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Hire Ceilidh Band in Manchester

With our handpicked selection of the top ceilidh bands in Manchester, we're here to transform your celebration into an unforgettable experience of traditional Scottish music and dancing. Get ready for a night of infectious energy, lively melodies, and a vibrant atmosphere.Read more

Ceilidh Bands in Manchester

Get ready to kick up your heels! Discover Manchester's top Ceilidh Bands for hire, perfect for bringing vibrant folk energy and unforgettable fun to any wedding or party. We’ve got 12 incredible bands ready to get your guests dancing, from lively traditional sets to modern twists. Our hand-picked bands are ideal for celebrations at venues like Victoria Warehouse or The Midland Hotel. Get your dancing shoes on and explore!

  • Every Ceilidh band in this selection has been personally vetted by our team, ensuring they meet our high standards for musical quality, stage presence, and client satisfaction.
  • The average hire price for a Ceilidh band is £968 per event, with the final cost depending on the band's size, experience, and the duration of your booking.
  • Our fantastic Manchester Ceilidh bands have collectively performed at 51 events, gathering 16 verified reviews with a perfect average rating of 5.00*.

Upbeat Musicians 'Millstone' for Barn Dances, Hoedowns & Ceilidhs
5.0(6 reviews)
• 2 bookings

Upbeat Musicians 'Millstone' for Barn Dances, Hoedowns & Ceilidhs

Experienced Ceilidh and Barn Dance Band who can provide that unmistakable toe-tapping music to get everyone at the party joining in with the dancing.

from £500 / event

Why event planners love Poptop

Reviews for Ceilidh Bands in Manchester

Read verified reviews from real clients, who booked with Poptop in Manchester

E
Ellie Lewis15 Sep 2025

Booked for Wedding

We booked Phil for our wedding and he was amazing! He was patient with our guests and got everyone up and dancing, it was magical seeing so many of our friends who don't dance joining in. We would definitely highly recommend Phil!!
S
Sean Coughlan18 Aug 2024

Booked for Wedding

The lads from Behans Footsteps were great from start to finish. We wanted some traditional Irish music to play as guests arrived at our wedding and Barney was very accommodating with their choice of tunes. We would highly recommend them for their professionalism and quality of playing.
J
James Whalley4 Jun 2024

Booked for Birthday party

Great from initial enquiry to performing their set. Really good communication and very friendly guys, my Dad loved it for his birthday, as did the 30 other guests. Highly recommend.
K
Kay broadhead28 Apr 2024

Booked for Birthday party

What an absolute fabulous time we had the band and caller were brilliant , we and all our guest couldn’t stop raving about what a great time was had thank you so much for making our evening so much fun and creating wonderful memories xx
S
Sam Davies3 Oct 2022

Booked for Other Event

We had a great barn dance with thanks to Newick Folk who provided brilliant music for the evening. They really fit the theme and Jenny the caller was brilliant with her instructions, and they managed to get old and young up and dancing right from the start. We would definitely recommend them to anyone wanting a barn dance or folk event. Also great communication leading up to the event which helped.
B
Bradshaw Tony2 Mar 2020

Booked for Celebration

We could’ve have been happier with them. They were excellent. Polite, helpful, very professional and kept us entertained all night. We could not speak too highly of them and would recommend them without reservation. They also play music for a disco too which worked well for us.

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.

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Ceilidh Bands in Manchester

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A Mancunian's Guide to Booking a Brilliant Ceilidh Band

There's a raw, infectious energy to Manchester, and if you want your event to capture that same spirit, you need entertainment that gets people on their feet. Forget polite chatter and guests glued to their phones. We’re talking about proper, unadulterated fun. We’re talking about a ceilidh.

As event professionals with years in the game, we’ve seen firsthand how a great ceilidh band can transform a party. It’s a riot of spinning, stomping, and laughing until your sides hurt. It’s the ultimate icebreaker, turning a room full of strangers into a whirlwind of new friends. If you want to host an event in Manchester that people will be talking about for years, a ceilidh is one of the smartest moves you can make.

