FAQS

Nick Pike Sax performs at birthdays, anniversaries, engagement parties, retirement celebrations, garden parties, house parties, festive events and private celebrations of all sizes.

Absolutely. Performing alongside a DJ is one of the most popular options and creates an exciting, interactive party atmosphere.

Yes. Nick Pike Sax supplies professional sound equipment (PA system) suitable for most private venues and can also connect to larger venue sound systems if required. He has different sizes available so please do discuss the size of your venue beforehand. If Nick is performing with a DJ of your choosing then he normally runs his microphones through their decks to glue the sound of the sax and DJ together.

Where possible, yes. Advance requests are especially welcome, and I'll always try to include your favourite party songs. If it is a special song to your or some of your guests then try to give Nick at least a week to learn it so that the performance is memorable!

Most bookings include two or three live sets, although longer performances and bespoke entertainment packages are available - chat to Nick about what will work best for your party.

Yes. I regularly perform at private parties across the UK and am happy to travel for your event though extra charges may be incurred depending on how far Nick has to travel. Destination parties are especially welcome but will incur extra costs, have a call with Nick to figure out how he can play saxophone for your guests abroad or anywhere in the UK.

Yes, subject to suitable weather protection and access to power - though Nick Pike does have two battery-powered speakers if necessary. Outdoor garden parties are particularly popular during the summer months but it is best to have the speakers in an area with flat surfaces to focus the sound.

I'll arrive in plenty of time to set up, usually an hour if for a reception gig or two hours if Nick Pike Sax is DJing. He will liaise with your venue or DJ and ensure everything is ready before guests arrive.

Nick Pike Sax normally wear his smart shoes and trousers with signature gold jacket and sunglasses but he is always keen to dress appropriately for the occasion, so please let him know if you require him to dress in black tie or some other attire.

Popular dates can book many months in advance, particularly Saturdays, bank holiday weekends and December weekends. Booking early is highly recommended but Nick often has gaps in his schedule so please enquire if you’re looking for saxophone for your party!

Nick Pike Sax regularly performs at conferences, awards ceremonies, networking events, company parties, product launches, gala dinners, exhibitions and corporate hospitality events (as well as plenty of weddings and parties)!

Yes. Live saxophone alongside a DJ is one of the most popular entertainment options for corporate celebrations and evening parties. If you wish it, Nick Pike Sax can also DJ himself.

Yes. Nick Pike Sax provides professional sound equipment suitable for most venues. Larger events can also integrate with your venue's AV system if required. If Nick Pike Sax is playing with a DJ of your choice then generally he’ll run through their decks to glue the sound together.

Yes. Nick Pike Sax has up-to-date Public Liability Insurance and uses PAT-tested equipment.

Absolutely. With sufficient notice, I can often perform requested songs for awards presentations, product launches or special moments as well as odd requests like fanfare-style music.

Most bookings include 2 or 3 sets of 45 minutes, although entertainment can be tailored to suit your event schedule. If Nick Pike Sax is booked to DJ as well then there is constant music from your event start to its end - please enquire for more details.

Yes. I regularly perform nationwide and am available for both local and destination corporate events. Travel costs do apply though but it is best to discuss details specific to your event.

Certainly. During networking sessions or dinners, performances are carefully balanced to complement conversation.

Nick Pike Sax normally wear his smart shoes and trousers with signature gold jacket and sunglasses but he is always keen to dress appropriately for the occasion, so please let him know if you require him to dress in black tie or some other attire.

Popular dates, especially Tuesdays in the summer, Thursdays and Fridays and general December events, often book many months ahead. Early enquiries are recommended to secure availability but Nick Pike Sax will often have gaps in his schedule right up until a week or so in advance.

Clients value a combination of musical excellence, charm and professional reliability. Every event receives careful planning, prompt communication and a performance tailored to the occasion. Whether entertaining clients, rewarding employees or launching a new product, Nick Pike Sax will add an unforgettable touch that enhances your event and reflects positively on your organisation.

Almost anything. Popular genres include house, Ibiza classics, dance anthems, chart hits, disco, funk, soul and wedding favourites.

