How Much Does It Cost to Book Live Talent?

Typical price bands

Musicians

• Solo acoustic / pianist — £200–£600
• Duo or trio — £400–£1,200
• 4–6 piece function band — £1,500–£4,000
• Original touring artist — £2,500–£25,000+
• Festival headliner — £30,000–£500,000+

DJs

• Wedding / private — £400–£1,500
• Brand event / club resident — £800–£3,500
• Festival / tour name — £5,000–£100,000+

Comedians

• Circuit pro — £400–£2,500
• After-dinner specialist — £2,000–£8,000
• TV-recognisable headliner — £5,000–£25,000+

Speakers

• Working specialist — £2,000–£10,000
• Author / senior operator — £10,000–£30,000
• Bestselling / celebrity — £40,000+

What's usually extra

• Travel: mileage, flights, ground transport
• Accommodation: 4-star is the standard expectation for touring acts
• Per diems / meals on long days
• Sound and lighting if the act doesn't bring their own
• Overtime — often charged in 30-minute increments
• VAT where applicable

"A £2,000 fee can land at £2,600 once you add travel, hotel, and a 30-minute encore. Always ask for an all-in number on the same brief."

Where the money goes

A working artist's fee covers more than the time on stage: rehearsals, travel days, gear depreciation, insurance, agent or marketplace fees, and tax. Underpaying isn't a bargain — it's why your booking gets dropped when something better comes in.