But with so much choice out there, how do you find the right band for your bash? That’s where we come in. This guide is your no-nonsense introduction to hiring a fantastic ceilidh band in Manchester, from choosing the right vibe for your venue to figuring out the costs. Let’s dive in.

Why a Ceilidh is a Top Choice for Your Manchester Event

A ceilidh (pronounced ‘kay-lee’, for the uninitiated) is a traditional Gaelic gathering with folk music and dancing. But don’t let the word ‘traditional’ fool you. This is high-energy, inclusive entertainment at its best. Its real magic is that absolutely anyone can do it. No experience is needed – in fact, it’s often more fun when everyone’s a beginner!

  • Weddings That Rock Manchester is full of cool, alternative wedding venues, and a ceilidh is the perfect fit for a couple that wants a reception that’s anything but stuffy. It’s a brilliant way to get your uni mates and your nan on the same dance floor, breaking down barriers and kicking off the evening festivities with a massive dose of energy and laughter.

  • Unforgettable University Balls With one of the largest student populations in Europe, Manchester knows how to throw a party. For uni societies and end-of-year balls, a ceilidh is a fantastic choice. It’s interactive, gets everyone involved, and provides a much-needed break from the usual DJ set. It’s organised chaos in the best possible way.

  • Christmas Parties with a Kick Tired of the same old Christmas do? A ceilidh is the perfect antidote to the predictable festive formula. It gets different departments mingling and is a surefire way to get even the most reserved colleagues out of their shells. The shared experience of learning (and messing up) a dance together is a brilliant team-building exercise without any of the corporate jargon.

Frequently asked questions

I want to hire a ceilidh band in Manchester. How much will it cost?
The price a ceilidh band in Manchester will charge you for an event is between £300 to £1,920 depending on the number of members in the band you choose. Other factors influencing the cost include travel expenses and other additional services. Kindly go through Poptop for a personalised list of professional ceilidh bands for hire in Manchester and get an instant quote after filling in your event details.
Should I provide any equipment if I hire a ceilidh band in Manchester?
You will need to provide a parking area so the bands can access the venue easily. A safe, flat, and dry performance area will be needed if the bands are to perform indoors. You will provide the bands with chairs and shelter if they agree to perform outside to protect them from the sun.
High-Energy Celtic Duo "Behan's Footsteps"
5.0(11 reviews)
• 27 bookings

High-Energy Celtic Duo "Behan's Footsteps"

Behan's Footsteps have been playing Celtic music for as long as they could walk. We know how to make people dance, and we know how to make them cry!

from £700 / event
'Two Left Feet' Ceilidh Band & Caller with a Varied Repertoire
5.0(6 reviews)
• 19 bookings

'Two Left Feet' Ceilidh Band & Caller with a Varied Repertoire

We have a large and varied repertoire of music and dances that includes Scottish, Irish, English and Welsh music and dance. We also play American reels if you require a Hoe-Down.

from £850 / event
'Bracken Rigg' Scottish, Irish & English Ceilidh Band
5.0(1 review)
• 4 bookings

'Bracken Rigg' Scottish, Irish & English Ceilidh Band

Bracken Rigg Band have been established for over 45 years so are extremely experienced - you are in safe hands!

from £650 / event
'Price of My Pig' Ceilidh Band with Caller
5.0(18 reviews)
• 16 bookings

'Price of My Pig' Ceilidh Band with Caller

Depending on your preferences we are more than happy to focus on Scottish dances, English dances, Irish dances or European dances to suit.

from £1,200 / event
'Kellys Heroes' The Craic with a Ceilidh
4.95(20 reviews)
• 34 bookings

'Kellys Heroes' The Craic with a Ceilidh

Our emphasis is on fun and all we need is for you and your guests to get up and have a go - the result will be a floor full of smiling, laughing faces!

from £880 / event
'Taigh Band' Create Fun-Filled Night & Unforgettable Celtic Experience
5.0(1 review)
• 1 booking

