Hire Irish band in Birmingham

A quartet is the sweet spot for most Birmingham bookings, because it covers acoustic background, upbeat ceilidh and modern covers without needing a huge footprint. If your stage space is tight, a trio still carries plenty of punch.

What it costs to hire an Irish band in Birmingham

Professional Irish bands in the West Midlands usually range from £700 to £1,350. Where your quote lands depends on a few sensible variables.

• Number of musicians. Trios sit toward the lower end, five piece bands sit higher.
• Playing time. Two sets of 45 to 60 minutes is standard. Extra sets or late finishes add cost.
• Caller included or not. A good caller is a specialist and worth the fee, especially for beginners.
• Equipment. Some bands provide a full PA and basic lighting, others connect to house systems.
• Date and demand. St Patrick’s weekend, prime summer Saturdays and December dates book early.
• Logistics. City centre load-in, parking and split setups can add a modest fee that we lay out up front.

On Poptop you see instant, all-inclusive prices that match your date and postcode. Change the brief and you see the difference straight away, which makes decision-making quick.

Ceilidh with a caller, explained

Plenty of Birmingham hosts love the idea of a ceilidh but have never run one. Here is what to expect.

• The caller makes it easy. They explain each dance in simple terms, walk the room through the moves and keep the mood light.
• Confidence builds with each tune. Dances last about five to eight minutes and become more lively as the floor finds its rhythm.
• No experience needed. In fact, first-timers bring the best energy. The format is designed for mixed abilities and ages.
• Space matters but perfection does not. In civic halls, the caller uses long-set patterns that fill the room neatly. In smaller function rooms, they pick compact figures so nobody bumps the tables.
• One block can be enough. A single ceilidh set often hooks the whole room. Add a second later if you want that big, shared finale.

A caller-led ceilidh is inclusive by design. It gets guests who would never usually dance to join in, laugh and make memories together.

Repertoire that keeps every generation involved

The best Irish bands blend tradition with familiarity, then shape the order to match your guests. Expect a healthy mix.

• Trad favourites. Reels, jigs and classics everyone recognises after a few notes.
• Acoustic covers. Ideal for ceremonies, welcome drinks and dinners where you want conversation first.
• Pop and indie reworks. Familiar choruses adapted for fiddle, guitar and tight harmonies so nothing feels out of place.
• Family-friendly choices. Clean language, sensible themes and tempo control so kids and grandparents can enjoy the same floor.
• Special requests. Most bands will learn one or two personal songs if they suit the instruments. Share these early so the arrangement lands perfectly.

Tell us your must-plays and any no-go numbers. We will brief the band so the set fits you, not the other way round.

Venue notes for Birmingham and the West Midlands

Every space has its quirks. A little planning keeps setup smooth and the sound sweet.

• Civic halls. Stages are generous, ceilings are high, acoustics can be lively. Bands who play these rooms manage dynamics so the music fills the hall without turning boomy. A caller will choose patterns that work across long floors.
• Conference hotels. Expect precise schedules, smart presentation and volume control. A compact four piece with a pro PA system is a safe bet from reception to late dance.
• Function rooms. Floors are tighter and guests are closer to the band. A trio or quartet with controlled percussion keeps clarity and leaves room for a dance set.
• Marquees. Stable flooring helps percussion. Plan simple lighting for the band, tidy cable runs and a weather-aware setup if the British spring gets involved.

Let us know load-in routes, lifts, parking, power and any sound limiters. We will coordinate with the band and your venue so nothing catches you out on the day.

Example schedules that deliver in Birmingham

A clean running order keeps the night flowing. Use these as a starting point and we’ll tailor them to your timings.

Family weddings

• Ceremony. Instrumental duo or trio for aisle walk and exit.
• Drinks. Acoustic reception set with gentle trad and tasteful covers.
• Dinner and speeches. Playlist music or light instrumentals to keep conversation first.
• Evening. First dance live, then two 45-minute sets with a ceilidh block in the middle to bring the families together.

St Patrick’s weekend parties

• Early set. Trad standards to anchor the theme and build atmosphere.
• Ceilidh block 1. Caller-led dances while energy is high.
• Short breather. Modern acoustic covers to reset the room.
• Ceilidh block 2. Bigger figures, then a pop-leaning finale that pulls in the non-trad fans.

Community events and charity nights

• Welcome hour. Friendly acoustic tunes as guests arrive and raffle tickets sell.
• Main set. Upbeat reels and jigs, caller-led dances to involve everyone.
• Spotlight. Short pause for speeches, charity updates or prize draws.
• Closing set. Crowd favourites and singalongs that finish the night on a high.

Corporate dos

• Arrival and networking. Instrumentals at conversation level.
• Icebreaker. Ten to fifteen minutes of guided dancing with the caller to loosen the room.
• Awards or updates. Understated background if needed.
• Final push. A 50-minute set that builds steadily to a big group chorus.

