of sizes and sounds. Most play covers – current hits and classics people know the words to – but the line-ups range from a compact four-piece running on batteries to a five-piece with lighting for a crowd of 1,000.

For pop and rock, Colour Theory is the full-scale option: five musicians, its own mixing desk, RCF speakers and lights, booked directly with the band and willing to learn a first-dance song. Paperboy squeezes four players into the space a duo would take, playing amp-free acoustic sets for ceremonies and canapés. Jackson Broadway works as a duo, or a trio with their backing band, from $1,500, with five-hour wedding receptions from $2,000.

Hamilton Alley takes a different line. The five-piece plays funk, soul and blues with four-part vocal harmonies, and is known for turning well-known party songs into funky new arrangements – a good fit for 40ths, 50ths, 60ths and Christmas parties where guests want familiar tunes with a twist.

A quick way to narrow it down:

• Ceremony and pre-dinner drinks – Paperboy's battery-powered acoustic set
• Big room, big crowd – Colour Theory with full production
• A published starting price – Jackson Broadway
• Funk and soul – Hamilton Alley, which brings its own PA and lighting show

Planning a milestone? See 50th birthday party ideas, or compare DJs for after the band's last set.