'Taigh Band' Create Fun-Filled Night & Unforgettable Celtic Experience

Taigh Band is a professional Ceilidh band based in the stunning South East of England. Contact us today and let us create a fun-filled night of Scottish music for you and your guests.

from £1,500 / event
'The Haggis Chasers' Scottish Ceilidh Band
5.0(7 reviews)
• 1 booking

'The Haggis Chasers' Scottish Ceilidh Band

Performing together for over 15 years bringing an exciting and energetic ceilidh experience to our customers without losing our heritage and roots in Traditional Scottish Dance-Band Music.

from £1,000 / event
'The Jacobites' Combining Traditional Music with Modern Twist
5.0(7 reviews)

'The Jacobites' Combining Traditional Music with Modern Twist

The Jacobites are an exceptional ceilidh band based in Edinburgh that offer professional ceilidhs for weddings, festivals and events. We offer a ceilidh with a difference.

from £1,200 / event
'Cragganmore' Provide Energetic, Authentic Ceilidh Experience
🎉 New to Poptop

'Cragganmore' Provide Energetic, Authentic Ceilidh Experience

With more than 30 years of experience within the industry, Cragganmore are a highly professional ceilidh band who offer a reliable, personal service from start to finish.

from £1,095 / event
Dancing Feet Ceilidh Band - Scottish Duo With Live Looping
5.0(6 reviews)
• 30 bookings

Dancing Feet Ceilidh Band - Scottish Duo With Live Looping

Multi-instrumentalist Ceilidh Duo who use live looping to create full band sound, energetic and lively music, combined with great calling to ensure a full dance floor!

from £540 / event
'Beer For Breakfast' Play Traditional & Contemporary Irish Ceili Music
'Beer For Breakfast' Play Traditional & Contemporary Irish Ceili Music
'Beer For Breakfast' Play Traditional & Contemporary Irish Ceili Music

Ceilidh Bands spotlight 🌟

'Beer For Breakfast' Play Traditional & Contemporary Irish Ceili Music

5.0(1 review)
• 3 bookings

Beer For Breakfast are a professional four-piece Ceili Band, playing a fantastic and lively range of traditional and contemporary Irish and Scottish music for your ceilidh or barn dance. With their experienced caller, they come equipped and ready to play at all types of music venues from very small gatherings to very large events.

About supplier

The members of the band are all professional musicians who came together from academic, formal, semi-pro, session and music festival backgrounds, to form one of the liveliest traditional music bands on the UK music scene today.

from £800 / event

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Proper Pub Parties Many of Manchester’s brilliant pubs have fantastic function rooms that are crying out for a ceilidh. If you’re planning a big birthday, an anniversary, or just a massive get-together with mates, hiring a ceilidh band can turn a simple pub gathering into a legendary night.

What's Your Flavour? Finding a Manchester Band with the Right Vibe

Manchester’s legendary music scene has influenced its folk artists, creating a brilliant mix of ceilidh styles to choose from. You’re not just booking musicians; you’re booking a whole atmosphere.

High-Energy Trad

For the purists, a traditional band is the way to go. These are musicians steeped in the folk traditions of Scotland and Ireland, playing timeless tunes with passion and incredible skill. The sound is authentic, the energy is sky-high, and the experience is a proper foot-stomping, hand-clapping ceilidh. It’s perfect for anyone wanting that classic, fiery folk sound.

Indie-Folk Ceilidh

This is where Manchester’s unique musical heritage really shines through. An indie-folk ceilidh band blends the traditional dances and tunes with a modern, rock-and-roll sensibility. Think fiddles with a bit of swagger, accordions with attitude, and a rhythm section that drives the beat like your favourite indie band. It’s a fresh, contemporary take on the ceilidh that feels right at home in a city that’s always been at the cutting edge of music.

The All-Important Caller

No matter which style you go for, the most crucial element for a party of beginners is the caller. This band member is your master of ceremonies, your dance instructor, and your party-starter all rolled into one. A great caller knows how to explain the dances clearly, with plenty of humour and encouragement. They can read the room, keeping things simple for the novices or throwing in a more complex dance for an enthusiastic crowd. They ensure that everyone feels comfortable enough to "learn on the night" and have a go.

