Themed Events

For Weddings and Parties

Ever since the choice of wedding venue was expanded from just church or registry office to include castles, stately homes and other places – even fields, clients have been able to express their personalities by adopting a theme for their big day. This has now spread to birthday and anniversary parties as well, and some highly enjoyable and very memorable events have resulted.

All of the experts at Barn Dance to Banquet have worked together over the years, combining their different skills together to create a total, seamless package.

Below are some examples of past themes for weddings and parties, often inspired by the venue – medieval minstrels and strolling players (Chaucer or Shakespeare) fit very well into events at castles - but please feel free to create your own day.

Medieval Banquet

With jugging, fire eating, stilt-walking, minstrels, falconry, magic, strolling players, courtly games and dancing. A Master of Revels can act as your Master of Ceremonies, aided (or not!) by ‘Sod the Jester'! Medieval banners as well as solid silver tankards and goblets can be provided, as well as a medieval sword to cut the cake.

English Country House Party

With the Lord of the Manor on hand, together with his butler and staff to entertain with songs, music and magic - even a ‘Jeeves and Wooster' or Agatha Christie style play, with all the guests gathered in the library at the end to name the culprit.

'Goth'

Enormous fun! The band and caller dress up to suit the theme, looking like a cross between the Adams and Munster families.

Pagan or Wicca

Traditional songs and tunes performed, with instruments such as harp, hurdy gurdy and early pipes – we can write tunes to fit your words, or create a song for you based on your ideas. Ancient circle and other dances in the evening.

Maritime

Shanties, a hornpipe display, even a play with smuggling and nautical naughtiness.

Rustic

Musicians with traditional and period instruments, playing on an old wagon – it felt like a scene from Thomas Hardy.

Scottish

Twenty piece Highland pipes and drums band, display of Scottish sword dancing and a ceilidh in the evening – even a claymore supplied to cut your cake!

Plus Other Special Themes

Other requested themes have included 'Harvest Supper', as well as those with influences based on historical periods (Viking, French Musketeer, Roman Orgy), different countries (Anglo/American, Anglo/Dutch, Anglo/French, Anglo/German, Anglo/Irish, Anglo/Scottish, Six Nations and Worldwide) and films (Star Wars, The Dark Crystal).

What would you like? Just call or email to discuss the options open to you!