Social clubs and pubs have been the backbone of live entertainment in Yorkshire and the North for generations. Working men's clubs, sports clubs, British Legion branches and community pubs still put on entertainment every weekend, and a good act can make the difference between a quiet night and a packed room.
We've been booking acts for clubs since 1984. Here's our advice for committees and managers.
Know your members
Every club has its own crowd. Before booking, think about:
- Age profile: what music do your regulars enjoy?
- Night of the week: Saturday crowds often differ from Sunday afternoon audiences.
- What has worked before: which acts filled the room, and which didn't?
Types of act that work in clubs
Vocal entertainers
The mainstay of the club circuit. A good vocal entertainer combines a strong voice with patter, humour and audience interaction. Acts like Simon Young, Kim B and Nikki Rogers work clubs regularly.
Guitar and keyboard vocalists
Performers who play live alongside their singing add musicianship. Ian Howarth and Davey Champion are guitar vocal entertainers; Craig Michaels is a keyboard vocal entertainer.
Comedians and vocal comedians
A comedy night is a great change of pace. Vocal comedians like Ricky K and John Gillan combine songs with comedy.
Tribute nights
Tributes give you a clear headline to promote. ABBA, Elvis, Tom Jones, Queen and Motown are reliable club favourites.
Duos and bands
For bigger nights, a duo or band brings more energy. Check your stage size first.
Building a programme
- Mix it up: alternate vocalists, comedians, tributes and duos.
- Plan special nights: bank holidays, Christmas, New Year and club anniversaries deserve bigger acts.
- Avoid repetition: don't book similar acts on consecutive weeks.
- Rebook successes: acts your members love deserve a regular slot.
Practical considerations
- Stage and PA: tell us about your stage size and whether you have a house PA.
- Times: most club acts perform two spots. Agree timings, including any bingo or raffle in between.
- Parking and load-in: acts appreciate parking close to the stage door.
- Changing room: especially for tributes.
Promoting your nights
- Post the monthly programme on noticeboards and social media
- Use the acts' photos and videos
- Highlight tribute nights and special events
- Ask regulars to bring friends
Working with an agency
An agency gives you access to a wide range of acts, a single point of contact and cover when an act cancels. Our emergency letdown service runs 365 days a year.
Ticketed nights vs free entertainment
Many clubs offer free entertainment for members on regular weekend nights and run occasional ticketed events with a bigger act. Both have a place. Regular free nights keep members coming in and spending behind the bar; ticketed events bring in new faces and help fund the programme. Tribute nights, big-name comedians and seasonal shows are the most common ticketed events, because they're easy to promote and give people a reason to buy in advance.
Getting the timings right
Club nights often follow a familiar pattern: doors, a first spot, bingo or a raffle, a second spot, then last orders. Agree this with the act before the night. If you run a longer bingo session, let the act know, as it affects when they can leave. If your club has a curfew or a strict finish time because of neighbours, make that clear too.
Looking after your acts
Acts talk to each other, and clubs with a reputation for treating performers well find it easier to book the best ones. Simple things make a difference:
- A reserved parking space near the stage door
- A clean, private changing room
- A drink on arrival
- A clear contact person on the night
- Paying promptly as agreed
Noise and neighbours
Many clubs sit in residential areas, and complaints about noise can cause problems with licensing. Agree sensible volume levels with your acts, keep doors and windows closed during performances, and make sure the finish time is respected.
Reviewing your programme
Every few months, look back at your entertainment nights. Which ones drew the biggest crowds and the best bar takings? Which acts had members asking when they'd be back? Use that to shape the next programme. We're always happy to talk through what has worked for other clubs and suggest acts you might not have tried.
Special events through the year
- New Year's Eve: book early and choose a strong headline act.
- Christmas: festive shows and family events.
- Bank holidays: a chance for a bigger act or an afternoon show.
- Club anniversaries: celebrate with a well-known act members will talk about.
- Charity nights: comedians and tributes can help raise funds.
Quick answers
How far ahead should a club book its acts?
Many clubs plan three to six months ahead, and further for Christmas and New Year. Popular acts fill their Saturday diaries early.
What if an act cancels on the day?
Call us. Our emergency letdown service runs 365 days a year and we'll work to find a replacement, often the same day.
Can you supply acts to clubs outside Yorkshire?
Yes. Our acts are based nationwide, so we supply clubs across Yorkshire, the North and the rest of the UK.
Are there any hidden booking fees?
No Hidden Booking Fees. The price we quote is the price you pay. No additional agency booking fees or unexpected charges. We usually ask for a deposit to secure the date, and everything is confirmed in writing before your event.
Can I check if an act is free before I enquire?
Yes. Most act profiles have a live date checker, and Check your date shows who is available across our roster. Diaries change quickly in busy periods, so we always confirm availability when you enquire.
Ready to book?
Visit our pubs and clubs entertainment page or contact us to talk about your programme.
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.
