Explore our curated selection of vibrant & energetic ceilidh bands in the UK. We have classic instrumental bands, as well as cover ceilidh bands, who can perform popular hits in their distinct folk style. Most bands can provide a caller on request.Read more
Best Ceilidh Bands in the UK
Get ready to stomp your feet and swing your partners! Our fantastic selection of Ceilidh Bands for hire across the UK will bring an unbeatable atmosphere to your wedding, party, or corporate event. With 49 top-rated bands available, offering everything from traditional Scottish jigs to modern Celtic fusion, we make finding the perfect live music simple, no matter where you're celebrating. Dive in and discover your ideal ceilidh experience today!
Every Ceilidh Band listed here has been thoroughly vetted by our team, guaranteeing exceptional musicianship, professional conduct, and a proven track record based on their listing quality, reputation, and verified client reviews.
The average price for hiring a Ceilidh Band is £900 per event, with costs varying depending on the number of musicians, their experience, the duration of the performance, and travel requirements.
Our Ceilidh Band suppliers across the UK have delighted audiences at 164 events, gathering 59 verified client reviews with a perfect average rating of 5.00* out of 5*.
5.0(8 reviews)
• 16 bookings
Terrific & High-Energy Ceilidh Band 'Climax' with Caller
This is a terrific and high-energy performance that will bring your guests to the dance floor with traditional ceilidh music!
from £850 / event
Why event planners love Poptop
Reviews for Best Ceilidh Bands in the UK
Read verified reviews from real clients, who booked with Poptop in the UK
M
Marina Brumpton8 Oct 2023
We had the band at our son's wedding and they were great. They got everybody going and David's instructions were very good and very funny, too. Hardly anyone knew how to dance these dances, so chaos ensued in the most entertaining way. By the last song we finally got it and they kept playing for 15 minutes (!) because everyone was most enthusiastically participating. These guys are wonderful musicians and entertainers. Thank you so very much!
S
Sarah Muscat6 Oct 2022
Phil was absolutely brilliant, staff and residents enjoyed themselves I would highly recommend them to anyone and definitely book them again.
M
Mari Stewart28 Oct 2021
They were a great bunch they had us up and dancing, I laughed so much I almost wet myself. We had a great night thanks to them. God bless and thank you xx
E
Emma Marsden10 Oct 2021
We had a joint 50th & 80th birthday party. Black Velvet were fantastic. Great musicians and made the Barn dance run smoothly. We had ages from 5 to 80 and they tailored everything perfectly. Made it a birthday to remember
C
Caroline2 Mar 2019
"We were so pleased we had booked Martin and the SIlver Street Ceilidh Band for our awards night. From first contact to the night itself they were friendly, fun and professional. Their music and calling got everyone up dancing and was just what we needed. The only down side was that being an awards night, the speeches went on a bit and we didn't have as much of the band as we would have liked. It was very easy booking through Poptop.
We wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. Thank you Martin."
C
Colette Cradock26 Jan 2019
Price of my pig played at my wedding and were absolutely incredible. The whole band were so much fun and got the whole wedding party involved. The band was excellent and evening DJ was perfect. Ben always got back to me very quickly and was so accommodating to all of our requests. Cannot recommend enough!
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.
The Ultimate UK Guide to Hiring a Cracking Ceilidh Band
From the Highlands of Scotland to the coasts of Cornwall, there’s one form of entertainment that unites the UK in a joyous, foot-stomping, slightly sweaty heap: a ceilidh. As event professionals, we’ve seen it all, and we can confidently say that nothing gets a party started and brings people together quite like a live ceilidh band.
It’s an absolute leveller. It doesn’t matter if you’re a CEO or a student, a city slicker or a country dweller, an expert dancer or someone with two left feet. The moment the fiddle and accordion strike up, everyone is in the same boat, navigating the Dashing White Sergeant with a mix of concentration and pure glee.
But the UK is a big place, and finding the right band for your event, wherever it may be, can seem like a daunting task. That’s where we come in. This is your definitive guide to hiring a ceilidh band anywhere in the UK, from the practicalities of booking for a remote barn to finding the perfect style for your guests. Let's get you sorted.
Why a Ceilidh is a Winner for Any UK Event
The true magic of a ceilidh is its universal appeal and incredible inclusivity. It’s an interactive, high-energy experience that works wonders for almost any occasion, anywhere in the country. A brilliant caller is always part of the package, expertly guiding your guests through every step with warmth and humour.
Destination Weddings
Hosting a wedding in a picturesque corner of the UK for guests flying in from all over? A ceilidh is the perfect icebreaker. It’s a wonderfully British cultural experience that gives everyone a fun, shared activity. It breaks down language barriers and gets your different groups of friends and family mingling and laughing in a way that nothing else can.
Village Fêtes and Community Gatherings
The village fête is a cornerstone of British life. A ceilidh or a barn dance fits the atmosphere perfectly, providing a central point of fun for all ages. It fosters a real sense of community spirit, getting everyone from toddlers to grandparents up and dancing on the village green.
Corporate Offsites and Team Building
Tired of trust falls and awkward icebreaker games? A ceilidh is the team-building event your colleagues actually want to do. It’s collaborative, requires communication, and breaks down workplace hierarchies like nothing else. You’ll see your team in a whole new light after they’ve attempted to Strip the Willow together. It’s pure, unadulterated fun that builds genuine bonds.
