Picture this: the lights dim, the bass drops, and your entire student body fills the dance floor – that's the power of booking the right entertainment for your summer ball. A summer ball is the perfect opportunity to celebrate academic achievements, new friendships, and make memories. 79% of undergraduate students surveyed felt that their university exceeded their expectations - will your students be among them?
We have created a list of the best artists, DJs, and acts to set the pace for the summer ahead. Check out the best university entertainment hire for your summer ball, the biggest event of the year!
Contents:
- Who are the best entertainment acts for university summer balls?
- What's the secret to a show-stopping university summer ball?
- What kind of acts can be hired for university summer balls?
- How much does university entertainment hire cost?
- How do I book a musician or entertainer for my summer ball?
Who are the best entertainment acts for university summer balls?
The outstanding acts in our official list of university entertainers for summer ball events have been carefully selected and rated by Joe Burton, our entertainment booking expert at Champions Music & Entertainment. Joe and the team have helped hundreds of institutions across the country hire top musicians and entertainers for university events of all shapes and sizes.
"When it comes to student entertainment, you've got to understand what the younger audience is into right now. Whether that's DJs or singers or entertainment acts, like comedians, there's no point booking someone who their parents will recognise, but not the students! I make sure to understand the specific needs of my university clients, to provide entertainment with their students in mind." - Joe Burton, Entertainment Executive
Want to drop our team an email and start the booking process? You can use our online contact form to reach Joe and the team, or call 0203 79 340 42. Whether you have an act in mind or are open to suggestions, we're here to help! Now, without further ado, here are our the official best university entertainment hire according to Champions Music & Entertainment.
13. Mabel - RATED 5/5 STARS ⭐
2020 BRIT Award Winning British Female Solo Artist
Breaking boundaries in the music industry is Mabel, a highly talented female artist. Mabel has released a range of solo singles and catchy collaborations, making a name for herself as a rising star. Singing summer hits and songs of freedom and celebration, Mabel’s energy and talent is fitting for a university summer ball!
12. Scouting For Girls - RATED 4.5/5 STARS ⭐
Pop Rock Band With Over 1 Billion Global Streams
Scouting For Girls have been an iconic indie-pop band since 2007. After their self-titled album went triple-platinum, their songs She’s So Lovely, Heartbeat and Elvis Ain’t Dead have become generation-bridging anthems. In consideration of the success of their relatable hits of comfort and escapism, Scouting For Girls are perfect for your summer university ball.
OFFICIAL CLIENT FEEDBACK FOR Scouting for Girls:
"Scouting for Girls were real crowd pleasers and were very easy to work with." - Caravan & Motorhome Club
11. Jack Maynard - RATED 4.5/5 STARS ⭐
YouTuber Sensation & Radio 1 DJ
Jack Maynard is a DJ, social media star, and television personality. Brother to internationally recognised pop singer Conor Maynard, Jack is part of a family of entertainers who live and breathe performance. Jack is well known across all platforms for his high-energy personality and professional remixes, making him the perfect celebrity DJ for university events.
10. Light It Up - RATED 5/5 STARS ⭐
LED DJ Combining Saxophone & Bongos
Light It Up are the ultimate party-starters. With LED-lit instruments, banging dance tunes, and Ibiza vibes, this electrifying band brings the energy like no one else. From saxophones that glow to bongos that beam, Light It Up guarantee an epic night your students won’t forget.
OFFICIAL CLIENT FEEDBACK FOR Light It Up:
"Light it up were equally as great - the DJ arrived early, was flexible with what we needed and read the room perfectly. The trio were great at engaging with the crowd. had a great set list and wow what a singer she is! Again incredible feedback on them from attendees." – Katherine, Senior Global Events Manager, Ingram Micro
9. Tom Walker - RATED 4.5/5 STARS ⭐
2019 BRIT Award Winner for Best Breakthrough Act
Taking the charts by storm, Tom Walker has established himself as a preeminent voice in the music industry. With his hit single Leave A Light On going platinum, Tom has paved the way for success as he has released more popular hits, such as Something Beautiful and Serotonin. His raw voice and rock-pop sound are perfect as a headliner for any event.
OFFICIAL CLIENT FEEDBACK FOR Tom Walker:
"Thank you so much Champions for helping us pull off our concert day at Stowe School! The performance from Tom Walker was worth the two-year wait. We couldn't have done it without you guys!" - Molly, Event Co-Ordinator, Stowe Enterprises Ltd
8. Axel Blake - RATED 4/5 STARS ⭐
2022 Britain's Got Talent Winning Comedian
Axel Blake is the winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2022. After delivering a series of unforgettable and priceless comedy sets, Axel was named a “comedy superstar” by BGT judge and comedian, David Walliams. He's a hilarious stand-up comedian specialising in observational comedy - book Axel for your ball this summer as a host or comedy act!
