It’s easy to book me: contact me with your initial requirements (date, venue), I will check my availability and get back to you. If I am available then its time to discuss any details, fill in the booking form and provide a 25% deposit to confirm (this is subject to my cancellation terms and conditions - see below). Both booking form and deposit transfer can be done online or via the post as suits you. I use Giggio, an online booking service for musicians and entertainers and I can accept card payments through this. The final balance is due a week before your event. Music consultations for ceremonies can be arranged once I've received your booking confirmation.
My terms and conditions for booking and deposit are in the FAQs below in a summarised form, or you can view them in full here: Terms and Conditions in full
If I am unavailable for your date then I have good colleagues I can recommend.
I am happy to discuss your requirements in advance and provide a no-obligation quote free of charge.
How do I book you?
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1, What are your fees?
My fees start from £230, for a ceremony or reception within 20 mins drive of Oxford. Feel free to ask for a quote, I am happy to discuss your event before any commitments are made.
2, Where do you play?
I frequently play for weddings and events throughout Oxfordshire and surrounding counties. Sometimes I travel further afield, normally up to two hours drive away. This includes Bristol, Birmingham, Leamington, Warwick, Reading, St Albans, and Bath. I am happy to travel further afield for your event.
3, How long do you play for?
I am happy to play for up to 1 hr. 30 minutes in one sitting, beyond that I need to take a break every hour for about 10 minutes. The most I play in a day is up to 5 hours: ceremony, reception and banquet.
4, How do your travel fees work?
I drive and use the standard mileage allowance of 45p per mile to calculate my round trip cost. This is included in the quote I give you and is comparable to most train fares.
5, Do you take requests?
I definitely take requests! One request per client per event is included, beyond that is a matter of negotiation. An mp3 or online video is very helpful for requests. If the pieces are particularly chromatic or jazzy then they may not work well on the lever harp, however, the majority of requests are fine, including some unexpected pieces.
6, What are your terms and conditions?
My summarised full terms and conditions are as follows:
Please note there is a non-refundable deposit of 25% and cancellation fees apply (25% if less than four weeks, 50% within a week and 100% if less than 48 hours). If for any reason I am unable to play for you I will find you a suitable replacement for the same fee, or refund in full your booking fee.
If you need to make any changes to this agreement please confirm them in writing.
If I am unable to accommodate your request then this counts as a cancellation and is treated accordingly. I will always try my best to assist you if something needs to change.
7, What happens if you can't play at our wedding?
If I can no longer play at your wedding then I will do my best to find you a suitable replacement harpist. I have good colleagues that I trust to do a great job. If I am unable to find a suitable replacement, then your deposit will be refunded in full.
8, Do you have public liability insurance?
I am a member of the MU and am covered by their public liability insurance. I can send you the document on request.
9, Is your equipment PAT tested?
As of Jan 2018, I am PAT testing all my equipment for events. If this is required for your venue please let me know.
10. Do you need us to arrange anything for you for the day?
I bring a piano and battery-powered amp so don't need you to supply anything except solid level ground. If I am playing for a ceremony, it is really helpful to be at the front and able to clearly see the registrar and bride and groom for timings. A cup of tea is really appreciated but not expected!
11, How long do you need to set up?
Arriving at the venue for the first time, I need about an hour to set up, provided I can park relatively closely (within sixty secs). If the parking space is further away then I may need to allow one hour fifteen minutes and a secure space inside the venue in order to leave my instrument.
12, What happens if you move rooms inside the same venue?
If moving between rooms (including a garden) in the same venue, I may need up to 15 mins to move and reset. Dependant on the distance, I may need someone to assist me. If you are unsure please discuss this with me in advance.
13, Can you play outside?
I am really happy to play outside if weather permits and I have appropriate shelter. The final decision on this rests with me. If this is something you are interested in then please discuss this with me in advance.