Behind the Music: Meet Mark Hepworth from Hi-Life Entertainment

Your wedding day is filled with unforgettable moments, but it's often the evening celebration that guests remember long after the last dance. Great entertainment has the power to bring everyone together, create lasting memories and keep the dance floor full from the first song to the final encore.

As one of our trusted recommended suppliers, Hi-Life Entertainment has helped countless couples celebrate their special day at The Gamekeeper's Inn. We caught up with founder Mark Hepworth, who has over 20 years' experience in the wedding industry, to chat about his journey, what makes a fantastic wedding reception and his top advice for couples planning their big day.

Where are you based, and what areas do you cover?

We are based in Leeds, but our DJs are spread around the north of England. We have covered pretty much the whole of the UK, from Scotland to the south coast of England. Our focus is around the north of England, and predominantly Yorkshire.

What wedding entertainment services do you offer?

We offer a bespoke DJ service, with a dedicated music planner for clients. We do add on sax and DJ services, silent disco and karaoke where required. We do an all day service for marquee weddings, but they are on the wane these days, as people tend to go for rural wedding barns - like The Gamekeeper’s Inn! Our main focus is on delivering the music clients want, in whatever context that is.

How long have you been helping couples celebrate their weddings?

20 years. It is our anniversary year in 2026.

What inspired you to launch Hi-Life Entertainment?

That’s simple. The love of music and its power to make people have a great time and to see it on their faces when we do it.

What do you enjoy most about being part of a couple's wedding day?

No two weddings are the same. Every couple has different aspirations, different backgrounds, and sometimes I need to think outside the box. Something I didn’t really need to do as a club DJ.

If you had to describe Hi-Life Entertainment in just three words, what would they be?

Passionate. Focused. Professional.

Style and Approach

Photo by Jacqueline Louise Photography

How would you describe your approach to wedding entertainment?

Friendly and informal, but confident that I know what I’m talking about, whilst having my ears open to what the bride and groom want and seeing ways to deliver that.

What sets Hi-Life Entertainment apart from other wedding entertainment providers?

We have a unique music planner system that takes clients on a journey to think about what they really want from a DJ. I have a huge knowledge of music that is well known in music circles in Leeds, which allows me to understand what is required and who can deliver it on the night. Sometimes that is me, but mostly it is someone else from my trusted team that comes to mind. There are a lot of talented people to call on with different skills. The music needs to sound at its best, so we use top quality equipment to deliver “music to your ears”, which is our main tag line.

What can couples expect from the moment they book with you?

Dedication, quick replies and professionalism.

What is your biggest priority when performing at a wedding?

Their dream end to a day with many facets before it. We are there for the PARTY, the relaxation and the conclusion of the day, which is one of the biggest talking point afterwards. We are a vital cog. Everyone needs to let off steam at the end of the day, family and friends. It needs to be right.

What wedding entertainment trends are you seeing in 2026?

Music is all about demographics. Obviously we have people getting married from different age groups, but there is obviously a core age group. Music from the noughties is most dominant at the minute, but it crosses lots of styles. Generally the music from the era when the bride and groom were 16 to 25 is going to figure towards the end of the night, with other boxes ticked earlier. Not everyone is the same, but that is the current trend for us.

Expert Advice For Couples

What advice would you give to couples who have just started planning their wedding?

Look at your budget and think about what is really important to you. Your dreams can be made at a realistic cost, if needs be.

What do couples often forget to consider when choosing their evening entertainment?

Certainly do not get anything other than a proper quote, which needs to be done via email, followed up by a contract. I’ve had at least a dozen calls this month, where the said DJ has literally disappeared, having provided a very cheap quote that a professional agency can’t match via text or WhatsApp and now they are unavailable. If you can’t find their Google reviews or other feedback from a reliable source, there is usually a reason.

What questions should every couple ask before booking a wedding DJ or entertainment supplier?

Feedback from the vendor, reliable recommendations from your venue, or if you’ve been to a wedding, ask the couple who they used if you enjoyed the night. A precursor on the latter, is your wedding can be different and tailored to what you want. I’d look more at the overall vibe and the response, than the specific music.

