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Best Folk Bands in the UK
Looking to add that authentic, toe-tapping charm to your event? Discover the best folk bands for hire across the UK with Poptop. We’ve hand-picked 9 incredible acts, perfect for creating a warm, vibrant atmosphere at weddings, festivals, or private parties. Whether you’re after traditional reels, lively Celtic jigs, or contemporary acoustic sounds, you'll find an amazing selection. Get ready to tap your feet and explore our fantastic artists!
Every folk band on this list has been personally vetted by our team, ensuring exceptional musical talent, professionalism, and rave reviews from previous events.
The average hire price for a folk band is £893 per event, which typically varies based on the band's size, performance duration, and travel requirements.
Our fantastic folk bands across the UK have entertained at 31 events, garnering 15 verified reviews with an outstanding average rating of 5.00*.
5.0(44 reviews)
• 115 bookings
'Blag's' Feisty Mix of Groovesome Irish Folk Rock & World Music
Blag's feisty mix of groovesome Celtic folk and gypsy jazz have delighted audiences for many years. Their unique style will provide a truly memorable addition to your special occasion.
from £880 / event
Why event planners love Poptop
Reviews for Best Folk Bands in the UK
Read verified reviews from real clients, who booked with Poptop in the UK
V
Victoria Russell29 Apr 2022
Absolutely brilliant! We booked for our wedding.
Phil and the band (Four Foot Four) were great. The dances were easy to understand and Phil took us through step-by-step as we went too. Would definitely recommend!!
J
Jacqueline Brett19 Oct 2021
Honestly - look no further, these are they guys you are looking for. I booked Blag to play in the local village hall for my birthday party. They were excellent musicians and lovely guys - polite, friendly and very professional. Their repertoire included many genres of music and they were able to adapt the music on the night to suit the room. The first set was an eclectic mix of music - all brilliantly played. The ceilidh in the second set was really fun, with Michael (very patiently) teaching us the moves. Everyone has been commenting on how fantastic they were ever since the party. I can't recommend them highly enough. Thank you for a really wonderful and memorable evening.
L
Lee Brampton19 Sep 2021
These guys were the third music act of our evening and were the perfect finale. Friendly, talented, fun and happy to take requests. Everyone loved it. Would happily recommend to anyone... Lee & Beth
R
Richard Jackson13 Jun 2019
What an amazing time we had dancing to the Stomping Boondocks. They guys were great from start to finish and made sure the party will be one everyone remembers. Communication from start to finish was excellent and I highly recommend these guys should you want to get your guests up on the floor.
C
Claire Bayly25 Jan 2019
"""We decided to have Josie entertain our guests with her fiddle for our annual Burns Night celebration. Her attention to detail was impressive regarding the music selection, timings of the performance and interaction with our speaker, and despite the venue's restrictions, Josie played a brilliant set of Scottish folk music. We wouldn't hesitate to recommend her and would indeed employ her again for another event if required."
C
Cara9 Jun 2018
Neil and Mark were absolutely brilliant, we could not rate them anymore. They have been more than accommodating, from learning a song for our first dance (which they performed better than we could have hoped) to being really flexible and ready to go for us in an instant. 11/10 would recommend for anyone, and will definitely keep their details for future parties.
We delivered next level parties for exceptional companies
We also did more than 40,000 birthday parties. Probably, including your neighbour’s recent big bash.
Looking for Folk Bands in the UK that feel authentic, sound fantastic, and get everyone joining in? You’re in the right place. We’ve planned thousands of events with live folk music at the heart of them, from ceilidh-heavy wedding receptions to gentle acoustic sessions for alfresco dinners. In this guide we’ll walk you through line-ups, costs, logistics, and how to book quickly and confidently. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to choose and how to make it effortless.
What Counts as a Folk Band Today
Folk is a broad church. In the UK scene you’ll find:
Ceilidh and barn dance bands with a caller
Irish and Scottish traditional groups
English folk ensembles with fiddles, whistles, guitar and melodeon
Roaming acoustic trios for mingling sets
Contemporary “festival folk” acts that blend classics with pop
Each version brings a different kind of energy. A caller-led ceilidh gets every guest moving. Roaming groups are brilliant icebreakers. Trad ensembles suit ceremonies and receptions where you want warmth without a wall of sound.
