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About
On Hitched.co.uk since 2024
Last update: December 2025
Say hello to HARD TO HANDLE, one of the most insanely talented, energetic and professional live bands performing at wedding receptions today. With over 1000 weddings performed, you can rely on HARD TO HANDLE BAND to create an unforgettable nights' entertainment to keep your dance floor full. With a HUGE multi-genre playlist running to over 350 songs (and still growing), we play classic and contemporary anthems including rock, pop, indie bangers and lots more in a high energy festival style with sets curated to your own personal tastes. We'll learn and play your favourite songs (including your first dance) AND we provide a live DJ as standard with every Hitched booking free of charge!
Lots of reviews here: https://hardtohandleband.co.uk/reviews/
We're perfect for small to midsized wedding receptions and with our compact set up we are especially suited to venues where space is at a premium. HARD TO HANDLE are one of the go-to bands for national entertainment agencies but you can hire us via the wonderful folk at Hitched with none of those pesky additional charges. The full HARD TO HANDLE service includes:
- professional three piece live function band with a big sound
- 2 hours of killer live band music spread throughout the night
- live DJ performing sets to keep the dance floor full before, inbetween and after band sets (not a Spotify playlist!)
- top of the range sound system
- impressive stage and room lighting
- compact set up leaves plenty of room for your guests to dance
- choose music from our massive 350 song playlist or ask us to learn your favourite songs
- 100% live band music - no cheesy backing tracks
- contract for stress-free booking
- fully insured
- no fuel or accommodation charges
- no hidden agency fees
- non-stop music, all night!
"We've had the best day of our lives - HARD TO HANDLE have been incredible!" Ciara and Simon
So what are you waiting for? Watch our videos, find your favourite songs in our playlist, dance around your kitchen, get in touch! Complete the Hitched enquiry form or use the contact details below. We look forward to hearing from you.
www.hardtohandleband.co.uk
Tel: 0796 433 5657
E: info@hardtohandleband.co.uk
Frequently asked questions
What services do you offer?
Dance music
Entertainment
DJ
What is included in the wedding package?
2 hours of killer live indie, pop, rock and more + free live DJ! With infectious energy, tons of onstage personality, a 350 song live band playlist, sound system and lighting, it's the full package
How far in advance should I contact you?
You are welcome to contact us at any time, though it's probably best to get in touch once you've booked your venue to avoid disappointment. We often get booked up a years in advance
What style of music do you offer?
Disco
Rock
Latest hits
Pop
Folk
Type of musical group:
Band
Size of group:
Small (2 - 3 musicians)
Repertoire:
Over 350 songs including rock, pop, indie, soul, folk and more! Take a look at our regularly updated full playlist: https://hardtohandleband.co.uk/playlist/
Is it possible to request something that's not in the repertoire?
Yes! Just ask us, we'll be happy to oblige and play your special song. You'll be surprised at our versatility, and unlike some bands we don't change extra for learning new songs!
What's your experience?
"Substantial" would be an understatement! Performing at over 200 wedding receptions per year means we are insanely experienced and know how to work the room to keep the dance floor full all night
Do you have your own equipment?
Yes
Do you need specific materials or conditions to offer your service?
Yes, as a compact live band we can fit into smaller areas most bands can't. Access to power (and a dry surface for marquees), a little bit of food and soft drinks if possible and we're good to go
Can you travel?
Yes, england and Wales. We'll arrive in plenty of time on the day for a stress-free experience, and you won't have to pay extras like fuel or accommodation. Lovely!
Is there a charge for travelling?
No
Do you cover more than one wedding a day?
No
Do you work alone or do you have a team of professionals?
With a team
What is the length of time of the act?
2 hours of amazing sounding live band music with live DJ music before, inbetween & afterwards for non-stop music all night! 2 x 1 hour sets, 3 x 40 mins sets or other to suit you
How much time do you need to prepare for an act?
With our speedy set up we can provide DJ music approximately 30 minutes after clear access to the performance area. We then set our band equipment, perform a short soundcheck and we're ready to rock!
Do you do open-air acts?
Yes
Do you charge per hour or per event?
Per event
If needed, would you be able to work extra hours?
Yes
How do you charge extra time?
£150 per hour or part hour before 5pm or after midnight
What are the forms of payment?
Bank transfer
Served in
Derbyshire, Gloucestershire, Nottinghamshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire
Do you have any questions?
Reviews for Hard to Handle wedding band + DJ
Clarissa Sent on 12/02/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Brilliant live band, marquee on our farm in Wetherby!
Hard to Handle were the first band we found and the band we kept coming back to. Their website is great with lots of music and information to help us decide. From the first phone call we knew they were the band for us; one of the musicians runs the band so we didn't have to go through a booking agency. He was brilliant and suggested that we ask all of our guests to request a song for them to play. He helped us put together a list of songs and I don't think there was one request that they didn't play! Me and my hubby have very different tastes in music but nothing was too much trouble for this talented band. They also played our first dance and some Aussie songs for my family which was such a lovely touch. Their DJ was also really good and kept us all on the dance floor when the band weren't playing. Lots of our guests were asking us where we found such an amazing band! Honestly the best band we could ever have hoped to make our day extra special. Would recommend, 10/10!
Chloe Sent on 07/02/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Made everything really easy
Hard to Handle played at our wedding near Warwickshire in September and were absolutely faultless. The whole booking process was really easy and we loved all the music on their playlist so much that it was hard to whittle it down but they played all of our 32 song requests and their DJ added some nice Ibiza style surprises for us. Really helpful, lots of energy. Would book them again!
