Last updated: February 2026
If you’re a DJ, musician, band, magician, or entertainer in the UK, you already know the biggest challenge isn’t the performance — it’s everything else. Chasing invoices, managing enquiries, sending contracts, keeping track of who’s paid and who hasn’t. The right booking and business management platform can take that weight off your shoulders, but with so many options out there, how do you know which one actually fits the way UK performers work?
We’ve tested and compared the most popular platforms available to UK performers in 2026, looking at features, pricing, ease of use, and — crucially — whether they actually understand the UK entertainment industry. Here’s what we found.
What UK Performers Actually Need from a Booking Platform
Before diving into the platforms themselves, it’s worth being clear about what matters most. Based on conversations with hundreds of working performers across the UK, these are the non-negotiables:
- Pricing in GBP — not dollars, not euros. Sterling pricing with UK VAT handling.
- Contract and invoice generation — professional PDFs branded with your business details.
- Enquiry management — a way to capture leads from your website and track them through to booking.
- Payment tracking — deposits, balances, and the ability to chase late payments (something over half of UK freelancers deal with regularly, according to IPSE research).
- Mobile access — you’re not sitting at a desk. You need to send a quote from the car park before soundcheck.
- No technical overhead — you shouldn’t need to manage a WordPress installation or configure servers just to run your business.
With those criteria in mind, let’s look at the options.
The Platforms Compared: Quick Overview
| Platform | Price (Monthly) | UK Focused | Free Tier | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raviga | £15/month | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | All UK performers — DJs, bands, musicians, magicians, entertainers |
| Giggio | £25/month | ✅ Yes | ❌ No (30-day trial) | Entertainers, magicians, established performers |
| MDJM | Free (plugin) / £6–8/month (hosted + extensions) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (core plugin) | Mobile DJs with existing WordPress sites |
| Check Cherry | From $29/month (~£23) | ❌ No (US-based) | ❌ No (14-day trial) | DJs and photo booth operators (US market) |
| HoneyBook | From $29/month (~£23) | ❌ No (US/Canada only) | ❌ No (7-day trial) | General freelancers and creatives (not available in UK) |
| DJ Intelligence | $15–45/month (~£12–36) | ❌ No (US-centric) | ❌ No | US-based event companies |
| Event Master Pro | Varies | ❌ No (Australian) | ✅ Yes (trial) | Multi-operator DJ companies |
Now let’s break each one down properly.
1. Raviga — Best Overall for UK Performers
Website: raviga.io
Price: Free tier (up to 5 events) / £15/month Premium (unlimited)
UK Based: Yes
Best for: DJs, bands, musicians, magicians, singers, entertainers, and event suppliers across the UK
Raviga is the newest platform on this list, but it’s arguably the most forward-thinking. Built from scratch by a working UK performer and software developer, it was designed specifically to address the frustrations that existing platforms don’t solve — or solve badly.
What stands out
The first thing you notice is the design. Where most competitor platforms look like they were built a decade ago (because many were), Raviga feels genuinely modern. The interface is clean, responsive on mobile, and intuitive enough that you don’t need to watch tutorial videos just to send an invoice.
Under the surface, it covers the full event lifecycle: enquiry capture through embeddable web forms, quotation and contract generation with e-signatures, invoicing with payment tracking, automated email communications, and a client CRM with tagging and segmentation. It handles multi-date events properly (a single booking with multiple dates, not separate events stitched together), and the communication system includes customisable email templates with two-way email sync.
Pricing is straightforward and genuinely affordable. The free tier lets you manage up to five events — enough to properly test the platform with real bookings, not just a time-limited trial where you’re rushed into a decision. Premium unlocks unlimited events at £15/month, making it the most affordable paid option for UK performers.
Who it’s best for
Raviga targets the full spectrum of UK performers, not just DJs. Whether you’re a wedding band, a solo acoustic musician, a magician, a children’s entertainer, or running a photo booth business, the platform is built with your workflow in mind. The “built by a performer, for performers” positioning isn’t just marketing — the founder actively DJs and built the platform from first-hand frustration with the alternatives.
Considerations
As a newer platform, Raviga is still growing its feature set. Some advanced features like integrated online payment processing (Stripe checkout for clients), a dedicated mobile app, and third-party accounting integrations are on the roadmap but not yet live. That said, the core booking, contract, invoice, and communication workflow is solid and actively being developed based on user feedback.
2. Giggio — The Established UK Entertainer Platform
Website: getgiggio.com
Price: £25/month (Pro) / £70/month (Agency)
UK Based: Yes
Best for: Established entertainers, magicians, and performers who prioritise a proven track record
Giggio has been around since 2012 and has built a loyal following among UK entertainers. Founded by a magician, it was one of the first platforms built exclusively for the entertainment industry rather than being a generic CRM adapted for performers.
What stands out
Giggio covers the essentials well: client management, event booking, contract and invoice generation, email templates, and scheduled communications. It includes GiggioPay for card payments, auto-invoicing triggered by booking confirmations, and a task management system. The platform has strong testimonials from working entertainers across the UK, and it offers phone support during business hours — a rarity in this space.