What's your number one tip for creating an unforgettable evening reception?

Talk, think, decide and make sure you get everything in writing.

If there was one part of the evening worth investing in, what would it be?

Well, I'm biased. A great DJ!

Behind The Scenes

Photo by Mark Stinchon Photography

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

As I only play about 5% of the weddings, it’s mainly getting the thanks and positive feedback from both clients and venues about the DJ. When I’m playing, it’s people’s faces, fun, off-mic chats about music, all sorts.

What's the most memorable wedding you've ever been part of?

Playing a friend’s daughter’s wedding in a castle in Tuscany was a standout.

Have you ever encountered an unexpected challenge at a wedding? How did you handle it?

Sometimes space can be an issue at some venues, but we always have ways around things!

What is something couples might be surprised to learn about your role?

I pretty much do everything, from website management to accounts. I do have professionals to help me though, like a very good accountant and a web developer.

The Yorkshire Dales and The Gamekeeper's Inn

Photo by Gemma Suckley Photography

What makes weddings in the Yorkshire Dales so special?

The stunning location and the friendliness of Yorkshire people. It is a beautiful place to capture wedding photos and to make memories.

You've worked at The Gamekeeper's Inn many times. What do you enjoy most about performing here?

Yes, we have played there many times and are recommended suppliers. The Netherside Suite is an excellent space, and the staff are always very helpful.

Do you have any advice for couples planning a countryside wedding at The Gamekeeper's Inn?

Talk to the staff and suppliers about your dream wedding. Attending a wedding fayre at the venue is a great way to do this.

Bonus Questions

Photo by H W (Hi-Life Entertainment Google reviews, June 2026)

Favourite wedding season?

Autumn. Nice colours and it’s a bit cooler for a party than summer.

What is the best piece of wedding advice you've ever heard?

Don’t try and fit too many things into your day. Leave time to breathe and to talk to people.

One word to describe your perfect wedding?

PARTY!

Recent testimonials for Hi-Life Entertainment

"We booked Hi-Life for our wedding in March and was matched with Jonathan who was incredible. He played a range of songs and genres ensuring the dance floor was always full and everyone was having a great time. Absolutely everyone commented on what a fabulous night they had and that was down to Jonathan! Thank you!"

-H W, Google (June 2026)

"Charles went down a storm! He was fantastic! Prompt, personable, he played songs when people asked for them, he was excellent. Guests have all said he was brilliant and the dance floor was full all night!"

-Vicki & Dan

"Mark, just wanted to say thank you for a great DJ. He got it just right and the dance floor was full from the first song he played! Everyone commented on how good the DJ was."

-Ella & Jonathan

"Just a quick note to say thank you for making our evening do the best wedding disco ever! We've had nothing but great feedback and it was so much fun. I would recommend your company to anyone in need of a DJ."

-Janine & Luke

Whether you're dreaming of a packed dance floor, a relaxed evening celebration or a playlist that's completely personal to you, Hi-Life Entertainment works closely with every couple to create a memorable finish to their wedding day. As one of our trusted recommended suppliers, we're proud to recommend Mark and his team to couples celebrating at The Gamekeeper's Inn.

If you'd like to learn more about our weddings or arrange a viewing, we'd love to hear from you.

Contact Us

Meet Hi-Life Entertainment at our Wedding Fayre

Sunday 13th September 2026, from 11am to 3pm

If you're recently engaged and starting to think about your wedding plans, we'd love to welcome you to our Wedding Fayre on Sunday 13th September, from 11am until 3pm.

Set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, it's a chance to explore The Gamekeeper's Inn at your own pace, take a look around our award-winning Netherside Suite, and see how the venue could look on your wedding day.

You'll also have the opportunity to meet our wedding coordinators, Angela and Harriet, who will be on hand throughout the day to answer questions and chat through your ideas. Alongside them, a selection of talented local wedding suppliers will be joining us, from photographers and florists to cake makers, entertainers and decor specialists.

Whether you've only just started planning or you're looking for those final pieces to complete your day, we'd be delighted to see you.

Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. Please pre-register by clicking below. We hope you'll join us for a relaxed afternoon of wedding inspiration.

Pre-Register