Here’s answers to some frequently asked questions, but if we’ve not covered your query, get in touch here
Booking Queries
How does the booking process work?
Contact us through the Contact page form or email us at info@thecurlews.com and we will discuss a quote with you. As every event is so different, we can’t give quotes without know more of the details, but prices start from £700. Once the details have been confirmed and a quote agreed, you will receive an invoice for the booking which will confirm the booking.
How do you take payments?
All payments are to be paid by BACS.
Unfortunately we cannot accept cheques or cash.
What is your cancellation policy?
Should you cancel the booking, any deposit will be non-refundable. Bookings cancelled within 2 months of the event will be charged at the full fee (less travel where applicable).
For engagements booked less than six months in advance but cancelled more than 2 months in advance, 50% of remaining balance after deposit is to be paid.
For engagements booked more than six months in advance, no fee will be due. Any deposit paid will be refunded should you cancel the booking within the first 14 days, but thereafter is non refundable.
Can I amend my booking?
Where possible we will try to accommodate changes where possible, however we cannot guarantee changes to dates, location and timings
Is a deposit required?
A 25% deposit is required to secure the booking. On confirmation of the date, location and event requirements, a deposit invoice will be sent. Once this has been paid, your date will be confirmed in our schedule. The deposit is non-refundable. Remaining balance will be required to be paid by 2 months before your event date. If the booking is made less than 2 months before your event, payment in full is required at the time of booking.
Do you send contracts?
Contractual obligations will be confirmed via email correspondence, with a summary of all booking details, costs, and requests laid out clearly and simply with the deposit invoice details. Receipt of the deposit is proof of mutually agreed contractual obligations.
Where are you based/where do you travel?
We are based in the West Midlands. Travel expenses are calculated by location based on milage and time. Bookings within a 2 hour radius of Birmingham will only be subject to milage expenses. Bookings 2+hrs away from Birmingham may incur a small travel time charge, all of which will be confirmed in advance as part of the quote and is not subject to change.
Will you cater for my religious practises?
We are a secular ensemble happy to accommodate any religious or cultural requests you might have. We are able to learn particular music or perform during rites as a group or solo violin. If you have dress code concerns we can try our best to accommodate these also. All details would be thoroughly discussed and planned in advance so everyone is clear about what is required.
Special requests
What do you mean by ‘special requests’?
Most events are enhanced by personal music touches. It is very usual for weddings to have specially requested music for walking down the aisle, register signing and exit. For funerals it is very usual to have bespoke requests throughout the ceremony. Often people like to request a special tune before speeches or cake cutting at a birthday party (playing happy birthday is of course free). Other requests might be for a certain tune to be played for a special guest (for example father of the bride), during an entrance or after speeches. We will create instrumental arrangements of your requested tunes to play at these agreed times.
Is there anything you won’t play?
We are certainly very happy to try arranging any style of music to our instrumentation. We have eclectic tastes and are familiar playing a lot of different styles, however please bear in mind some arrangements will need to sound very different to work for our instrumentation (rap and metal for example). Don’t be shy to ask though; we can discuss your preferences and if needs be, find more suitable alternatives in advance. We won’t be able to provide recordings in advance unfortunately.
Can you play with other people at my event?
Occasionally we have requests for special guests to join us and we are happy to accommodate this when agreed in advance. Often this is a friend or family member wanting to sing or play a dedication. If arrangements and music are provided, we can do this at no extra cost, however if this needs arranging by us, it will be subject to a £20 surcharge.
Do special requests cost extra?
We can guarantee 3 free special requests for every event – piece of your own choice that we will arrange for us to play instrumentally. Whilst songs are welcome, please note we do not provide a singer; all songs will be played instrumentally. If you require more guaranteed requests, they will incur a £20 cost each to ensure we have been able to arrange the music in advance.
You are however, very welcome to give general suggestions of styles, artists and tunes that you like as a reference to guide our general repertoire for free.
Can I make unusual requests?
Please do! Want a solo fiddle to follow you don’t the aisle? Or us to jump out of a giant cake? Dress up in a costume? Record music with your videographer for later use? We’re happy to have a go! All requests are to be discussed and agreed in advance to check feasibility. Depending on the request, extra charges may be incurred but all details will be confirmed in advance.
Technical information
Do you play acoustic or with PA?
We play semi-acoustically as standard – acoustic violin and bass, with electric keyboard that requires a small amp. If a piano is available at the venue, we are happy to use that. This is usually just right for intimate settings such as ceremonies, but to fill more space in receptions or outside, we will amplify with small personal amps. For large events such as ceilidhs or filling in marquees, we can provide PA at an extra cost or plug into existing systems for free.
How much space do you need?
We require around a 3m squared to play in and require access to 1 plug socket.
Can you provide lighting?
We can proved some coloured stage LEDs to be floor or stand mounted for a small surcharge.
Can you provide a bigger band?
For Ceilidhs or evening receptions you may want a punchier sound with drums, guitar, more tune players and a caller. We can provide this in accordance with your needs.
Can you provide PA for my event?
We can provide a QSC K12 system with monitor and desk. If you would like to retain the PA for use throughout your event this may also be possible. All PA hire will be subject to a prearranged surcharge.
Do you play outside?
Yes we can play outside, but we do require cover if there is extreme sun or any rain. We will require access to a power socket but can bring our own extra long extension. Unfortunately we cannot play uncovered if there is any rain, so arranging a backup location is always wise.
Can you play backing tracks or recordings?
If you have a particular track you would like us to play along to we’re happy to do that as long as tracks have been sent to us in advance.
How much time do you need to set up/pack down?
In our simple semi-acoustic form, we require 30 mins set up time and 15 mins pack down. For installing larger PA and sound checking, we require a minimum of 1 hour to install and 30 mins pack down.
“The Curlews created such a beautiful atmosphere for our drinks reception. Highly recommended!”
The Curlews 