Frequently Asked Questions (Precious Mettles):

• How long is a typical gig?
• How long does it take for the band to set up?
• Does the band play music from a CD during their breaks?
• Can the band play music that isn't on the playlists?
• Can I ask for a special piece to be played?
• What refreshments do I need to provide to band members on the gig?
• What are the booking procedures and do I have to pay a deposit?
• Does the band play music for dancing?
• Can the band play out of doors?
• What are the bands power requirements?
• Can the band move from one room to another during the gig?
• What space is needed for the band to set-up in?
• Can I specify exactly which pieces of music I want to be played and the order in which they are played?
• Is the band available as a smaller unit?
• Is the band available as a larger band?

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Precious Mettles offer Two and Three-hour bookings only.

Refreshment breaks of about 10 to 15 minutes per hour booked are included in performance times. Time taken to set up and break down does not count as performance time. Sometimes an extended break of up to 30 minutes can be offered at no extra charge (for speeches etc.) but advance warning MUST be given.
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45 minutes = comfortable
30 minutes = rushed
Moving to another location within the venue takes up to 20 minutes
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Yes, on special request only (advance notice of this must be given)
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Yes and No! If you want a special piece of music to be played that isn't on the playlist then every effort will be made to accomodate this. You must give at least four weeks prior notice and the band reserve the right to charge for this service if the piece requested is not one that the band would normally consider playing at other gigs. top

Yes! If the piece of music is on the playlist then the band can usually perform this as a special request. However, two weeks notice must be given so that the piece requested can be found the the archive of music.
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Food and drink must be provided free of charge to every band member on the gig. Details of this are to be found on the band's GIG RIDER, which accompanies every contract.
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Once you inform us that you want to book the band we send you two contracts for the gig.

Read, check and sign both contracts and send then to us with the deposit.

The deposit varies but typically, will be less than £150.

Once the contract and eposit have been received you will be sent an invoice/reciept showing how much deposit you have paid and when the balance needs to be paid (typically two weeks earlier than the gig).

Once the contract has been signed the booking cannot be cancelled without penalty because we may have had to turn away other bookings on the same day. Full details of terms and conditions are on the contracts that are issued.
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Yes and no; only historical dances - NOT modern dancing.
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Yes, but protection from sun, wind and rain must be provided. Precious Mettles cannot set up on wet grass or on a slope!
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Indoors: minimum of one 13A domestic electricity socket. Power consumption is less than 3Kw
Out-of-doors: power should be available but the band can fuction without this.
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Yes! Please allow up to 20 minutes for this!
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Tell us what space is available and we will tell you if the band will fit! 3x3M is usually plenty. Please do not build a rostrum for the band without consultation.
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No, it can take several hours to re-organise the playing order of the programme!
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Quartet ONLY, sorry!
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Yes, keyboard or drums can be added at extra cost
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