DJ Hire Near Me: 6 Checks Before You Book a Local DJ

If you have typed "dj hire near me" into Google, you will have seen a long list of names. Some are real local DJs. Some are agencies that send whoever is free on the night. It can be hard to tell the difference.

I have been a mobile DJ for 16+ years, based in Gateshead and Newcastle. These are the six checks I would make if I were booking a DJ for my own event.

Checks 1 and 2: Who will turn up, and how local are they?

Check 1: Will the person you speak to be the person who plays? Some companies take your booking, then send a different DJ on the day. You have never met them, and they know nothing about your plans. Ask a simple question: "Will you be the DJ at my event?" I am one DJ with no agency, so the person you talk to is the person who turns up.

Check 2: Are they really nearby? "Near me" can mean a company with a local-looking website and a DJ from another city. Ask where the DJ lives and whether travel to your venue is included in the quote. A DJ who knows the area usually knows the roads, the parking and the way venues tend to work. I cover Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, the Shields, County Durham and the wider North East. You can see the places I cover on my Newcastle and Gateshead pages.

Checks 3 and 4: Insurance and safe equipment

This is the dull part, but it matters. If something goes wrong at your event, you want to know the DJ is covered.

Check 3: Ask for proof of public liability insurance. Many venues ask for it, and some will not let a DJ in without it. Mine is £10 million. Any DJ should be happy to tell you their level of cover and show you the paperwork.

Check 4: Ask if the equipment is PAT tested. PAT testing is a safety check on electrical kit. Cables, speakers and lights spend a lot of time around guests, drinks and dance floors. Mine is PAT tested. If a DJ cannot answer this question, that tells you something.

Check 5: Do they listen to what you want?

A good DJ plays the right music for your crowd, not just their favourite tracks. Before you book, talk about:

• The age range of your guests
• Songs you love, and songs you never want to hear
• Any special moments, such as a first dance, a cake cutting or a speech
• Whether you want a lively dance floor all night or a calmer start
• Any extras, such as karaoke or a themed night

If the DJ only talks about themselves and never asks about your event, think twice. The best bookings feel like a proper chat. For weddings, you can read about my wedding DJ service. For birthdays and other celebrations, see my party DJ page.

Check 6: Can they work in your venue?

Every venue is different. Some have lots of space and easy access. Others are tight, with a long carry from the car park. Ask the DJ what they need, then check it with your venue. Common things to sort out include:

• Space: Enough room for the DJ set-up without blocking walkways or fire exits
• Power: A safe plug socket close to where the DJ will set up
• Access: Where the DJ can park and unload, and what time they can get in
• Sound limits: Some venues have rules on volume or a cut-off time
• Timings: When you want the music to start, and when it should finish

Your venue will often know best what the rules are, so ask them early. A DJ who asks these questions up front is thinking ahead for you.

Then make sure everything is agreed clearly. That means the date, start and finish times, the venue, what is included, and what you will pay. Get it in writing, in a message or email, so nobody is guessing later.

A quick checklist before you book

Copy this and keep it handy when you are comparing DJs:

• Will the DJ I speak to be the DJ on the night?
• Where are they based, and is travel to my venue covered?
• Do they have public liability insurance, and can I see it?
• Is their equipment PAT tested?
• Do they ask about my guests and my music?
• Have we covered power, space, access and timings with the venue?
• Is everything agreed in writing?

If you can tick every box, you are in a good place. If a DJ is vague on two or three of them, keep looking.

When you search for dj hire near me, take your time and ask the questions. A friendly, honest DJ will be glad you did.

If you are planning an event in Newcastle, Gateshead or anywhere across the North East, I would be happy to hear about it. You can check your date and I will let you know if I am free. You can also call me on 07598 095355.