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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*.
'Blag's' Feisty Mix of Groovesome Irish Folk Rock & World Music
5.0(44 reviews)
• 115 bookings
We play a huge range of Celtic music from traditional jigs and reels, to contemporary Irish folk and rock, such as songs by Van Morrison, Ed Sheeran, Eagle-Eyed Cherry, Orthodox Celts, Paul Weller, The Pogues, The Waterboys, Thin Lizzy, and many others. We also play an eclectic mix of music from around the world, including gypsy and Latin jazz. We have performed on both TV and radio, including being featured in 'Loose Ends' on Radio 4.
About supplier
Our group has over 25 years of experience performing in the the UK and at festivals internationally. Our aim is to get everyone dancing and hope everyone at your event has an amazing time. Our whole group loves performing together and our energy really shows on stage!
from £880 / event
Why event planners love Poptop
Reviews for Folk Bands in the UK
Read verified reviews from real clients, who booked with Poptop in the UK
M
Maria Arthurs-Hartnett14 Mar 2020
Booked for Wedding
Stomping Boondocks were perfect at our wedding - they were talented, engaging and lots of fun! We were very impressed and would absolutely recommend the band :)
W
Wendy phillips31 Dec 2019
Booked for Birthday party
I can't thank capstick enough for making my husbands surprise party the success it was. They were fun and timed the times between dances just right and the music was great.
P
Pete21 Dec 2019
Booked for Christmas party
The band were brilliant and had everyone up on their feet. They were very helpful and professional. I would definitely recommend them.
C
Claire Bayly25 Jan 2019
Booked for Corporate Function
"""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."
Y
Yvonne10 Nov 2018
Booked for Celebration
Absolutely amazing! They did a great job! Best band I've heard and when Roddy played the pipes everyone in the room loved it! Well done and thank you so much for making my babies naming ceremony so memorable! Absolutely fantastic!
C
Caroline Copleston3 Nov 2018
Booked for Private party
We had a wonderfully fun evening with a band who were excellent musicians, and Liz, the caller, giving us clear instructions for the dances. We all went home happily tired!
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
'Newick Folk' Bring a Brilliant Mixture of Genres
4.85(13 reviews)
• 19 bookings
Newick Folk perform mainly traditional music plus anything else that takes our fancy. That might be anything from I Am a Cider Drinker and My Old Man’s a Dustman to the themes from Captain Pugwash or Blackadder and maybe even Blueberry Hill or the SanFrancisco Bay Blues. We set out to entertain you and we love it when people get up and dance.
About supplier
Between them, they have been playing for over 120 years in a wide range of genres, with several of the team regularly completing session work. We can turn ourselves to light jazz, country, pop and blues to add to our wide repertoire of folk.
from £550 / event
Dancing Feet Perfoming Folk Style Background Music
5.0(6 reviews)
• 30 bookings
The band offers a varied performance of Scottish and Irish folk music and song, with a few extras thrown in! We use a loop pedal to create a full band sound with only two of us, with a lineup of fiddle, pipes, flute, sax, cajon and guitar.
We can also do an acoustic set, on fiddle, flute pipes and guitar, playing a mix of songs and tunes.
About supplier
Kate and Roddy have been playing together for 15 years and have built up a rapport that makes for an engaging, dynamic and spontaneous performance. Both are professional musicians with 30 years experience, meaning that they are flexible and ready for anything!
from £510 / event
Ceilidh Band 'The New Fox Band' with Caller
5.0(11 reviews)
• 2 bookings
We have a wide repertoire of tunes and dances and can provide either a traditional Scottish ceilidh with all the best-known dances such as Strip The Willow, Dashing White Sergeant, Gay Gordons, etc. or we can play a more English-style ceilidh or barn dance, with festival favourites such as The Willow Tree, Cornish Six Hand Reel and Nottingham Swing, as well as dozens of rarer ones for the discerning ceilidh enthusiast. Get all your guests up and dancing together!
About supplier
We're all long-term full-time professionals with years of experience in lots of different ceilidh bands. We've played hunreds of ceilidhs at weddings and other private functions for lots of very happy clients.
from £660 / event
'Lafayette' is an upbeat, foot stomping Cajun Band
5.0(8 reviews)
Lafayette is an energetic and energizing four-piece band specialising in Cajun and Appalachian tunes. We have designed the set to create an infectious urge to dance and get the audience to stomp the floors, no matter what their age or their ability. We thrive to create a dynamic and swinging mood to put a smile on the audience's face and give everyone a good time. We can also include our caller who will show some Cajun steps and ensure that everyone joins in.
About supplier
Lafayette has performed at many events around Cornwall including pubs, clubs, and weddings as well as various festivals all over Cornwall. Each musician has been playing professionally for several decades, whether in the UK or abroad.
from £600 / event
Put on Your Dancing Shoes with "Rock & Reel" Ceilidh Band
No reviews yet • 2 bookings
Rock & Reel are a three-piece upbeat ceilidh band covering all the standard ceilidh dances. Our usual set-up includes accordion, fiddle and guitar/vocals. We will talk through all the dances (if required), using easy-to-follow instructions (and humour), and demonstrations. We also sing a number of Scottish and popular songs, allowing for a variety throughout the night. We will happily take requests through the night, and work with you in advance to ensure that we cover all your favourites.
About supplier
We have played together, and with various lineups, for over 15 years, all over the world, as well as at a number of national festivals (including Glastonbury!). Individually, we have all played and taught music from places ranging from Uganda to India, Australia to America.
from £1100 / event
3-Piece Ceilidh Band With Caller
5.0(3 reviews)
• 5 bookings
We are a 3-piece Ceilidh Band playing English, Irish, Scottish and some European music. Our mix of traditional folk music with strong melodies and powerful rhythms is ideally suited to Ceilidh and Barn Dances. We would usually play 2 sets with a break, totalling 3 hours. Allow us to teach you brilliant ceilidh dances while creating a fantastic and lively atmosphere at your special occasion!
About supplier
Dawntreader are a powerful and dynamic Ceilidh/Barn Dance Band with a Caller. Debs, our Caller, has 15 years of experience in Calling with Ceilidh Bands and has Dances to suit all abilities, including some fun dances for the little ones.
from £580 / event
Exciting Klezmer Band Playing Both Traditional & Original Repertoire
5.0(5 reviews)
Klezmer Foygl - meaning Klezmer Songbird in Yiddish, play traditional Klezmer music, performing both traditional and newly composed repertoire in an authentic way. The band shares a deep love and understanding of this music and seeks to educate audiences about its origins, development, and current function. The band's performance, interwoven with explanations and stories, will take audiences on a journey through many elements of this music and its role in Yiddish culture.
About supplier
All of us have toured extensively with other Klezmer ensembles. Including working with many rural touring organisations, and performing at some of the UK’s biggest Folk Festivals, including; Broadstairs Folk Week, Towersey Folk Festival, and Purbeck Valley Folk Festival.
from £1100 / event
2-Piece Band Playing High-Energy Klezmer & Eastern European Folk
5.0(11 reviews)
• 27 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 £700 / event
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We love folk bands because they adapt. Three popular formats cover most scenarios:
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.
