Explore our curated selection of classic ensembles, available for private events - dinner parties, weddings, corporate functions. Our roster includes string duos, trios, and quartets, brass ensembles & choirs. We only work with high-class professional musicians.Read more
Browse Ensembles
Brass ensembles
String ensembles
Choirs
Carolers
5.0(4 reviews)
• 7 bookings
"Big Smoke Brass" 6-Piece Modern Pop Brass Band
from £1,943 / event
4.94(17 reviews)
• 35 bookings
'Rio Brass' Mixes Brazilian Grooves with Pop Music
from £1,300 / event
5.0(8 reviews)
• 3 bookings
Professional Brass Ensemble "Chapel Brass"
from £1,000 / event
4.88(8 reviews)
• 12 bookings
Inspired by the Streets of New Orleans, King Brasstards Make the Party
from £2,200 / event
5.0(6 reviews)
"Brass Bad Boys" Party Band
from £1,800 / event
View all brass ensembles
Best Ensembles in the UK
Elevate your event with the perfect soundtrack from the UK’s finest ensembles for hire. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate gala, or an intimate private party, we have 73 exceptional ensembles available across the nation. From elegant string quartets and vibrant jazz trios to powerful brass bands and classical duos, you’ll find a stunning variety of musical talent ready to set the mood and create an unforgettable atmosphere, whatever your event requires.
Every ensemble featured on Poptop has been carefully vetted by our expert team, ensuring top-tier musical talent, outstanding professionalism, and a proven track record of dazzling performances.
The average hire price for an ensemble is £1032 per event, with costs varying based on the ensemble size, the duration of their performance, and any specific musical requests you might have.
Across the UK, our incredible ensembles have graced 240 events, earning 64 verified reviews from delighted clients, who have collectively given them an impressive average rating of 4.95* out of 5*.
5.0(4 reviews)
• 23 bookings
Elegant & Versatile String Ensemble 'The Lady Godivas'
Elegant, contemporary female string quartet providing stunning music to make your day truly unique and beautiful!
from £950 / event
5.0(8 reviews)
• 11 bookings
Enchanting Gospel Trio to Elevate Your Special Day
We are passionate about delivering exceptional performances that will elevate your special day to unparalleled heights.
from £675 / event
Why event planners love Poptop
Reviews for Best Ensembles in the UK
Read verified reviews from real clients, who booked with Poptop in the UK
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Shonee Thomas11 Jun 2025
I hired Liz as a surprise for my sisters 40th garden party. Wow, she was amazing. Everyone was up dancing, Liz had amazing energy and my sister was so happy. Hope to see you again, brilliant saxophonist ❤️ great day had by all x
K
Karen Hall6 Oct 2024
Andy attended our sons wedding on 4/10/24 , he was great , got everyone going and joining in , great surprise for everyone , even the bride n groom ,I recommend him 100%, thanks for a great afternoon 😊
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Lauren Anderson28 Jun 2024
Michael was amazing for our wedding- We hired him to play for guest arrival and during our post ceremony drinks. We had requested 2 new songs, which he learnt and played excellently!
It was the best vibe to take us from first drinks into party partyyyy with a great selection ranging from Jazz to Ibiza classics
He mingled in and out of guests and created such a lovely atmosphere.
My only regret is that I had to leave to have photos and didn't get to stay and enjoy every single song!!!
Thanks Michael! Lauren & Jordan
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Adam Thomas7 Jun 2024
Very easy to find the right person for you special day! Pippa's communication and professionalism was perfect and I wouldn't of found her if it wasn't for Poptop!
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Katie25 Sep 2023
I booked Dahlia group for a corporate dinner and they were fab! All the guests commented on how beautiful it was to have a live string quartet. They played such a great range of songs so brilliantly. Heather was super responsive and helpful and the guys onsite were really friendly and laid back.
Definitely recommend *****
S
Sonia Black31 Jul 2022
Rich was amazing. He was the first of a few surprises I had arranged for our guests and as a surprise for my new husband. He had everyone up dancing, singing and clapping to the music. Everyone said he was brilliant and that they had never seen anything like his act before. Great voice, and a true entertainer. A great person to deal with.....well worth the money
Sonia & Ken Verlander 23/07/22 wedding at Speech House Hotel, Coleford
We delivered next level parties for exceptional companies
We also did more than 40,000 birthday parties. Probably, including your neighbour’s recent big bash.