7. Vick Hope - RATED 4.5/5 STARS ⭐
2020 Best Radio Host Named Voice of a Generation
Previously presenting the Capital Breakfast show, Channel 4’s 4Music channel, and Trending Live!, Vick Hope has an impeccable taste in music. Knowing how to please an audience, Vick is a skilled host and DJ, having received a TRIC Award for Best Radio Show and being nominated for an Urban Music Award.
6. Kristian Nairn - RATED 4/5 STARS ⭐
Game of Thrones Actor Turned Popular House DJ
Calling all music lovers to the dance floor is Game of Thrones star, Kristian Nairn. Working alongside the likes of Steve Aoki, Fatboy Slim, and Danny Howard, Kristian is Ireland’s resident house DJ. Showcasing his remixes and his own tracks across the world, Kristian has performed at venues including Tomorrowland, Amnesia and Hakkasan.
5. Cascada - RATED 5/5 STARS ⭐
International Dance Music Award Winner
As one of the top-selling dance acts of the 2000s, Cascada is a multi-platinum award-winning trio from Germany. Fronted by Natalie Horler, the group was created by DJ producers Yann Peifer and Manuel Reuter in 2004. With their hit singles like Everytime We Touch and Evacuate The Dancefloor still popular today!
4. Pixie Lott - RATED 4/5 STARS ⭐
Multi-Million Record Selling Pop Singer
Pixie Lott is a solo female pop star with three popular albums. She has written songs for the likes of Selena Gomez and has paved her way independently throughout the years, performing at many events, such as the Isle of Wight Festival.
3. Ashley Roberts- RATED 4/5 STARS ⭐
Grammy Award Nominated Pussy Cat Doll
Former member of The Pussycat Dolls, Ashley Roberts, is a pop superstar, radio, and TV personality. Ashley has a diverse set of talents, showcased through her successful solo albums and hosting Heart FM Radio. Famed as a member of one of the biggest girl groups known in the world, Ashley is a show-stopping performer.
2. Chico Slimani - RATED 3.5/5 STARS ⭐
BAFTA Nominated Star Behind 'It's Chico Time'
Ready to enter summer with immense energy and charisma, it’s Chico time! The X Factor star was born to entertain as a zestful dancer with exceptional vocals. His song It’s Chico Time reached number one on the British charts in 2006, making him a staple in British entertainment. Get ready to dance into summer by booking Chico today!
1. Twist and Pulse - RATED 5/5 STARS ⭐
2019 BGT Champion of Champions Dance Act
Twist and Pulse are the perfect combo of street dance and comedy, known for their signature “streetomedy” style. Finalists on Britain’s Got Talent and winners of BGT: The Champions, they’ve wowed crowds across the UK and beyond. With slick choreography, quick wit, and endless energy, Twist and Pulse deliver a show that’s as funny as it is unforgettable.
What's the secret to a show-stopping university summer ball?
University summer balls feature a diverse mix of entertainment designed to create an unforgettable night that appeals to different students' tastes. The key is layering different types of performances to build momentum and keep the crowd engaged from cocktail hour to the final dance.
What kind of acts can be hired for university summer balls?
The most successful summer balls combine multiple different types of acts, creating natural peaks and valleys in energy that keep students engaged for the entire event rather than front-loading all the excitement into one headliner performance. These entertainers include:
- Live Music Acts form the backbone of most summer balls and are a must-book.
- DJ Sets are essential for keeping the dance floor packed, especially during peak hours.
- Comedy Acts provide perfect palate cleansers between high-energy performances.
- Interactive Entertainment has become increasingly popular for their active participation.
How much does university entertainment hire cost?
Champions Music & Entertainment's university entertainment hire stands head and shoulders above the competition. We've built our reputation on delivering exceptional acts without the eye-watering price tags you might expect.
Our flexible pricing structure means whether you're planning an intimate society gathering or a major campus-wide celebration, we've got acts ranging from £700+ to £9,500+ spectacular productions.
Don't hesitate to contact our experienced team for a tailored quote that fits your student budget perfectly.
How do I book a musician or entertainer for my summer ball?
To hire entertainment for university events, including your summer ball, contact our dedicated team at Champions Music & Entertainment by calling 0203 79 340 42, or filling in our online form.
You can also book one of the acts above or any of our other university entertainment acts for all university events, including freshers, winter balls, and graduations. Contact our team to find out more!
This exclusive blog post was written by our Entertainment Executive Joe Burton, who assessed client feedback from 500+ events held between 2021 and 2025.