The Best Events for Folk Music
Folk bands shine where connection matters. If you’re planning any of the following, you’re on the right track:
Destination weddings where you want a joyful, inclusive dance segment
Marquee parties that need unplugged options early, then lively sets later
Festivals and community days that call for cheerful, walkabout performances
Council events where family-friendly entertainment is essential
The big win with folk is approachability. Even your shy uncle will attempt a Strip the Willow once the caller gets going.
Ideal Venues and Spaces
Folk works in flexible spaces, which is why it’s so popular outside traditional halls:
Marquees and tipis where amplified sound is possible but you may start acoustic
Barns and estates that suit rustic instrumentation and ceilidh vibes
Village greens for summer fêtes and community events
Pop-up stages at festivals, markets, and street celebrations
If your venue has strict sound limits, a travel-ready acoustic or battery-powered roaming line-up solves a lot of headaches. If you’ve got a big barn and a dance floor, an amplified ceilidh band with a caller is your party engine.
Line-Ups That Solve Real-World Problems
We love folk bands because they adapt. Three popular formats cover most scenarios:
4.85(13 reviews)
• 19 bookings
'Newick Folk' Bring a Brilliant Mixture of Genres
We bring you a brilliant mixture of genres and unique music that you and yoru guests can get up and dance to!
from £550 / event
5.0(6 reviews)
• 30 bookings
Dancing Feet Perfoming Folk Style Background Music
Two multi-instrumentalists offering a dynamic and varied performance of Scottish and Irish folk music and song, with a few extras thrown in!
from £510 / event
5.0(11 reviews)
• 2 bookings
Ceilidh Band 'The New Fox Band' with Caller
Get all your guests up and dancing together, whether they're complete beginners or experienced ceilidh dancers.
from £660 / event
5.0(8 reviews)
'Lafayette' is an upbeat, foot stomping Cajun Band
Lafayette is an energetic and energizing four-piece band specialising in Cajun and Appalachian tunes. We are ideally suited for barn dance-type performances.
from £600 / event
No reviews yet • 2 bookings
Put on Your Dancing Shoes with "Rock & Reel" Ceilidh Band
We are a three-piece band covering all ceilidh dances and modern popular covers of songs. We'll have everyone dancing and singing all night long!
from £1,100 / event
5.0(3 reviews)
• 5 bookings
3-Piece Ceilidh Band With Caller
Allow us to teach you brilliant ceilidh dances while creating a fantastic and lively atmosphere at your special occasion!
from £580 / event
5.0(5 reviews)
Exciting Klezmer Band Playing Both Traditional & Original Repertoire
Audiences will experience an outstanding, and inspiring concert from some of the UK’s leading Klezmer musicians!
from £1,100 / event
Folk Bands spotlight 🌟
2-Piece Band Playing High-Energy Klezmer & Eastern European Folk
5.0(11 reviews)
• 25 bookings
We are a 2-piece playing high-energy klezmer and eastern European folk with the occasional gypsy jazz standard thrown in. We can cater for all moods - from high-energy dancing to nice background acoustic sets. We have a wide-ranging klezmer repertoire through performing the genre over many years but if you have any requests that aren't in our standard set list we will look at adding them.
About supplier
We are brothers from Somerset who grew up in a musical household. We both studied music in the north of England with Oscar studying violin at RNCM and Barney studying piano at LCM. Over the years we have played in various bands of all styles from classical to rock, jazz to folk and tango to klezmer!
from £800 / event
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Travel-ready acoustic line-ups: Guitar, fiddle, maybe a small drum. Perfect for ceremonies, drinks, or venues with low power access. Quick setup, easy repositioning between spaces.
Battery-powered roaming: Think festival style. The band moves between guests, no wires, no stage. Great for outdoor receptions, walkabouts, and ice-breaking during photos.
Amplified ceilidh with caller: The classic dancing option. You’ll get structured sets, clear instructions, and a full room moving in minutes.
Not sure which suits you best? Start with your floor plan, noise policy, and guest profile. That usually points to the right choice within seconds.
What Folk Bands Cost in the UK
Most clients spend between £650 and £1,500 for Folk Bands in the UK. Where you land in that range depends on:
Number of musicians and whether you add a caller
Peak summer Saturdays vs weekday or off-season dates
Performance length and split sets
Travel distance and arrival time
Sound system, lighting, and any extras
A simple guide: a roaming trio or compact acoustic group often sits in the lower to mid bracket, while a four or five piece with a caller and full PA sits higher. If you can be flexible on set times or finish, that can also help the budget.