Most performances are split into multiple live set pieces throughout the evening, typically totalling somewhere between 90 - 100 minutes. The art of good DJing is following what keeps the crowd on the dance floor and not every tune suits having sax on top of it so the amount of actual saxophone playing might vary a bit but the entertainment will be constant!

Yes. Most Sax & DJ Wedding packages include personalised music planning and selected special requests. Nick Pike Sax can also cater to requests on the night but if you want something quite specific then it is worth mentioning it in advance.

Yes. Nick Pike Sax will supply a PA system (speakers), lighting and microphones where required. Extra speakers and lights are available upon request if necessary.

Absolutely. Many couples choose live saxophone music for guest arrival, walking down the aisle, signing of the register and exit music. Nick is also an accomplished pianist so can offer to play you down the aisle with piano if you might wish.

Yes. The package can be scaled for intimate celebrations or large weddings with hundreds of guests.

Most setups require a modest area for DJ equipment and performance space, though requirements vary by venue - Nick Pike Sax’s gear is modular so he can easily fit a small stage as well as a larger one. For particularly large stages, some additional dressing and lighting would be recommended.

Yes, Nick does perform throughout the UK as well as performing internationally. For long-distance gigs, travel costs, hotel stays and per diems must be considered though.

Nick Pike Sax is an experienced wedding entertainer who understands that schedules can shift and will always work with your coordinator or master of ceremonies where possible.

Ideally 12 months or more in advance is ideal, especially for Saturdays during peak wedding season. That said, there are often vacancies so it’s always worth reaching out to see if Nick Pike Sax is free for your wedding, party or event.

Nick would generally recommend two sets of 45 minutes which would cost £425. This allows for enough time to get in back-to-back classics but not so much that it gets boring - you can have too much of a good thing! Nick provides his own sound equipment with different options depending on the size of the venue.

Of course, Nick is happy to hold an online video call to discuss the details or you can call or email - whatever makes you feel most comfortable about the booking!

He will travel a reasonable distance for no extra cost but that is subject to location, Nick generally services the areas of London, Essex, Surrey, Hampshire, Sussex, Kent and Berkshire. That said, If you'd be interested in Nick playing further afield then do get in touch!

Nick is very flexible and willing to accommodate any surprises that might raise their heads on the day! The only consideration might be if there is another gig booked that day but Nick will do his utmost to make sure everything runs smoothly for you.

Of course! People always ask for it so Nick plays music as standard in between sets. However, if you would like music after the saxophone set is finished for any significant amount of time then there will be an additional fee. Nick is happy to be flexible and is keen for your party to be as enjoyable as possible!

Nick need at least 30 minutes but Nick normally tries to be set up and ready to go before the guests enter the performance area. The time I would aim to arrive and begin set up really depends on the layout and set up of the day but, rest-assure, Nick will make sure that the music aspect has no stress for you attached to it!

Yes, within reason. Whilst every party and wedding is different, there are certain tunes that appeal to everyone - Nick is keen to give you as a bespoke service as possible but with an eye to making your event the best possible!

Yes, a full PA/speaker system is provided with a lighting rig as standard. Nick only need a power socket fairly close by, he will bring his own extension cables. Nick can also provide microphones for speeches for a small extra price if needed as well.

Of course! Sourcing backing tracks and working out arrangements does require time though so Nick would require warning to sort these out.

Nick's enthusiasm and energy coupled with a varied and interesting setlist, of course! It's worth mentioning that Nick's punctuality and professionalism helps to keep any stress surrounding the entertainment at your event to an absolute minimum!

Gosh, all over. The most memorable would be on the beach in Cancun (Mexico) for Club Med hotels, Last Night Of The Proms in Hyde Park 2019 (nuts amount of energy) and Nick always love playing at Cheltenham Jazz/Music festival! That said, high-energy gigs/weddings are always a joy to play!

Nick always find this difficult to answer truthfully because, like most musicians, there are so many influences from artists, specific songs, even specific solos and particularly inspiring teachers or bandmates. He'd probably settle on Gordon Goodwin and Eric Marienthal though!