Last night my duo The Innocent Bystanders performed for a third time at Lympne Castle in Kent. Its a truly spectacular 13th century Grade 1 listed building.  It has incredible views across Romney Marshes, which apparently inspired Paul McCartney to record an album there in 1979 (I would have been just 1 at the time but some 34 years on, the beauty and inspiring surroundings are not lost on me!). 

Our performance was a surprise for the bride which is quite unusual. Normally the bride will be the one very much in charge of booking a band/duo, but the chap who booked us wanted to surprise his new wife with a romantic gesture to sing the first dance - Always by Bon Jovi.  This isn't a number we'd normally do, so we had to rehearse it beforehand especially for the booking. We set up in The Great Hall, and worked alongside the DJ who was very considerate and allowed us to set up in his normal area so we could clear our gear at the end of the booking when he took over to play music into the early hours of Wednesday morning.

I was also able to try out my new lights - two Mega Par Profile LED par cans from American DJ. I was quite pleased with the look, as you can see they lit up the stage area quite nicely:

As always, the staff at Lympne Castle were helpful and everything seemed to be run very smoothly. We're hoping to be booked back there again soon as its such a lovely venue to play! Thank you to Matthew and Rosie, we wish you both a very happy future together!

My first booking at Cooling Castle Barn in Kent was in 2003, almost ten years ago!  I set up on the Minstrel's Gallery in The Tithe Barn. My presence during the wedding breakfast was a surprise for the bride (I don't mean I just turned up on her wedding day with my saxophone of course...!) I had in fact had several covert emails and letters from the groom who wanted to surprise her with a singer and saxophonist. When I arrived to set up I remember being struck by the beauty of the place, and the surroundings. It also had a peaceful and calming atmosphere. I could instantly see the appeal for couples walking through the door as it feels very welcoming straight away.

In the last few years they have invested and built new accommodation for people (which is good as the bride and groom and their families can stay at the venue, and they also have somewhere to retreat to if they need a moment or two to relax!)  Its no surprise to me that today they have a long waiting list (especially for weekends) and despite the economic downturn they are busier than ever!

After my first booking I was lucky enough to be spotted by the manager on duty at the time, and they passed on my details to the owners.  I wasn't sure if anything would come of it, but I got a call a few weeks later asking me if I would like to attend their annual Open Day as a supplier.  Prior to this I had relied on recommendations and word of mouth and had not advertised my services (apart from having a small website).  However, I decided I had nothing to lose so I gave it a go armed with a few flyers and some business cards!  I was asked to set up on the Pavillion which is a large wooden structure where they hold outdoor ceremonies (see picture below). It was lovely to play from there on a summer's day as guests chatted after the ceremony during the photos. 

The Open Day was a success and they very kindly added me to their recommended suppliers list.  This meant a lot to me as being recommended by Cooling Castle Barn isn't something they do lightly.  You have to meet their professional standards and be very reliable, so I feel honoured that they continue to recommend me ten years on!  They recently stopped all singers from performing outside due to the noise, so nowadays I am usually booked to play inside during the wedding breakfast in The Tithe Barn from The Minstrel's Gallery or during the photos in The Heritage Barn.  This in fact works a lot better than outside, as I am able to play background music whilst people chat and no one has to worry about the weather!  I am also sometimes booked as a duo for the afternoon or in the evening to work alongside their excellent DJ Dan Potter. (see my blog on working with DJs)

I have now performed at Cooling Castle Barn more times than I can remember, and hand on heart, everything always runs like clockwork.  Its one of my favourite venues to play!