You get more than just a service; you get an experience. At Poptop, our suppliers are chosen for their professionalism and their ability to create a warm, friendly, and engaging atmosphere. They connect with your guests, making sure everyone has a wonderful time.

The Perfect Stomping Ground: Manchester Venues for a Ceilidh

You need a bit of room for a ceilidh. All that spinning in The Gay Gordons and forming sets for a Dashing White Sergeant requires a decent-sized dance floor. Luckily, Manchester and its surroundings are packed with brilliant spaces.

  • Converted Mills and Warehouses What could be more Manchester than a party in a converted Victorian mill or warehouse? These iconic industrial spaces in areas like Ancoats or the Northern Quarter offer high ceilings, exposed brickwork, and vast open floors that are perfect for a ceilidh. The raw, urban aesthetic provides a fantastic contrast to the rustic energy of the folk music.

  • City Centre Hotels For a more polished affair, the function rooms and ballrooms in Manchester’s many hotels are an excellent choice. They are purpose-built for events, with great acoustics, plenty of space, and often a dedicated dance floor ready and waiting for you to Strip the Willow.

  • Rustic Barns on the Outskirts If you’re looking for a more festival or country-wedding vibe, the beautiful countryside surrounding Manchester is dotted with stunning barn venues. A ceilidh is the absolute perfect fit for a rustic barn setting, creating a warm, joyful, and relaxed atmosphere for your celebration.

Sorting the Budget: Ceilidh Band Prices in Manchester

So, what’s it going to cost? In Manchester, you can typically expect to pay between £750 and £1,300 for a professional ceilidh band. The final price will depend on a few things:

  • How many musicians are in the band? A three-piece will cost less than a five-piece with a drummer and bassist.
  • How long do you need them for? A standard booking usually covers two sets of around 45-60 minutes each.
  • Are they in high demand? The most popular, experienced bands can charge a premium.
  • Travel expenses. Most bands include travel within a certain radius, but if they’re coming from further afield (like Leeds or Liverpool), there may be an extra charge.

We know your time is valuable. That’s why we provide instant, all-inclusive pricing on Poptop, so you can make decisions immediately without the tedious wait for quotes. Our suppliers and support team respond quickly, which means your planning process is smooth, fast, and completely hassle-free.

Plan Your Party the Easy Way

We believe planning your event should be exciting, not stressful. It’s about bringing your vision to life without getting bogged down in endless admin. That’s the Poptop way.

You don't need to be an event planning expert to use our platform. It’s designed to be incredibly simple. All it takes is your event date, number of guests, and a postcode to instantly see a full range of perfectly matched services ready for your event. You can find everything you need in one convenient place, saving you the effort of searching multiple websites.

Your vision is what matters most. Our suppliers excel at tailoring their services to you, whether it’s learning a special song or adapting their setlist. This flexibility ensures you get an event that is uniquely yours. And you can relax, because we provide clear communication and updates at every stage. No more anxiety wondering if everything is on track.

Most importantly, you can book with complete security. You can trust that your event is in safe hands because we carefully vet all our suppliers. If any issue ever arises, we promise to find a suitable alternative for you. Paired with our money-back guarantee, you can book with total confidence, knowing your investment is secure.

A ceilidh promises a night of pure, unpretentious fun that will leave your guests with aching feet and massive smiles. It’s a shared experience that builds connections and creates brilliant memories.

Ready to find the perfect soundtrack for your Manchester event? Explore our incredible selection of ceilidh bands on Poptop. You can watch their videos, hear their music, and book your favourite in minutes.

How much time does a ceilidh band for hire needs to set up?
Setting up the equipment before and packing after the event is included in the services the ceilidh band offers. The ceilidh bands will be available an hour before the event so they can set up their equipment. It will take a band between 60-90 minutes to set up and ensure an adequate sound check. Depending on their equipment, some bands may take up to two hours to set up. Also, the band will stay after the event for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to pack their equipment.