An awards night has a fixed structure: arrival, dinner, presentations and a party. The entertainment needs to fit around that structure, not fight it. Here is how to plan each part.
Arrival and drinks
The first half-hour sets the mood. Options include:
- Background music from a vocalist, pianist or acoustic duo
- Walkabout entertainment such as close-up magic
- Surprise acts like singing waiters, who pose as staff before bursting into song
Dinner
Keep dinner music gentle. If you want something more, a comedian or speaker between main and dessert works well while guests are seated.
The host
A professional host or compère keeps the presentations moving and fills gaps while trophies are passed around. They read the room, keep energy up and stick to time. Mike Carlton is a personality vocal entertainer and compère, and Jack Ryan is a comedian and after-dinner speaker.
After-dinner comedy
A comedian after the awards gives everyone a release after the formal part. Brief them about the company, the audience and anything off limits. Clean material is usually the right choice for a work audience. Household names such as Billy Pearce can headline a larger gala.
The party
When the formal part ends, the room needs a lift. A function band such as Fresh Grooves or a party vocalist gets people dancing quickly.
A sample running order
- Arrival and drinks reception, with background music
- Seated, welcome from the host
- Starter and main course
- Awards, part one
- Dessert
- Awards, part two
- After-dinner comedian
- Band or party act
- Recorded music until carriages
Keeping to time
Awards nights almost always overrun. Build in buffer time, keep acceptance speeches short, and share the running order with the host, the act and the venue in advance. Agree what gets cut if you're running late.
Quick answers
Do we need a professional host?
Not always, but a professional keeps things moving and handles the unexpected. Many companies use a senior colleague for the awards and a professional for the rest.
Should the comedian go before or after the awards?
Usually after, as a release once the formal part is done.
Can you supply several acts for one night?
Yes. We can put together the host, the comedian and the band, with one point of contact.
Plan your event
See awards night entertainment or ask for a quote.
Ready to find your act?
Flair Entertainments has been booking entertainers for clients across the UK since 1984. Send us your date, venue and the kind of night you want and we’ll come back with acts that suit.
