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Destination Events: How to Fly a UK Band Abroad (Without the Nightmare)

WHEN YOU NEED
EVERYONE ON THE
Dance FLOOR!

Planning a destination wedding or international corporate event? Many clients worry that flying a UK band abroad is a logistical nightmare, but it doesn't have to be. From handling customs (Carnets) to working with local AV teams, here is how we bring the full SoniQ Empires experience to any location in the world—without the stress.

You’ve booked the perfect venue. Maybe it’s a chateau in France, a beach resort in Dubai, or a private villa in Italy. The location is sorted, but now you have a choice to make regarding the entertainment.

Do you trust a local band you’ve never seen live? Or do you fly in a professional team from the UK who you know can deliver the party?

Bringing a band abroad can feel like a logistical headache, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, for us, it’s just part of the job. Here is exactly how we handle international events so you don’t have to worry about the logistics.

1. We Don’t Freight the Heavy Stuff A common myth is that flying a band means paying for tonnes of cargo. It doesn’t.

We operate on a "hybrid" model. We fly with our "essentials"—our guitars, saxophones, in-ear monitor systems, and the specific technology that creates our sound.

We fly with our guitars, pedalboards, and control rigs checked in as specialized luggage. This keeps flight costs down while ensuring we still have our signature sound

For the heavy stuff (PA speakers, drum shells, lighting), we work directly with your local AV supplier or the venue. We send them a technical "Rider" weeks in advance. This is a document that tells them exactly what kit we need on-site. We speak their language (literally and technically) to ensure that when we arrive, the equipment is correct and ready to go.

2. The Paperwork & Visas Since Brexit, playing in Europe requires a bit more planning. Every country has different rules regarding work permits and equipment customs (Carnets).

We don’t just turn up at the airport and hope for the best. During the booking process, we explore the specific visa and permit requirements for your destination with you. We look at what is required for UK performers in that specific territory and help you navigate the compliance so there are no nasty surprises at border control.

3. Honest Travel Costs "How much does it cost to fly you out?" is the first question we get asked.

The honest answer is: It depends on the season, the airline, and the baggage allowance.

We don't inflate travel costs to make a profit. We simply quote for the performance, and then provide a transparent estimate for the travel expenses based on real-time flight prices. We know exactly how many flight cases we need to check in, so we can give you a realistic figure upfront.

The Bottom Line Hiring a band for a destination event isn't just about the music; it's about the reliability. You need to know the band will be at the airport on time, with the right gear, ready to perform.

That is the difference between a pub band and a professional show. We travel light, we plan ahead, and we bring the UK party atmosphere anywhere in the world.

SoniQ Empires high end corporate clients

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