For agencies managing multiple performers, the £70/month Agency tier adds unlimited user logins, customisable permissions, and unlimited performer records.
Who it’s best for
Giggio works well for performers who want a proven, established system and don’t mind paying a premium for it. It’s particularly popular with magicians and variety entertainers, reflecting its founder’s background. If you’ve been in the industry for a while and want something that just works without being cutting-edge, Giggio is a safe choice.
Considerations
The interface feels dated compared to newer platforms. Navigation can require multiple clicks to accomplish common tasks, and the mobile experience — while functional — isn’t as polished as purpose-built responsive designs. The lack of a free tier means you’re committing to £25/month from day one (after the 30-day trial), which is a significant step up in price from alternatives. There’s also limited educational content or blog resources to help performers with the broader business challenges they face.
3. MDJM (Mobile DJ Manager) — Best Free Option for WordPress Users
Website: mdjm.co.uk
Price: Free (core WordPress plugin) / Paid extensions from £20–35 each, or £6–8/month for hosted bundles
UK Based: Yes (.co.uk domain)
Best for: Mobile DJs who already have a WordPress website and are comfortable with plugins
MDJM takes a fundamentally different approach from the other platforms on this list. Rather than being a standalone SaaS product, it’s a WordPress plugin that integrates directly into your existing website. If you already run your DJ business website on WordPress, this could be a natural fit.
What stands out
The core plugin is genuinely free and open source, covering event management from enquiry through to completion, employee management, client records, and basic communication. Paid extensions add Stripe payment processing (£35), dynamic contact forms (£35), and SMS messaging (£25). For DJs who don’t want a separate platform to log into, having everything inside WordPress is a genuine advantage.
MDJM also offers hosted plans for performers who don’t currently use WordPress but still want to use the system, removing the need to manage your own hosting.
Who it’s best for
This is specifically aimed at mobile DJs and DJ companies. If you’re a solo mobile DJ running a WordPress site and you’re comfortable installing and configuring plugins, MDJM gives you solid functionality at minimal cost. Multi-operator companies can use it to manage multiple DJs with different pay rates and schedules.
Considerations
The WordPress dependency is the main limitation. If you don’t use WordPress, or you’d rather not tie your business operations to your website’s CMS, MDJM adds complexity rather than reducing it. You’re also responsible for keeping WordPress, the plugin, and extensions updated — and WordPress security is an ongoing concern. The platform is narrowly focused on DJs rather than the broader entertainment market, so bands, magicians, and other performer types may find it lacking. Extension costs add up if you need payment processing, contact forms, and SMS, and the user interface inherits WordPress’s admin aesthetic rather than offering a purpose-built experience.
4. Check Cherry — Polished but US-Focused
Website: checkcherry.com
Price: From $29/month (~£23) — priced in USD
UK Based: No (US-based)
Best for: DJs and photo booth operators in the US market
Check Cherry is frequently recommended in DJ forums and Facebook groups, and for good reason — it’s a genuinely well-built platform with an impressive feature set. The online booking system, Spotify playlist integration, and client portal are standout features that competitors haven’t matched.
What stands out
The self-service booking flow is Check Cherry’s strongest feature. Clients can visit your website, select a package, sign your terms, and pay a deposit — all without you lifting a finger. The platform handles staff scheduling, equipment tracking, automated messaging, and generates professional proposals and invoices. It holds a 5.0 rating on Capterra, which speaks to genuine user satisfaction.
Integrations with Google Calendar, QuickBooks, Mailchimp, and Zapier make it easy to connect with your existing tools.
Who it’s best for
If you’re a US-based DJ or photo booth company, Check Cherry is an excellent choice. It’s also popular with photographers, videographers, and mobile bartenders.
Considerations for UK performers
The main issue for UK performers is that Check Cherry is firmly US-centric. Pricing is in dollars, tax calculations assume US sales tax rather than UK VAT, testimonials and support are US-focused, and there are no UK-specific features like postcode lookup or GBP invoicing. You can use it from the UK, but you’ll be working around a platform that wasn’t designed for your market. Currency conversion on your monthly subscription means your costs fluctuate, and your clients will notice the American feel in the booking experience.
5. HoneyBook — Popular but Not Available in the UK
Website: honeybook.com
Price: From $29/month (~£23) — US pricing only
UK Based: No — not available outside the US and Canada
Best for: US/Canadian freelancers across creative industries
HoneyBook comes up frequently when performers research business management tools, largely because of its strong marketing presence and US-focused content. It’s a well-regarded platform for freelancers — photographers, event planners, designers, and consultants — with solid automation features, branded proposals, and a clean client portal.
Why it’s included here
We’re including HoneyBook because it appears so often in “best booking software” searches that UK performers inevitably encounter it. However, the critical point is: HoneyBook is not available to users outside the United States and Canada. If you’re based in the UK, you cannot sign up for or use HoneyBook. It’s worth knowing this upfront before you spend time researching it.