If you are searching for an ensemble in the UK that sounds fantastic, looks polished and keeps planning simple, you are exactly where you need to be. From barns in the Dales to manor houses in the Home Counties, live musicians give your celebration a heartbeat. Choose the right lineup and your rural wedding feels cinematic, your milestone birthday becomes a story people retell, your corporate retreat flows, your village fête gets a lift, and your Christmas market feels like a scene from a film. In this guide we share the lineups that work, how to match them to spaces, what you should expect to pay, and the quickest way to book with complete confidence.
Poptop is not just a party planning marketplace. It is the most reliable and straightforward way to organise an unforgettable event, with peace of mind and support from first chat to last note.
What counts as an ensemble
When we say ensemble, we mean a small, professional group with a clear sound and a modest footprint. They set quickly, adapt to different moments across a day, and bring style without swallowing the floor plan. The most requested lineups across the UK include:
String Duo, String Trio or String Quartet for elegant ceremonies and refined dining
Classical Quintet for extra depth when you want the room to feel grand
Roaming Acoustic Ensemble that moves through the crowd taking requests
Brass or Wind Ensemble for punchy arrivals, fanfares and short parades
Jazz Trio or Jazz Quartet for receptions and dinners where conversation matters
Ceilidh Band for lively reels and guided group dancing in the evening
Most of these can perform acoustic in small to medium rooms or bring a compact PA for clarity in busier spaces. Repertoires travel easily between classical, pop, folk and film themes, which is why ensembles suit mixed age guest lists and multi part schedules.
Spaces across the UK and how to match the music
The right ensemble respects the building, the neighbours and the photos. Here is how we approach popular UK settings.
Barns
Barns love acoustic texture and warm melodies. Strings are perfect for aisle moments and family photos, then a Roaming Acoustic Ensemble carries the energy into the courtyard without a heavy tech footprint. If you want a late lift, a Ceilidh Band fills the floor in minutes. We plan shade for instruments, neat cable runs and a quick indoor pivot if clouds gather.
Marquees and tipis
Marquees behave like bright, lively rooms. A String Trio or String and Piano Duo gives you a clean anchor for dining. For room resets and reveals, a short Brass or Wind Ensemble burst gathers attention instantly. Roaming Acoustic is the best tool when you need movement without a stage build, especially across lawns and decking.
5.0(8 reviews)
• 11 bookings
Epic 4-Piece Choir Covering Different Genres
We pride ourselves on flexibility, professionalism and a wide range of knowledge in almost every genre. We can sing pop, rock, gospel, afro beats, musicals, jazz and many more.
from £850 / event
5.0(8 reviews)
• 16 bookings
Award-Winning String Quartet 'Dahlia Music'
We pride ourselves on excellence and professionalism of our players and can guarantee to make your musical experience a memorable one.
from £650 / event
5.0(21 reviews)
• 57 bookings
Incredible Electric & Acoustic String Duo "Azul"
We are a high energy duo performing from romantic wedding sets to Ibiza chill out, Afrobeats and Latin party anthems. Versatile and with unrivalled experience, we do shows like no other!
from £950 / event
5.0(2 reviews)
• 1 booking
UK's Most-Sought After String Quartet "Kara Strings"
Whether you’re walking down the aisle to Pachelbel’s Canon or entertaining your guests with Bridgerton-style arrangements, Kara String will make the entire occasion that bit more magical!
from £900 / event
5.0(4 reviews)
• 7 bookings
"Big Smoke Brass" 6-Piece Modern Pop Brass Band
Big Smoke Brass’ 6-Piece Band brings high-energy pop covers and an infectious brass sound to your event, creating an unforgettable experience that will have everyone singing and dancing!
from £1,943 / event
5.0(2 reviews)
• 1 booking
UK's Best Violin & Cello Duo by Kara Strings
We are the UK’s most sought-after string duo. Our conservatoire-trained musicians perform with top orchestras including LSO and RPO and bring an extensive repertoire to your event.
