“Free for organisers” models (fees passed to buyers) Examples that Entertainers Worldwide show and suggest to their members that would like to organise and ticket their own events and gigs

The big, familiar one - Eventbrite

Eventbrite is free to set up and publish events, and there are no fees for free events. If you sell tickets, a service fee is added to each ticket unless you choose to cover it yourself.

It’s popular because it combines ticketing, marketing tools, analytics, and discovery in one place, making it easy to reach audiences quickly.

Ticket Sellers

See this event set up to help guide people though the entertainment booking process

Squad Up

Newly tested Squady seemed the perfect plaxe to run a test event for a sing-a-long

Simpletix in this example used to manage tickets for a wedding entertainment showcase

FreshTix

Dedicated company booking page

TryBooking

Creating events is free, and free events have no charges. For paid tickets, there’s typically a percentage fee plus a small per-ticket charge, which you can pass on to attendees so it costs you nothing.

Best for: simple pricing and UK-focused support.

Ticket Fairy

There are no setup or subscription fees, and ticket fees are usually added to the ticket price and paid by customers, meaning organisers receive the full ticket value.

It also includes built-in marketing tools and referral features to help sell more tickets.

Best for: festivals, nightlife, and events where marketing matters.

Humanitix

Humanitix positions itself as a lower-fee alternative where profits from booking fees go to charity. It offers free access to features and charges only low attendee fees.

Best for: ethical branding, charities, and community events.

Low-cost / “almost free” alternatives

These aren’t fully free for paid tickets but are cheaper than many big platforms:

TicketSource

Often praised as a professional yet cost-effective box office system, with free options for certain booking types and simple event management tools.

Ticket Tailor

Flexible pricing with small per-ticket fees instead of percentage-based charges, plus custom branding and check-in tools.

Best for: organisers who want control and lower fees.

Entertainers Worldwide features a wide selection of talented magicians, perfect for adding some intrigue and fun to any event. Here are three specialist close up magicians who stand out for their skill and engaging style.

Jonathan Paul is a highly regarded magician from the North East who brings charm, humour, and sophistication to his performances. Moving effortlessly through a room, he delights guests with his sleight of hand and interactive tricks, making every occasion memorable.

Owen Strickland, a long-time member of The Magic Circle, is known for his playful and suspenseful approach to close-up magic. Using everyday objects such as cards, cash, and borrowed items, he creates unforgettable moments that captivate wedding and party guests across the West Midlands.

Red Hat Magic, led by Danny, brings a warm and welcoming style to any event. Danny is a close up magician based in Guildford and he performs in English, French, and German, using imaginative props from fire to chocolate to create laughter-filled, interactive experiences tailored to each celebration.

Entertainers Worldwide has hundreds of magicians and illusionists available to book directly. Use the site’s simple search tools to find a performer near you and make your next event truly magical.

A cover band is a live music group that performs songs originally recorded by other artists. Rather than focusing on original material, cover bands specialise in recreating popular hits across decades and genres - anything from 1960s rock classics to today’s chart-topping pop anthems. Their goal is to deliver familiar, crowd-pleasing music that keeps audiences engaged and entertained.

Many cover bands have a distinctive twist - some focus on specific eras (like ‘80s hits or Motown favourites), while others mix styles or perform themed sets, such as film soundtracks or festival anthems. A good cover band doesn’t just replicate songs - they bring them to life with personality, musicianship, and performance flair.

Why book a cover band?

Booking a cover band is one of the smartest ways to guarantee a great atmosphere at your event. Because they play songs everyone knows and loves, cover bands instantly connect with audiences of all ages. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate event, birthday, or festival, their familiar setlists encourage singing along, dancing, and participation.

Cover bands also offer versatility and professionalism. They can tailor their repertoire to suit your event’s theme, adjust their set length, and provide all their own equipment and sound systems. Many are seasoned performers who know how to “read the room” and keep the energy flowing all night long.

In short, if you want live music that unites your guests and creates a memorable, feel-good atmosphere, a cover band is the perfect choice.