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The 51������ platform helps you bring incredible live music to your venue. To ensure you’re maximising its potential, we’ve created this guide to highlight its powerful features beyond your existing operations.

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In the past, bookers and event organisers were held back by the lack of technology, which made it difficult to find and manage top-tier acts at fair and open prices. That’s where 51������ steps in.

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Our world-class music marketplace seamlessly connects venues across the UK, including music venues in Manchester, Birmingham and London. It also connects bookers with the best musicians, DJs, and entertainers, empowering you to create unforgettable moments while supporting a vibrant community for live entertainment.

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‍51������ makes booking live music and entertainment easy. With access to talented artists nationwide, you can book and manage gigs through our user-friendly system.

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Built by bookers for bookers, 51������ mirrors your existing processes, giving you full control while enhancing efficiency. This guide will show you how to unlock the platform’s full potential and optimise your operations.

Save time by booking in advance with the repeat gig function

Managing a bar, pub, or restaurant is time-consuming, so booking live music shouldn’t add to your workload. That’s why 51������ offers time-saving for scheduling multiple or repeat gigs in just a few clicks.

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We recommend booking your live music at least one month in advance to secure the perfect artist for your venue’s atmosphere. Instead of manually handling bookings, use 51������’s repeat gig function:

• Do you want an acoustic soloist every Sunday for the next 12 weeks? Send 12 offers with one click.
• Have you found a DJ who elevates your energy? Fast-book them as a resident for multiple weekends.
• Use your personalised ‘’ for instant access to your top artists.

With these features, you can reclaim your most valuable asset - time.

Market your gigs with 51������’s website plugin

Level up your live music marketing with 51������’s website plugin. This feature automatically syncs your live music schedule to your venue’s website, ensuring your upcoming gigs are always up to date.

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If there are any updates to your booking, whether that be a cancellation, change in time, or a different artist will instantly be reflected on your site. No extra steps or manual updates are required, so you can continue to focus on bringing incredible live music to your stage whilst keeping your ‘What’s On’ looking professional and polished.

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To get your website set up with 51������’s website plug-in, get in touch with our team today.

Enhance transparency with payment terms

To maintain trust between you and your artists, add payment terms when creating gig templates for clarity on when and how artists will be paid.

Every venue has different payment terms, whether cash on the night or BACS transfer, but this needs to be made clear for the artists. In your gig template, you can include:

• “We will pay the invoice within X days.”
• “Invoices are settled on the first Monday, 21 days from receipt.”

Setting expectations upfront leads to smoother transactions and stronger relationships with performers.

Manage your budgets with 51������’s analytics tool

The 51������ platform helps you take control of your budgets, from setting your own gig fees to making more informed decisions with our tool, it all helps you stay in touch with your budget, and 51������ helps you cut your booking costs by up to 80% compared to outdated systems.

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The analytics tools on your offer real-time visibility of your bookings, invoices, and spending. You can gain deeper insights to help you make more informed decisions when booking your live music. With real-time tracking of gig bookings and spending, you can improve budget management and forecast revenue with greater accuracy.

Provide clear artist instructions for a flawless performance

Avoid any last-minute confusion by outlining comprehensive and clear gig briefs for the artist to follow so they have all the tools to deliver the perfect event.

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Include essential details like:

• Setlists or preferred music styles.
• Load-in times (15-30 minutes before the set starts).
• Dress codes.
• Set times (e.g., Set 1: 6:00 PM - 6:45 PM, Set 2: 7:15 PM - 8:00 PM).
• What equipment do you have on-site, and what equipment does an artist need to provide?

But above all, make sure the gig brief aligns with your venue’s vision. This will ensure a smooth and professional performance every time.

Stay organised with 51������’s centralised calendar

Forget post-it note bookings or What’s App group confirmations, as all of your bookings are reflected in your 51������ . The streamlined calendar is designed to keep you effortlessly on top of all your gig bookings.

• Each gig status - Pending, Awaiting Sign-off, or Completed - is color-coded for clarity.
• Automatic updates reflect real-time booking changes.
• Instant filters make it easy to view upcoming events.

With everything in one place, managing live music has never been simpler.

Streamline payments with 51������’s MIT system

We’ve introduced a new payment system to make your admin easier and improve the reliability of missed payments.

• 51������ now pays artists on your behalf, ensuring reliability and reducing late payments.
• Enter your card details once, and payments will be automatically processed after each gig.
• You still have flexibility in case of fee disputes before final sign-off.

This will help your team to streamline payments, minimise admin work,  ensure smoother transactions, and reduce administrative overhead.

Start booking gigs with 51������ today

With 51������, booking live entertainment is easier, more efficient, and cost-effective. Start utilising these tools to streamline your operations, boost engagement, and create unforgettable live music experiences at your venue.