from £600 / event
5.0(11 reviews)
• 38 bookings
'The Choir' Create a Soulful Atmosphere
Start your event off perfectly with an instantly soulful atmosphere created by this four-piece choir!
from £795 / event
5.0(1 review)
• 7 bookings
Acoustic & Electric Violin Duo 'Colette Hazen'
The violin duo provides a unique addition to any event, with a beautiful sound and lively stage performance!
from £1,500 / event
5.0(20 reviews)
• 39 bookings
'Bowfiddle Strings' Duo
The dynamic and friendly duo performs a wide range of music that can be tailored to any event - seamless, easy and enjoyable right through from the planning to the performance itself.
from £495 / event
5.0(20 reviews)
• 39 bookings
'Bowfiddle Strings' Trio
The dynamic and friendly trio performs a wide range of music that can be tailored to any event - seamless, easy and enjoyable right through from the planning to the performance itself.
from £695 / event
5.0(20 reviews)
• 39 bookings
'Bowfiddle Strings' Perform a Wide Range of Music
The dynamic and friendly quartet performs a wide range of music that can be tailored to any event - seamless, easy, and enjoyable right through from the planning to the performance itself.
from £895 / event
5.0(20 reviews)
• 39 bookings
'Bowfiddle String' 8-Piece Ensemble
Dynamic and friendly ensemble performs a wide range of music which can be tailored to any event - seamless, easy and enjoyable right through from the planning to the performance itself.
from £1,840 / event
5.0(5 reviews)
• 6 bookings
Sensational Choir 'Sonare' with a Range of Classical & Pop Repertoire
A choral quartet who perform both a cappella and with accompaniment. We have a range of classical & pop repertoire, to bring the vision you have for your wedding or special event, to life.
from £910 / event
5.0(11 reviews)
• 38 bookings
"The Carollers" Quartet Sing Fun Festive Christmas Favourites
Start your event off perfectly with an instantly festive atmosphere with our singing to your guests as the arrive at your corporate event, dinner, party, festival or wedding.
from £750 / event
5.0(10 reviews)
• 28 bookings
Leonie Adams Exciting String Ensemble
A beautiful quartet creates a brilliant and classic and offers the perfect accompaniment to any special occasion!
from £650 / event
5.0(13 reviews)
• 28 bookings
'Soul Sanctuary' Perform Gospel, Soul, Jazz & Classical Pieces
We genuinely care about every single client, so please get in touch to discuss your needs and desires.
from £852 / event
Ensembles spotlight 🌟
"Griff Strings" Acoustic & Electric Quartet
5.0(14 reviews)
• 27 bookings
Griff Strings regularly performs at a range of weddings and events, playing specially curated set lists to suit any occasion, whether it be as background music, music for bespoke themed events or luxury weddings. They also provide strings for musical theatre tours and classical performances alongside keeping up with tunes at the top of the charts, so they have a large repertoire, guaranteeing that every guest will enjoy.
About supplier
Griff Strings provides strings for live performances around the UK, performing as a Solo, Duo, Trio, Quartet and larger String Sections for weddings, events, concerts, theatre and sessions. Past venues include Royal Concert Hall, Hull Arena, O2 indigo, RAK Studios and Abbey Road.
from £1150 / event
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Curated suppliers
All Poptop’s suppliers are rigorously vetted and approved by our team of party experts, ensuring you book the very best.
Manor houses reward elegance and restraint. Strings for the ceremony, then a Jazz Trio for the reception keeps the day premium without being stiff. If your plan moves between terrace, hall and dining room, we place compact setups in each space and coordinate smooth handovers so the soundtrack feels continuous.
Stately homes
High ceilings, stone, portraits and echoes. A Classical Quintet reads beautifully here and keeps sound cohesive in long rooms. For award walk ups or civic presentations, Brass can deliver short, repeatable cues that stitch the schedule together. We liaise with venue teams about floor protection, access routes and volume limits.