Practicalities that save headaches

Birmingham is well connected, and central venues can be busy. A few details keep things simple.

• Access and parking. Share delivery entrances, loading times and any permits. We’ll plan arrival around them.
• Power and space. Two standard sockets near the performance area and roughly three by four metres for a quartet. A trio can work comfortably in smaller rooms.
• Sound limiters. Many hotels and civic spaces use them. Good bands work within limits and maintain energy.
• Shared tech. If a DJ or house technician is on the night, we’ll coordinate handovers and kit sharing so the soundtrack never drops.
• Break music. Most bands provide playlist tracks between sets. If you want a full DJ finish, we can add one or align with your chosen DJ.

Smart extras and upgrades

A couple of thoughtful additions can transform the flow without breaking the budget.

• Add a caller. Essential if you want ceilidh sections to sing. They teach, lead and bring the room with them.
• Early setup. If you want the stage looking complete before guests arrive, request an early load-in.
• Ceremony duo. A simple, elegant way to add music to the most important moments.
• Lighting bundle. Basic stage lighting keeps the band visible and sets the tone without overpowering the room.
• Late finish. Confirm venue curfew and we will quote a clean extension if you plan to run on.

How to shortlist Irish bands in Birmingham quickly

A few checks help you choose with confidence.

• Watch videos that show both reception-style playing and full-throttle dance sets. You want to hear dynamics, not only highlights.
• Read reviews from events that look like yours. Civic halls, hotel suites, function rooms and marquees all behave differently.
• If ceilidh is vital, prioritise bands that list a dedicated caller and talk about teaching first-timers.
• Confirm what is included. PA, basic lighting, arrival times, set lengths and insurance should be clear.
• Ask for a sample running order for your timings. The best bands describe how they will shape the night, not just what songs they know.

If two options feel close, the one that communicates quickly and answers your venue questions thoroughly is usually the safer bet.

What you get with Poptop

We designed Poptop around the things hosts care about most. Here is what that means for your Irish band booking in Birmingham.

• Enjoy a truly friendly attitude. You get more than just a service; you get an experience. Our suppliers are chosen for their professionalism and their ability to create a warm, friendly and engaging atmosphere. They connect with your guests, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and has a wonderful time, leaving you with memories of a truly happy event.
• Plan your party in minutes, not days. Your time is valuable. That is why we provide instant, all-inclusive pricing, so you can make decisions immediately without waiting for quotes. Our suppliers and support team respond quickly, which means your planning process is smooth, fast and completely hassle-free.
• Get an event that is uniquely yours. Your vision for your event is what matters most. Our suppliers excel at tailoring their services to you, from adapting a set list to building the night around your favourite songs. This flexibility ensures the final result is a personal experience that matches your expectations.
• Relax and plan without the anxiety. Forget the stress of wondering if everything is on track. We provide clear communication and updates at every stage of the planning process. By knowing exactly what is happening and when, you can feel confident and relaxed as the day approaches.
• Find what you need effortlessly. You do not need to be an event planning expert to use Poptop. Share your event date, guest count and postcode and you will instantly see a full range of matched services ready for your brief.
• Discover everything in one convenient place. Save the time and effort of searching multiple websites. Poptop brings your event needs together in a single marketplace. If you want more than music, you will find it here.
• Host a party that will be remembered. Make your celebration stand out. Poptop specialises in services that go beyond the typical party offerings, so you can surprise guests and reflect your style.
• Book with confidence and complete security. You can trust that your event is in safe hands. We carefully vet suppliers. If any issue arises, we will find a suitable alternative. With a money-back guarantee in place, your booking is protected.

A simple plan from idea to full dance floor

You can get from first thought to confirmed Irish band in a few clear steps.

1. Share the essentials. Date, venue, guest count and the moments that matter, for example first dance, speeches, raffle.
2. Browse Irish bands in Birmingham with instant pricing. Shortlist two or three that match your style and space.
3. Ask for a sample running order. We will align it with your venue’s timings and any curfews.
4. Confirm the package. Lock in the lineup, set lengths, caller if needed and any extras such as early setup or lighting.
5. Relax. We coordinate with the venue on access, power, sound and certificates, and we keep you updated so there are no surprises.

Why Birmingham hosts choose us

Birmingham crowds like friendly, unpretentious fun delivered with professional polish. They want a band that looks the part, reads the room and keeps the energy building without blasting the neighbours. We work with Irish bands who perform week in, week out across the West Midlands, who set up neatly, communicate clearly and make every guest feel included. You will feel that professionalism during planning and even more on the night.

Ready to hire an Irish band in Birmingham

Tell us your date, your rough guest count and the kind of night you are picturing, from family-friendly ceilidh with a caller to a reception set that grows into a dance floor. We will show you matched Irish bands in Birmingham with clear, instant prices. Choose your favourite, confirm in a couple of clicks and start looking forward to the moment the first reel starts and the room lifts together.