Eleanor Sent on 01/02/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Absolutely perfect!
Hard to handle band played at our wedding reception last month and they were absolutely brilliant. We organised our wedding from Italy and they couldn’t have been more helpful staying in contact and making sure that everything was perfect on the night. They learnt our favourite first dance song which sounded amazing and even played and sung a song in Italian for my hubby and his family, as well as their who DJ played some of Italian music. They went out of their way to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves and the dance floor was full. Lots of energy! Would definitely recommend. Un abbraccio Hard to Handle!
Erica Sent on 25/01/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Brilliant band and lovely DJ!
Me and My lovely husband had a winter wedding and loved having hard to handle as our band. Right from the off they were great, communication with the band from the first phone call was really good, the quote included everything including the DJ which was a real bonus as we had a few problems with the DJ our venue wanted us to have. Hard to handle stepped up and the band and dj were both absolutely amazing. Our niece who has special requirements was too shy to ask for a song request so the hard to handle DJ went up to her and asked if he could play a song especially for her. Apart from the band learning our first dance and them getting everyone dancing this was definitely our favourite part of the night! Hard to handle was so considerate and I would definitely recommend them.
Alex Sent on 18/01/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Wonderful band
Hard to handle played at our wedding last year and they were incredibly helpful with running up to the day. Just reading the other reviews I wanted to add that the quote we got from Hard to Handle was better than most of the other bands we enquired about. it was just one quote for the band and the the DJ instead of lots of different quotes for different packages from other bands. The music they played was absolutely brilliant and my dad cried when they playing our first dance, they were so good! The really made it a special night for everyone so thank you to them.
Paul Sent on 13/01/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Great live band for our small wedding!
We booked Hard to Handle and their DJ for our wedding last year at Lodore Falls and they made our evening perfect. Our friends were asking where we found you as you were so fantastic! Our wedding ran quite late but the band set up really quickly and the DJ started off to get us all on the dance floor. Everyone loved the music. We loved how you ran around getting everyone on the dance floor. Thank you so much for learning the special song for our niece. Everything was so wonderful!!!!
Hattie Sent on 01/01/2026
5 out of 5 rating
Shottle Hall wedding Derbyshire perfect with Hard to Handle
We hired the Hard to Handle band for our wedding at Shottle Hall and couldn't have asked for a more perfect night, from the very first contact they were super professional and very affordable (especially with the DJ included) compared to some of the quotes we got. Some of our friends are not dancers but hard to handle surprised us by getting everyone there dancing all night. Extra marks for making our first dance sounding so perfect, it was a quite unusual and we dind't expect them to be able to learn but their version sounded amazing! Please book Hard to Handle!!!
Happygreendecor3571 Sent on 17/12/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Outstanding!! Made Our Wedding
We had this live band for our wedding and they were absolutely fantastic. Communication was excellent from start to finish, and they were more than happy to go along with our slightly crazy idea of including bongo bingo! They truly brought the whole place to life – the dance floor was full all night, with amazing energy and a great vibe throughout. So many of our guests commented on how brilliant they were. We would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a band that can really make an event special
Rhys Sent on 10/01/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Unforgettable Energy and Incredible Talent – The Perfect Wedding Band!
We couldn’t have been happier with Hard to Handle as our wedding band! From the very first phone call with Kester, we knew we were in great hands. Kester was an absolute joy to work with; so down-to-earth, kind, and genuinely lovely. His professionalism and passion for making our day special shone through, and the band’s energy, charisma, and enthusiasm were utterly contagious.
We first discovered them after checking out a lot of bands (both on and off the recommended suppliers list from our venue), but Hard to Handle stood out instantly. Their video reviews were not only brilliant and hilarious (seriously, check them out. Best. Reviews. Ever), but the same vibrant personalities came through on the day. They kept the party alive from start to finish!
One of the highlights was their incredibly extensive music collection. We had the freedom to choose all the songs we wanted for their two live sets and it was amazing to create a playlist that felt so personal to us. As an added bonus, their service included a DJ, so we could even request the playlist for when the band wasn’t playing.
When it came to the live performances, they didn't disappoint. The energy they brought to the dance floor were unmatched and they had all our guests dancing the night away. It’s rare to find a band that can engage a crowd so effortlessly, but these guys nailed it.
We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them (or hire them again ourselves!). If you’re looking for a band with talent, personality, and the ability to make your wedding unforgettable, then look no further!
Thanks so much for being a part or our special day!
We first discovered them after checking out a lot of bands (both on and off the recommended suppliers list from our venue), but Hard to Handle stood out instantly. Their video reviews were not only brilliant and hilarious (seriously, check them out. Best. Reviews. Ever), but the same vibrant personalities came through on the day. They kept the party alive from start to finish!
One of the highlights was their incredibly extensive music collection. We had the freedom to choose all the songs we wanted for their two live sets and it was amazing to create a playlist that felt so personal to us. As an added bonus, their service included a DJ, so we could even request the playlist for when the band wasn’t playing.
When it came to the live performances, they didn't disappoint. The energy they brought to the dance floor were unmatched and they had all our guests dancing the night away. It’s rare to find a band that can engage a crowd so effortlessly, but these guys nailed it.
We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them (or hire them again ourselves!). If you’re looking for a band with talent, personality, and the ability to make your wedding unforgettable, then look no further!
Thanks so much for being a part or our special day!
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Hard to Handle wedding band + DJ Real Weddings
Felicity & James
17 photos · 17/09/2025
Alice & Tom
48 photos · 20/02/2025
Gemma & Rhys
78 photos · 19/10/2024
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