Rustic pubs
Pubs are social and tight on space. Roaming Acoustic is the natural fit for requests and singalongs at tables. If you want a set piece in a snug or beer garden, a compact Folk Trio gives you character without blocking the bar. We keep levels conversation friendly and agree a simple curve for the evening so neighbours stay happy.
Pick by occasion
You know your guests and your goals. Use this as a quick route to the right sound for the day you are planning.
Rural weddings
Ceremony: String Quartet for aisle, signatures and a bright recessional
Drinks on the lawn: String Trio or String and Piano Duo with crossover covers
Wedding breakfast: Jazz Trio that lifts between courses and softens for speeches
Evening: Ceilidh Band to pack the floor, then Roaming Acoustic for late table to table moments
This mix reads premium in the daytime and playful in the evening. We time cues to the minute so movement, photos and speeches feel seamless.
Dinner: Strings in the background at a gentle level
Surprise moment: Brass or Wind burst to gather the room for a toast or cake
Late segment: Acoustic favourites and singalongs that keep the chatter flowing
The trick is energy without shouting. Roaming formats are brilliant for this.
Corporate retreats
Morning coffee: Jazz Trio that calms nerves and starts conversations
Plenary: Short cues from Brass or Strings to mark starts and finishes
Lunch: Acoustic set that keeps momentum while people mingle
Evening: Roaming Acoustic around the firepit or bar for a relaxed close
Retreats live or die on pacing. Music should signal movement and keep time without becoming the headline.
Village fêtes
Gate welcome: Folk Trio to set a cheerful tone
Around the green: Roaming performers weaving between stalls and games
Prize giving: A tidy Brass motif to focus the field
Teatime: Strings or Folk at a lower level as the afternoon settles
Roaming acts are the quiet heroes of a fête. They pull attention where you want it and make the day feel curated rather than scattered.
Christmas markets
Opening hour: Brass or Wind Ensemble with seasonal favourites
Midday: Roaming Acoustic for stall to stall warmth
Dusk: Strings on carols and winter film themes that suit the lights
Close: One upbeat brass chorus to send people home smiling
We keep sets short, repeatable and neighbour friendly, with battery options where power is limited.
Theme packs that always work
A light theme ties your soundtrack together and makes the day feel intentional.
Ceremony classical and pop for drinks
Begin with classical for the aisle. Slide into recognisable pop on strings or piano for the reception. It feels elegant without ever drifting into background wallpaper. Ideal for barns, marquees and manor gardens.
Roaming acoustic
Guitar, light percussion and a melodic voice weaving through the crowd. This format covers resets, moves between rooms, and creates micro performances people will film and share. It is personable and practical at the same time.
Brass or wind ensemble
Nothing gathers a crowd faster. Use it for arrivals, short parades, award walk ups, countdowns or the moment you want everyone back in the room. It photographs brilliantly and needs little tech.
Ceilidh option
Guided dances, happy chaos, lots of laughter. A Ceilidh Band is the friendliest way to fill a floor when guests do not know each other. Add it as the first hour of evening entertainment, then let your DJ or party band take over.
What it costs across the UK
Most ensembles sit between £350 and £1,000, plus travel. The exact figure depends on lineup size, performance length, date and logistics. Patterns we see week after week:
String Duo for a ceremony only often sits near the lower end
String Trio for ceremony and drinks usually lands mid range
String Quartet covering ceremony and reception approaches the upper mid
Jazz Trio for two one hour sets is commonly mid range with a small allowance for gear
Brass or Wind Ensembles for arrivals and stings tend toward the upper end
Roaming Acoustic is efficient on setup and usually mid range
Ceilidh Bands vary with lineup size and caller, often mid to upper
On Poptop you see all inclusive prices upfront. Travel, setup, extra sets and any bespoke arrangements are itemised before you confirm. No waiting for quotes and no hidden extras.
Book an ensemble in minutes
We built the process for real timelines and busy lives.
Tell us your date, guest count and postcode. You will instantly see ensembles that match your brief with real availability.
Compare all inclusive prices and set details on the spot. No email tennis.
Chat with your chosen supplier to fine tune the plan, from a specific aisle track to a short brass cue for speeches.