How Many Musicians Do You Need
Two or three musicians: intimate ceremonies, drinks, compact spaces, roaming sets
Three or four musicians: mixed events with listening then dancing
Four or five musicians with a caller: full ceilidh or barn dance for 80 to 150 guests
Larger ensembles: big stages, festivals, or very large weddings
If your priority is dancing, budget for the caller. If your priority is atmosphere, a trio is often the sweet spot.
Sound, Space, and Power
Folk bands are low-maintenance compared with many genres, yet a few details make a big difference:
Space: a trio can work in about 2×3 metres; a ceilidh band with caller will be happier with 3×4 metres or more
Power: acoustic or battery-powered for roaming sets; one or two standard sockets for an amplified band and caller
Sound levels: trad instruments carry well, so polite volume is achievable even in intimate rooms
Weather: for outdoor sets, cover is essential to protect instruments, and a solid floor helps for dancing
We always confirm these details during booking so there are no surprises on the day.
Building Your Set List
A strong folk set balances tradition with recognisable favourites:
Ceremony or drinks: slow airs, instrumental classics, light jigs and reels
Reception welcome: upbeat tunes to lift the mood as guests arrive
First hour of party: singalong folk-pop and lively trad to warm the room
Dance segment: caller-led ceilidh sets that grow in pace as confidence builds
Finale: crowd-pleasers everyone knows, then a final waltz if you want a neat close
Share any must-plays or vetoes early. If certain dances are special to your family, the caller will work them in.
How to Book a Folk Band the Quick Way
We believe the best way to book Folk Bands in the UK is clear and fast. Here’s how we keep it simple:
Tell us your date, guest count, and postcode to see matched acts immediately
Get instant, all-inclusive prices with clear set lengths and travel included
Check availability, view media, and compare like for like without waiting for quotes
Ask a quick question through chat if you need tweaks to sets or timings
Confirm the act you want and receive booking protection and support
You’ll go from shortlist to confirmed entertainment in minutes. That’s the goal.
Why People Book Through Us
We know you’re choosing more than a band. You’re choosing peace of mind. Here’s how we deliver it.
Enjoy a truly friendly attitude
Plan your party in minutes, not days
Get an event that is uniquely yours
Relax and plan without the anxiety
Find what you need effortlessly
Discover everything in one convenient place
Host a party that will be remembered
Book with confidence and complete security
Sample Running Order for a Wedding with Folk Music
Guest arrival: roaming acoustic trio on the lawn for 45 minutes
Wedding breakfast: soft instrumental set while guests dine
Turnaround: short break while the room resets for dancing
First dance: played live if you like, or the band cues your track
Ceilidh set one: 35 to 45 minutes with the caller
Short interval: background playlist provided
Ceilidh set two: another 35 to 45 minutes with a bigger finisher
Finale: one last singalong to close the night
For marquee parties and community events, replace the formalities with more roaming or an extra caller-led set. The format is flexible.
Planning Checklist
Date, postcode, and guest numbers ready
Decide on atmosphere first: roaming mingle, trad listening, or full ceilidh
Confirm venue rules for sound, space, and finish times
Pick a line-up size that matches your room and dance ambitions
Share special requests and any do-not-plays
Add a caller if dancing is a priority
Agree arrival, set lengths, and finish time
Confirm power or choose a battery-powered option
Tick those off and you’re good to go.
Tips for Getting the Dance Floor Full
Put the ceilidh set early enough that energy is high
Ask the caller for one “everyone join in” dance to start
Keep the room lights friendly and the bar close to the action
Give the band a short intro so the crowd knows what’s coming
Mix a few singalongs into the second set to finish big
None of this is complicated. It’s about momentum and making participation easy.
Make Your Booking Simple and Safe
Poptop isn’t just another marketplace. It’s the reliable, straightforward way to book Folk Bands in the UK with total confidence. You’ll see instant pricing, fast communication, and tailored options that fit your venue and style. You’ll also get support at every step and protection that keeps your plan secure.
If you’re ready to go, tell us your date, guest count, and postcode. We’ll show you travel-ready acoustic line-ups, battery-powered roaming groups, and amplified ceilidh bands with callers that match your event perfectly. Pick your favourite, confirm in minutes, and relax. We’ll help you host the kind of party people talk about for years.