If you’re drawn to HoneyBook’s approach — modern design, automation, all-in-one client management — then Raviga offers a similar philosophy but built specifically for UK performers.
6. DJ Intelligence — Established but US-Centric
Website: djintelligence.com
Price: $15–45/month (~£12–36)
UK Based: No (US-based since 2002)
Best for: US event companies needing website-integrated tools
DJ Intelligence has been around since 2002, making it one of the longest-standing platforms in this space. It offers event booking and planning tools designed to integrate into your existing website, with features like online music requests, event timelines, and planning forms. It has endorsements from US industry bodies like the ADJA.
Considerations for UK performers
Like Check Cherry, DJ Intelligence is built entirely for the US market. Pricing is in dollars, features assume US business practices, and there’s no UK-specific localisation. The website and interface also show their age. For UK performers, there’s little reason to choose this over a platform that was built with the UK market in mind.
7. Event Master Pro (EMP) — Multi-Operator DJ Companies
Website: eventmasterpro.com
Price: Free trial, then subscription (pricing varies)
UK Based: No (Australian origin)
Best for: Multi-operator DJ hire companies managing multiple performers and equipment sets
Event Master Pro positions itself as a business systemisation tool for scaling DJ companies. It was originally developed by an Australian DJ hire company managing multiple DJs and equipment sets across several cities, and that operational complexity shows in its feature set. Staff assignment, equipment tracking, job reminders sent to performers 24 hours before events, and multi-operator scheduling are all well handled.
Considerations for UK performers
If you’re a solo performer, EMP is overkill. It’s designed for companies managing teams of DJs and multiple equipment inventories. The Australian origin means UK-specific features aren’t the priority, and the pricing structure is geared toward larger operations. However, if you’re running a UK DJ hire company with multiple operators, it’s worth evaluating alongside the other options.
Feature Comparison: What Matters Most
| Feature | Raviga | Giggio | MDJM | Check Cherry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GBP Pricing | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| UK VAT Support | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Free Tier | ✅ (5 events) | ❌ | ✅ (core plugin) | ❌ |
| Contract Generation | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| E-Signatures | ✅ | ⚠️ Basic | ❌ | ✅ |
| Invoicing | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Email Automation | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ Basic | ✅ |
| Enquiry Web Forms | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (paid extension) | ✅ |
| Client CRM & Tags | ✅ | ⚠️ Limited | ⚠️ Basic | ✅ |
| Modern Mobile Design | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Multi-Date Events | ✅ | ⚠️ Separate events linked | ❌ | ✅ |
| No WordPress Required | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Beyond DJs (Bands, Magicians, etc.) | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ⚠️ Limited |
So Which Platform Should You Choose?
There’s no single answer that works for everyone — it depends on where you are in your career, what type of performer you are, and what you value most. Here’s a quick guide:
Choose Raviga if…
You want a modern, affordable, UK-built platform that covers the full booking lifecycle. The free tier lets you try it with real bookings before committing, and the £15/month Premium price is the lowest paid option on this list. It’s the best choice for performers who want something that feels current and is actively being developed with their input. Try Raviga free →
Choose Giggio if…
You want a proven platform with a long track record and you’re happy to pay £25/month from the start. It’s established, reliable, and well-supported. If you’re a magician or variety entertainer, you’ll find a community of similar performers already using it.
Choose MDJM if…
You’re a mobile DJ with an existing WordPress website and you’re comfortable managing plugins. The core functionality is free, and the extensions are reasonably priced. Just be prepared for the WordPress administration overhead.
Avoid Check Cherry and HoneyBook if…
You’re based in the UK. Both are solid platforms in their home markets, but neither is designed for UK performers. HoneyBook isn’t even available outside the US and Canada. You’ll get a better experience from a platform that understands GBP pricing, UK VAT, and the way the UK entertainment industry works.
A Note on Generic Business Tools
You might be wondering about general-purpose tools like HubSpot, Wave, or even spreadsheets. While these can technically handle some aspects of running a performer business, they weren’t built for it. You’ll spend more time configuring them to work for your workflow than you’ll save by using them. A purpose-built platform understands concepts like event dates, venue details, deposits, balance payments, and the enquiry-to-booking lifecycle — things that generic CRMs treat as afterthoughts.
Final Thoughts
The UK entertainment industry deserves better tools than what it’s had access to historically. For too long, performers have had to choose between dated UK platforms, US-centric software that doesn’t quite fit, or WordPress plugins that add technical overhead rather than reducing it.
That’s starting to change. Platforms like Raviga are being built specifically for the modern UK performer — mobile-first, affordable, and designed by people who actually understand what it’s like to pack down at midnight and still need to send a contract before bed.
Whatever you choose, the most important thing is to stop trying to run your business from a combination of email, spreadsheets, and memory. Your performances deserve professionalism. Your business does too.
This article was last reviewed and updated in February 2026. Pricing and features are accurate at the time of writing but may change — always check each platform’s website for the latest information.
Disclosure: This article includes coverage of Raviga, a UK-built performer management platform. All comparisons are based on publicly available information, published pricing, and documented features.