Reserve securely. Your booking is protected, and we stay with you until the last chord fades.
Why Poptop is the confident choice
You are not just booking musicians. You are buying a smoother plan and a better night.
Enjoy a truly friendly attitude. You get more than a service. Our suppliers bring warmth and professionalism, connect with your guests and keep the room relaxed so everyone has a wonderful time.
Plan your party in minutes, not days. Your time matters. Instant, all inclusive pricing means decisions happen now, and quick replies keep planning hassle free.
Get an event that is uniquely yours. Your vision leads. Suppliers tailor sets to you, from dietary aware timings to playlists built around the songs you love.
Relax and plan without the anxiety. Clear communication and simple updates at every stage mean you always know what is happening and when. Calm plans make calm days.
Find what you need effortlessly. Enter a date, guest number and postcode to see matched options ready to book. No expert knowledge required.
Discover everything in one convenient place. Music, food, photography and more live in one marketplace, so you save time and avoid juggling tabs.
Host a party that will be remembered. We specialise in distinctive services that elevate your event and feel personal rather than predictable.
Book with confidence and complete security. Suppliers are carefully vetted, service is guaranteed, and if anything changes we help you find a suitable alternative. With a money back guarantee, your booking is safe.
Practical planning wins
A few small choices have a big impact on the day. These are our favourite fixes.
Share a simple running order early. Entrances, vows, speeches and awards land better when musicians can plot tidy cues.
Pick three anchor tracks. Give your ensemble a short must play list that shows your taste. They will build a coherent set around it.
Think about movement. If your plan spans lawn, marquee and hall, include one mobile element such as a roaming acoustic set or a short brass escort between spaces.
Match volume to the moment. Reception music sits at conversation level, then rises for reveals. We manage this curve so you do not have to.
Allow quick resets. Five minutes between sets keeps energy steady and gives your photographer breathing room.
Consider power and weather. Battery options avoid noisy generators. Shade and simple rain covers protect instruments and nerves.
Respect venue rules. Heritage sites and stately homes often have firm guidelines. We liaise with teams so you get the sound you want within the rules.
Plan your photo moments. A small riser, gentle lighting and tidy stands help images shine. Tell us your must capture shots and we will position players accordingly.
Provide access notes. Gates, gravel, stairs and long walks add time. Clear directions mean musicians arrive calm and ready.
Add one reveal. A brass sting before a toast, a guided ceilidh burst, or a surprise aisle reprise turns a timeline into a memory.
Sample running orders to borrow and adapt
Use these templates as a starting point and tweak to suit your timings.
Rural wedding
Guests arrive to a String Trio on light modern covers
Ceremony with String Quartet for aisle, a short interlude during signatures and a bright recessional
Drinks on the lawn with the trio returning at a gentle level
Wedding breakfast underscored by a Jazz Trio between courses
Evening lift with a Ceilidh Band to fill the floor, then Roaming Acoustic for table requests
Milestone birthday at a rustic pub
Arrival with Roaming Acoustic Ensemble moving between tables
Toast moment marked by a short Brass cue
Dinner with Strings at a conversational level
Late singalong with roaming players and a final chorus for the cake
Corporate retreat
Coffee and name badges with a Jazz Trio in the foyer
Plenary open and close marked by brief musical cues
Lunch with an Acoustic set that keeps chat flowing
Firepit session with roaming musicians taking low key requests
Village fête
Gate welcome with a Folk Trio
Strolling sets around stalls and games
Prize giving signalled by a tidy Brass motif
Teatime with Strings on film themes and favourites
Christmas market
Opening hour with Brass or Wind Ensemble
Midday roaming between huts for crowd warmth
Dusk Strings on carols and winter songs
Final upbeat brass chorus to close the day
Ready to book your ensemble in the UK
A well chosen ensemble turns a good plan into a great experience. You get the warmth of live music, the flexibility to suit any space, and a soundtrack that feels personal to you and your guests. With Poptop you also get instant pricing, clear communication and support that does not vanish once you pay. Share your date, guest count and postcode. We will show you the best ensembles available today, then help you reserve the lineup that fits your vision and your budget.
