Frequently Asked Questions

When our lead singer is unavailable, we have a selection of auditioned singers of a similar high standard, so you can be confident that all our players are of a very high level.

Our usual line up includes: lead vocals, sax, trumpet, guitar, keys, bass and drums. However, you can choose to add backing vocals, extra horns, and/or percussion, to boost our stage presence and excitement at larger events!

We always try our best to be flexible to help ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible, and as a rule only book one engagement on a calendar day. So, if timings change slightly in the run up to the event just let us know!

Before & Between Sets (FREE):
We provide up to 30 minutes of recorded music immediately before our first set and during our live breaks completely free of charge. You can use our device for an upbeat party mix, or plug in your own phone, tablet, or laptop to run a custom playlist. Our PA system supports almost all modern devices via Bluetooth, USB-C, Lightning, or a standard 3.5mm jack.

Early Arrivals/Overtime (Hourly Rate):
You can also hire our PA system outside of these standard times (e.g., for afternoon speeches or extra music after our final set) at a standard hourly rate to cover our time on-site. To guarantee availability, please book this in advance. Last-minute requests made on the day are subject to the band's discretion, charged at double the standard rate, and must be paid via cash or bank transfer before the music starts.

We typically need 1.5 hours to set up and soundcheck. For weddings, this usually takes place during the "room flip", while your guests are at the bar and the venue prepares the space for the evening party!

Once everything is set up, music can be played through the PA system for 30 minutes before our first set to help build the atmosphere.

Ahead of your event, we’ll send you a preference form. Simply mark "Love", "Hate", or "Neutral" next to the tracks in our extensive repertoire to help us shape your soundtrack.

Private & Casual Events:
We use a time-tested, standard setlist built on years of crowd-pleasing experience, but we're happy to accommodate up to 3 swaps based on your preferences. To keep your costs low, these events operate with minimal or no rehearsal time. Therefore, we can't guarantee every preference can be included.

Weddings:
To make your setlist completely unique to your special day, we'll do our absolute best to include all your favorite songs. While we can't guarantee every single selection makes the final cut, your choices are vital in helping us tailor the performance and keep the dance floor buzzing. Your wedding booking factors in dedicated rehearsal time, making it much easier for us to accommodate your personal preferences.

We love learning special songs for our clients when agreed upon in advance. For weddings, we include one complimentary song request as standard—typically for your first dance. Any additional song requests are charged at a flat fee per track to cover arrangement and rehearsal costs.

Our PA and lighting system is included in all quotes, unless explicitly mentioned otherwise. 

Please note: we'll need at least 5m (width) x 3m (depth) of space and access to at least 2 separate plug sockets.

The Thornes holds current and valid PLI and PAT test certificates and will share these with your venue upon request. Our Public Liability Insurance has indemnity up to £10,000,000, and our electrical equipment is PAT tested once per year.

Yes, but it depends on the strictness of the limit. Please inform us at the time of booking if your venue uses a sound limiter so we can ensure we can comply and protect our equipment.

Here is how we work with different venue restrictions:

No Problem (95 dB+):
Perfect for our standard setup. If the venue has a generous threshold and leaves the stage mains power uninterrupted, we require no adaptations.

Caution (90 dB–94 dB):
We can readily adapt to these spaces. If the venue enforces a strict limit, restricts amplification, or uses a mains power-cutoff system, we will adjust our gear by switching to electronic drums and minimal stage amplification.

Unsuitable (Below 90 dB):
We generally avoid performing at venues with limits below 90 dB or those with total bans on acoustic instruments. These low thresholds make a full live band unviable—in fact, a cheering crowd can easily trip the power, risking damage to our valuable equipment.