Aerial performer bookings through Party Central typically start from £695, but the rigging your venue needs is often the biggest factor in the final price. Exact pricing depends on availability, your exact requirements, time on site and location, and we quote every booking individually after checking your venue.
Key takeaways
- Rigging and venue suitability shape the price as much as the performance itself.
- Ceiling height, rated rigging points and a proper risk assessment are essential.
- Freestanding rigs make aerial possible in more venues, but need floor space and height.
What is an aerial performance?
Aerial performers work above the floor on apparatus such as an aerial hoop (sometimes called a lyra), aerial silks, straps or a trapeze. Routines range from slow, elegant choreography during a drinks reception to high energy showpieces for an entrance or dancefloor opener.
Some performers also offer aerial champagne or drinks serving, where the artist hangs above a table and serves guests from the hoop.
What affects the price of aerial performers?
The performance itself is only part of the cost. Aerial work has to be rigged safely, either from a venue's rated rigging points or from a freestanding rig brought in by the team. Rigging takes time, specialist equipment and trained crew, and it has to be installed before guests arrive and removed afterwards.
After rigging, the main factors are the number of performers, set length, travel, the apparatus you choose and if the act is bespoke to your theme.
- Rigging method: venue points or freestanding rig
- Rigging crew and time needed for install and removal
- Number of performers and apparatus
- Set length and number of appearances
- Travel, parking and access for equipment
Why do ceiling height and rigging matter?
Aerial acts need enough clear height for the apparatus, the performer's movement and a safe distance from the floor. Many aerial routines need a high ceiling with no chandeliers, lighting rigs or drapes in the way, and silk routines usually need more height than hoop work. Your performer will confirm the exact clear height their act needs.
If the venue has rigging points, they must be rated for aerial loads and the venue must confirm they can be used. Not every beam or hook is suitable, and a responsible team will never rig from an unknown point.
- Clear ceiling height for the chosen act
- Rated rigging points, with written venue approval
- Or floor space and height for a freestanding rig
- Access to load in heavy equipment
- Time for install before guests arrive
Tip from our team: Send us your venue name and room early. Many venues have a technical sheet listing rigging points and ceiling heights, which saves time for everyone.
Want a quote for aerial performers?
Free, no obligation. Tell us your date and venue.
What is included in an aerial booking?
A professional booking should include the performers, apparatus, safety matting where required, rigging equipment and crew, public liability insurance and a written risk assessment. Some venues will also ask for a method statement showing how the rig goes up and comes down.
All Party Central partners are vetted by our team and hold public liability insurance. We also check early on if your venue can support aerial work, so you are not left paying for a rig that cannot be used.
How can you get the best value from an aerial act?
Choose one or two key moments rather than a long booking. A performance during the drinks reception followed by an entrance showpiece gives guests two chances to see the act while keeping time on site sensible.
Pairing also helps. An aerial act above a string quartet or a violinist during the drinks reception feels like a full production, and it suits hotel ballrooms and country venues in Surrey, Hertfordshire and the Midlands that already have the height.
Want a quote for aerial performers?
Free, no obligation. Tell us your date and venue.
When is an aerial act not the right choice?
If your room has a low ceiling, heavy chandeliers or no rated rigging points, and there is not enough space for a freestanding rig, an aerial act is not possible. Marquees can also be tricky, as most standard marquee frames are not designed to take aerial loads.
In those cases we might suggest stilt walkers, LED performers or a dance act instead. We would always rather tell you honestly than squeeze an act into the wrong space.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an aerial performer cost for a wedding?
Most aerial bookings start from £695. Exact pricing depends on availability, your exact requirements, time on site and location, and the rigging your venue needs, so we quote each booking individually.
How high does the ceiling need to be for an aerial act?
It depends on the apparatus and routine, and silk work usually needs more height than hoop. Your performer will confirm the clear height they need, measured below any lights or chandeliers.
Can aerial performers work in a marquee?
Most standard marquee frames are not built for aerial loads. A freestanding rig can sometimes work if there is enough height and floor space, so check with the marquee supplier and performers.
Do aerial performers bring their own rig?
Many do offer freestanding rigs, which are useful where a venue has no rated points. The rig needs floor space, height and time to install before guests arrive.
Check if your venue can host aerial
Send us your venue and room and we will confirm the options and send a free quote.
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Written by the Party Central events team. Prices mentioned are starting points only. Exact pricing depends on availability, your exact requirements, time on site and location. Party Central is a trading name of Booking Central Ltd.
