FAQs

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Please note that these FAQs are focused around direct booking enquiries and the answers may differ when booking through a 3rd party agency (Encore, Poptop, LastMinuteMusicians.com etc). For more accurate information, please visit the relevant 3rd party’s website.

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​ Booking & Availability ​

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How far in advance should I book Ben Foulds Music for my event? ​

For peak dates (Saturdays, especially during summer, and December), I recommend booking 12 to 18 months in advance, particularly for weddings. For smaller events or off-peak dates, 6-9 months is often sufficient. If your event is sooner than three months away, please contact me immediately as I occasionally have last-minute availability!

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​How do I check your availability for my date?

​The quickest way is to check the availability calendar and complete the enquiry form on my Contact Page or simply send an email to ben@foulds.biz. Please include as much information as you can including your event date, venue location, and the type of event (e.g., wedding drinks reception, birthday etc) so I can provide an accurate quote and confirmation of availability.

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​ What information do you require about a venue?

I will need the full name and address of your venue to locate it on Google Maps, Waze, or What3Words. Additionally, I require information about unloading and loading access, nearby parking options, and whether stairs or lifts are necessary to reach the performance space. If this information isn't readily available, I can discuss it directly with the venue.

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What is the booking process?

​My booking process is straightforward:

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​Enquire: You contact me with your event details.
​Quote: If I am available for your date, I will send you a bespoke quote.
Details & Deposit: Upon acceptance of a quote, I will confirm the booking details with you and request the required non-refundable deposit to secure the date.  ​
Contract: If you have paid the deposit and wish to proceed, I will send you a booking agreement including all the agreed booking details, the booking invoice and the booking terms and conditions.
​ Confirmation: Once the deposit has been received, and the booking agreement has been sent, the booking is confirmed, and the date is exclusively reserved for you.

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What are the benefits of booking direct?

While booking Ben Foulds Music through an agency or platform is possible, booking direct offers several significant advantages: ​

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Best Price Guarantee: Booking direct ensures you receive the most competitive pricing. You avoid the additional commission fees that are typically added by third-party booking agents, guaranteeing that more of your budget goes directly toward the performance. ​

Clear, Direct Communication: You communicate straight with me from the very start. This means faster response times, greater clarity on unique requests (like learning a special song), and a direct personal relationship with the person who will be performing on your special day.

​Maximum Flexibility & Control: I can tailor the packages, set times, and logistics specifically to your event needs without having to navigate agency policies or approvals. You have greater control over the details that matter most.

​Instant Access to Expertise: You benefit immediately from my experience. I can offer specific advice on scheduling, and package suitability based on hundreds of past events, providing you with high-value consultation.

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​Booking direct guarantees a seamless, personalised, and value-focused experience from your initial enquiry right through to the final performance.

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​How much is the deposit, and when is the final balance due? ​

I require a 25% non-refundable deposit to officially secure your date. The remaining final balance is due 5 working days following your event. ​

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What if the booking details change after I've booked you?

I will always try my best to be flexible to help ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible. If details such as timings, venue, performance length etc, change slightly in the run up to the event just let me know.

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What happens if I need to postpone or cancel my event?

​I understand that sometimes plans change. ​

Postponement: If you need to postpone, I will do my best to transfer your booking and deposit to a new available date within 12 months, free of charge.
​Cancellation: If you cancel, the deposit is non-refundable. Depending on the timing of the cancellation relative to the event date, cancellation fees may apply as outlined in your booking agreement.

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​ Performance & Packages ​

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What types of events do you perform at?

​I specialise in providing live music for a variety of both private and public events, including (but not limited to):

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​Weddings: Ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast/meal, Evening Entertainment.
Private Parties: Birthdays, anniversaries, garden parties, Hen/Stag Dos and more.
Corporate Events: Award ceremonies, product launches, conferences, client receptions and more. ​
Public Events: Pubs, Clubs, Bars, Hotels, Restaurants, Festivals and more.

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I work with everyone from professional event planners to families hosting special occasions bringing live music tailored to every setting.

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What packages do you offer? ​

I offer flexible, bespoke packages to suit the vision you have for your event. A full list of starter packages is available at www.benfouldsmusic.com/packages. ​

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How long is a standard performance set?

