The summer is barely over. But if you are the person in charge of the office Christmas party, you already know: now is exactly the right time to start.
Live Music Ideas to Make Your Christmas Party Unforgettable
Nobody sets out to plan a forgettable Christmas party. But forgettable is exactly what happens when the entertainment gets left too late, the dancefloor stays empty, and guests are heading for their coats before eleven o'clock.
The good news? It does not take much to avoid that outcome. It takes one good decision: the right live entertainment, booked early, from people who know how to run a room.
Here is everything you need to know to plan a Christmas party your colleagues will still be talking about in January.
Start Planning Now (Seriously)
If you are reading this in late summer or early autumn and thinking "it's too early," it is not. The best live bands, venues, and entertainment acts in Ireland book up fast for December. The corporate Christmas party season is competitive, and the most in-demand performers will be gone before you realise you needed them.
Get the date confirmed, get your venue shortlisted, and lock in your entertainment as early as possible. Everything else can follow.
Why Live Music Makes the Difference
There is a reason the best corporate parties always seem to have a live band at the centre of them. A great DJ can fill a room with sound. A great live band fills it with energy, and that is a different thing entirely.
The moment a band launches into a recognisable opening riff, something shifts in the room. People look up. They move. The dancefloor fills in a way that a playlist rarely achieves on its own. That energy is contagious, and it is what people remember when they look back at the night.
The Bentley Boys Band have been the live entertainment centrepiece at corporate Christmas parties across Ireland for over a decade, for clients including VHI, Coolmore Stud, the Royal College of Nursing, and MCI Group. The feedback, consistently, is the same: the dancefloor was packed all night and the band could read the room brilliantly.
"We have been booking bands for events now for over 10 years and to be honest this was the best experience we have had to date. The dance floor was full all night long and the band played a wide mix of songs to suit all tastes and ages."
VHI Christmas Party 2018
"This is the second year in a row that we have used The Bentley Boys as part of our night of celebrations, and once again, they have delivered. Over 700 people danced the night away."
Coolmore Stud Annual Party 2018
Flexible Lineups for Every Venue and Budget
One of the practical advantages of booking the Bentley Boys is the flexibility they offer. Not every Christmas party venue is the same size, and not every budget stretches to the same thing. With lineup options ranging from a three-piece all the way up to a 12-piece band with a full brass section, you can match the scale of the entertainment to the scale of the event.
A smaller, more intimate company dinner? A tight, high-energy four-piece that fills the room without overwhelming it. A large-scale end-of-year celebration with hundreds of guests? The full lineup, brass and all, creating the kind of atmosphere that justifies the effort of getting everyone there.
The Bentley Boys also provide a full follow-on DJ service, keeping the festive energy going after the live set finishes. One booking covers the whole night.
Add Something Extra
Once the main entertainment is sorted, some of the most memorable corporate parties add an extra element that gives guests something unexpected to talk about.
A few ideas worth considering:
- A jazz ensemble or string quartet for the drinks reception, creating atmosphere before the evening kicks off
- Singing waiters who reveal themselves mid-dinner service (always a crowd moment)
- A close-up magician circulating during the pre-dinner drinks
- A gospel choir for a high-energy finale or opening set
- A comedy act or MC to tie the evening together
The Bentley Boys can help with all of the above through their entertainment network. Rather than spending an afternoon on the phone to separate providers, one conversation can take care of the full evening.
"I had to book several acts for several events and Bentley Productions made this feel very straightforward. They were all outstanding, some of the best entertainment I have ever booked in my profession as an events organiser."
Royal College of Nursing Congress 2018
A Checklist for Party Planners
If you are starting from scratch, here is a simple order of operations to keep things on track:
- Confirm your date and approximate guest numbers before any other booking
- Shortlist venues that can accommodate your group and a live band setup
- Book your live entertainment first as the anchor booking everything else works around
- Add supporting acts or extras once the main entertainment is confirmed
- Confirm running order and logistics with the band a few weeks out
- Sit back and wait for everyone to thank you the next morning
The more lead time you give yourself, the more options stay open. December fills up faster than any other month in the Irish events calendar.
Book Early and Book with Confidence
The Bentley Boys Band have performed at corporate events of every size across Ireland, from intimate company dinners to celebrations with over 700 guests. Their repertoire covers everything from classic rock and soul to swing, funk, top 40, and festive favourites, and they adapt their set to suit the room and the crowd in front of them.
If you want your Christmas party to be the one people remember, get in touch today to check availability for your date. December books up fast, and the best spots go first.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start planning my corporate Christmas party?
As early as possible, ideally in late summer or early autumn. Top live bands and premium venues in Ireland fill their December calendars quickly. Booking 3 to 4 months in advance is strongly recommended.
Why is live music better than a DJ for a Christmas party?
A live band creates a contagious energy in the room that a DJ set rarely matches. The Bentley Boys Band have performed at hundreds of corporate events and consistently deliver packed dancefloors from the first set to the last song.
What size lineup does the Bentley Boys Band offer for corporate events?
They offer flexible options from a three-piece up to a full 12-piece band with brass section, making them suitable for intimate dinners and large-scale celebrations alike.
Does the Bentley Boys Band provide a DJ service as well?
Yes. A full follow-on DJ service is available as part of their corporate entertainment packages, keeping the energy going after the live set finishes.
Can the Bentley Boys help book other entertainment acts for our event?
Yes. Through their entertainment network, they can help arrange additional acts including jazz ensembles, singing waiters, close-up magicians, gospel choirs, and more, simplifying the planning process considerably.
What types of companies have the Bentley Boys performed for?
Their corporate client list includes VHI, Coolmore Stud, the Royal College of Nursing, and MCI Group, among many others. They are experienced performing for groups of all sizes across a wide range of industries.
How do I book the Bentley Boys for my Christmas party?
Visit bentleyboysband.ie/contact to check availability and send an enquiry. Given how quickly December dates fill up, the sooner you get in touch, the better.
