Playing at Your Event

Imaginative, innovative and critically acclaimedthe steel drum as you’ve never heard it before

For decades Rachel Hayward has been delighting audiences throughout Britain and Europe with her eclectic mix of calypso, soca, pop, ska, jazz, reggae, MOR and popular classics. She performs extensively at a wide variety of corporate, civil and private functions, weddings, wakes, agricultural shows, parties, balls and even pirate ships and cross channel ferries!

Rachel performs with her own pre-recorded backing tracks, giving the effect of a full acoustic band which is ideal for events and venues where space or budget are limited. These are carefully arranged and produced making use of live percussion and pan multi-tracking, and are of a consistently high standard. The pan is not necessarily loud, and a soloist is ideal for those smaller scale venues when a band would simply be too much. Conversely the pan can be miked up and amplified, to provide music for larger-scale and outdoor events.

PRAISE FOR RACHEL’S PEFORMANCES:

“Thank you so much for helping to make our big day so perfect! You were fantastic and will come highly recommended by us in the future” – Annie and Steve

PRAISE FOR RACHEL’S PEFORMANCES:

“Thanks again for making our birthday really wonderful! Everyone said how they absolutely loved the music and for many of them it was the first time hearing live steel pan so it was really special!” – Helene Laurent

PRAISE FOR RACHEL’S PEFORMANCES:

” I just wanted to thank you for making our wedding so brilliant. We had an amazing time and have had so many great comments about you.” – Anaya Rahim

PRAISE FOR RACHEL’S PEFORMANCES:

“Thank you so much for your fantastic steel band playing at our wedding, everyone there was so impressed and kept saying how wonderful you were!” – Shivana and Paul

PRAISE FOR RACHEL’S PEFORMANCES:

“We will all never forget our Caribbean night in Yorkshire! Rachel was wonderful both in talent and personality and I hope she enjoyed the evening as much as we did” – Annie Owen

PRAISE FOR RACHEL’S PEFORMANCES:

“You were AMAZING. All of our guests were so impressed with your talent and if we ever have another party, you’re sure to be invited” Yasmin and Mark, Lovett – Fleet Wedding

PRAISE FOR RACHEL’S PEFORMANCES:

“Thank you so much, you made the reception after Sophie and Fred’s wedding for us. So many people asked for your details! Richard and I grew up in Guiana, Trinidad and Barbados. I particularly remember before Carnival hearing bands practising in the evening. A lovely memory.” Richard and Jeannie Webb, Sophie and Fred’s Wedding.

PRAISE FOR RACHEL’S PEFORMANCES:

“I am just writing to tell you how much we enjoyed Rachel Hayward’s playing on Saturday night. She is a fine musician and she certainly livened up our audience. Following the fire at our Clubhouse, we had to use an alternative venue which meant that we could not dance but even so, Rachel got everybody’s feet tapping.” Anne Tomlinson, Maldon Little Ship Club.

PRAISE FOR RACHEL’S PEFORMANCES:

“Thank you very much again for performing at our event yesterday. It was really good of you to do the “tail end” of the day, and I know that your fantastic music was the reason why so many people were still around at the end. We are so grateful to you for giving up your Sunday.” Sue Williams, Amnesty International.

PRAISE FOR RACHEL’S PEFORMANCES:

“Just a note to say how much we enjoyed the party and what a wonderful day it was! Thank you for all your hard work and great enthusiasm. Many of the guests remarked how unusual it was to have steel drum for music and also how appropriate it was for such a hot day. I shall remember this party for a long time and thank you again for helping to make it a very special day.” Jean Greedale.

PRAISE FOR RACHEL’S PEFORMANCES:

“Rachel really wowed everyone with her playing and was most helpful and amenable. We all loved it, and her music was just fantastic.” – Annie (birthday party)

PRAISE FOR RACHEL’S PEFORMANCES:

“Thank you so much for the wonderful music you made for Kate and Mark’s wedding. It was a great joy to hear such skillful, happy music. It reminded Kate’s Uncle Neil and Aunt Liz of their wedding in Tobago. Your music set the tone for a happy day and a happy life together.” – Colin and Sue

If you are interested in engaging Rachel to play at your event please enquire as early as possible. Summer is the busiest season and gets booked up early! Rachel has extensive experience of performing at weddings (processional music and during the signing of the register) and also for cocktail receptions, birthday parties, barbeques, Caribbean events and beach parties of all types. And she is always delighted to don her mermaid (or pirate!) outfits to bring a touch of UNDER THE SEA and CARIBBEAN glamour to themed events.

If you are interested in Rachel’s classical acoustic repertoire, please drop her a line via the contact form.

Playing times are usually 2 x 45 minute or 3 x 30 minute sets, although longer or shorter times can be agreed. 

With over three decades of professional performing experience you can rest assured that Rachel appreciates the importance of punctuality and reliability, and that she consistently offers the highest possible standards in all areas; she will always endeavour to make your event a special event.

Please take a look at the Repertoire page for more information on the music; click for audio clips or visit Spotify to listen to Rachel’s albums Priestess of Pan and Red Head.

Previous repeat clients include

  • Living Heritage
  • Debenhams
  • Eurotunnel
  • British Army and Navy
  • Oakwood Theme Park (Wales)
  • Wyevales Garden Centres
  • Cranleigh Lions Carnival
  • Cowpie Country Show
  • Princes Mead Shopping Centre
  • Gatwick Airport
  • Kent County Show
  • Signature Care Homes
  • Swallowfield Show