​A standard set is 45 minutes of continuous playing, followed by a short break. Most packages include two or three sets. I can, however, adjust set times to better fit your venue’s schedule (e.g., 60-minute sets). ​

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Do you offer background music between your sets?

​Yes, absolutely! I can provide a professional, curated playlist of background music (Spotify/iTunes) through my PA system free of charge during all breaks. This ensures the atmosphere remains lively and consistent throughout the event. If you have​ your own custom Spotify or Amazon playlist you would like me to play, then please share a link to this in advance

 

Can you learn a specific song for our ceremony or first dance? ​

Yes, I am always happy to learn one, or more specific song requests that are not currently in my repertoire, provided you give me at least eight weeks' notice. This ensures I have adequate time to arrange, learn, and perfect the song to a professional standard for your special moment.

 

​ Music & Repertoire

 

​What style of music do you play? ​

My style is best described as High-Quality Acoustic Covers. I reinterpret popular songs across genres, from classic Pop and Rock to Folk, Indie, and Soul, into acoustic versions which I can adapt to suit the mood of your event, whether this be intimate, sophisticated acoustic singing and guitar performance, perfect for creating a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere, or upbeat crowd pleasers which are sure to get guests moving on the dancefloor.

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​Where can I see your current song list? ​

You can view my extensive repertoire (which currently contains over 600 songs) directly on the song list section of the website (www.benfouldsmusic.com/song-list). It is regularly updated with new material.

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​Can we choose the specific songs you play, or do you decide? ​

You are welcome to highlight any songs from my repertoire that you must hear and, equally important, any songs you would prefer not to hear. Based on your preferences, I will craft a setlist on the day that flows well, suits the mood, and engages your specific audience.

 

​Do you take live song requests from guests on the day? ​

While I try to keep to the pre-planned setlist to ensure the best possible atmosphere and flow, I may accept requests if they are already in my repertoire and time allows. I recommend providing your main requests in advance to guarantee they are included. ​

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 Technical Requirements & Logistics

 

​What equipment do you supply, and what do we need to provide?

​I am fully self-contained! I supply all necessary, high-end equipment, including: ​
Professional-grade PA System (speakers)
​Acoustic guitar and microphone ​
All necessary cables and stands.
Basic lighting equipment is available upon request at no additional charge.

The only things the venue needs to provide, are a performance space with access to at least one, but ideally two, safe, mains plug sockets, along with nearby access for loading, unloading, and parking.

 

How much space do you need to set up?

​I do provide various PA options for every booking to make sure that I am able to perform using as much, or as little space is available. Ideally however, I require a performance area of approximately 2 meters wide by 2 meters deep. This allows adequate space for the guitar, mic stand, and speaker placement. A spot near a wall socket is always helpful!

 

​How long does it take you to set up and soundcheck? ​

Set up and soundcheck typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. I generally aim to arrive at least 60 minutes prior to the performance start time to ensure I am set up and ready to go, but if you require me to arrive early to reduce disruption, or to play background music using my PA at a specific time, then this can be arranged.

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Are you able to perform outside?

Yes, I can perform outdoors if the weather permits, but I will need advance notice to dress accordingly and bring the right equipment. If there is a possibility of rain, I will need to be under cover.

 

Do you require food and drink?

​If your booking requires me to be at the venue for four hours or more, I kindly request the provision of a hot meal or equivalent meal contribution, along with unlimited soft drinks/bottled water. This helps maintain energy for a high-quality performance! ​

Are you insured?

Yes. I hold comprehensive Public Liability Insurance (PLI) with cover up to £10 million, and all my electrical equipment is PAT tested. Certificates can be provided to your venue upon request, as this is a standard requirement for most UK venues. ​

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 Travel & Location

 

​Do you travel outside of the West Midlands?

​Yes, absolutely! While based in the West Midlands, I regularly perform across the entire UK. I travel frequently to destination weddings and corporate events. ​

 

Are travel and accommodation costs included in the price?

​Travel costs (fuel and travel time) are always factored into your initial bespoke quote based on your venue's postcode. Accommodation will only be required and included in the quote if the event finishes late and the return drive home would be longer than 2.5 hours, to ensure safety and performance readiness. ​

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