Finding Your Perfect Sound, Wherever You Are
The UK’s folk scene is incredibly rich and diverse. While the core concept of a ceilidh is the same, you can find bands with different flavours to suit your event’s unique style.
Frequently asked questions
What is a ceilidh band?
A ceilidh band is a versatile group of professionals that can perform both traditional folk songs and contemporary pop chart covers. This group will frequently have a vocalist on board, a guitarist, and a caller, and they can play pop song headlining sets interspersed with ceilidh dance. This kind of band is excellent for occasions where the audience's age range is diverse. Ceilidh band combines traditional folk music with energetic traditional and contemporary Scottish music, Irish songs, and lively English songs.
How much is a UK ceilidh band for hire?
The price to hire a ceilidh band in the UK varies depending on how many musicians are in the group. Depending on the size of the band you select, a ceilidh band on Poptop will charge you anything from £300 to £1,920 for an event. Travel costs and other extra services are some of the elements that affect the price. Visit Poptop's website to view a customised list of ceilidh bands near you and to request a quick price for your event once you input your event’s details.
Ceilidh bands & Djs
5.0(6 reviews)
• 4 bookings
Ceilidh Rock Party Band 'The Ceilidh Experience'
from £1,500 / event
4.43(8 reviews)
• 56 bookings
Highly Energetic Irish & Scotish, Ceilidh Band
from £1,100 / event
5.0(6 reviews)
• 2 bookings
'Are Ye Dancin' Scotland's Most Entertaining Ceilidh Band
from £999 / event
5.0(6 reviews)
• 2 bookings
One Man Ceilidh Band with Optional DJ
from £600 / event
View more ceilidh bands with DJs
Ceilidh wedding bands
5.0(12 reviews)
• 6 bookings
Annasach Ceilidh Band Providing Energetic Vibrant Sound
from £1,196 / event
5.0(14 reviews)
• 34 bookings
"Shenanigan Ceilidh Band"
from £680 / event
4.89(63 reviews)
• 93 bookings
'Black Velvet' Ceilidh Band
from £595 / event
5.0(1 review)
The Kilburners Ceilidh Band
from £950 / event
View more wedding ceilidh bands
Ceilidh bands with a caller
5.0(8 reviews)
• 16 bookings
Terrific & High-Energy Ceilidh Band 'Climax' with Caller
from £850 / event
5.0(18 reviews)
• 16 bookings
'Price of My Pig' Ceilidh Band with Caller
from £1,200 / event
4.85(13 reviews)
• 18 bookings
'Newick Folk' Authentic Ceilidh Band & Caller
from £600 / event
5.0(24 reviews)
• 48 bookings
'Wraggle Taggle' Traditional Ceilidh Band & Caller
from £855 / event
View more ceilidh bands with a caller
4.92(12 reviews)
• 5 bookings
Ceilidhs and Barn Dances with 'Rejigged' Ceilidh Band
We'll create a vibrant, energetic and lively performance for your special occasion with our traditional Ceilidh music and fun caller, who has a tremendous sense of humour. A personal service
from £500 / event
4.43(8 reviews)
• 56 bookings
Highly Energetic Irish & Scotish, Ceilidh Band
Create a high-energy and vibrant atmosphere at your next special event with this traditional Scottish Ceilidh band.
from £1,100 / event
POPTOP CHOICE 😎
5.0(43 reviews)
• 114 bookings
Dance the Night Away with the Ceilidh Band 'Blag'
Blag are a lively, fun, and hugely experienced Ceilidh band that will keep you on your toes all night: dancing, mixing and laughing.
from £920 / event
5.0(4 reviews)
• 18 bookings
'The O'Marleys' Play Irish & Scottish Music
Lively Irish and/or Scottish folk music from The O'Marleys to get you event started and bring your guests to the dancefloor.
from £625 / event
5.0(13 reviews)
• 4 bookings
A2 Barn Dance Band Good fun for all occasions
We want you to have the time of your lives and we're committed to making this the best barn dance you've ever been to.
from £650 / event
4.85(13 reviews)
• 18 bookings
'Newick Folk' Authentic Ceilidh Band & Caller
This three piece ceilidh band and caller are a terrific addition to any event and provides lively, authentic Scottish entertainment.
from £600 / event
5.0(14 reviews)
• 34 bookings
"Shenanigan Ceilidh Band"
This is an ideal celebration entertainment for all guests to get to know each other in a light-hearted way.
from £680 / event
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
5.0(17 reviews)
• 20 bookings
'Phil Preen' Traditional Ceilidh Band & Dance Caller
No matter the special occasion, a traditional Ceilidh or barn dance band will entertain you and your guests with brilliant Scottish, English, American and Irish music.
from £500 / event
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
4.67(3 reviews)
• 15 bookings
Elie Rees Ceilidh Band with Experience Caller
Ceilidh/Barn dance band. 3 musicians & a caller teaching the dances includes well known folk artists & experienced ceilidh players. Gorgeous music, great caller for a fun, hassle-free event.
from £1,180 / event
5.0(12 reviews)
• 6 bookings
Annasach Ceilidh Band Providing Energetic Vibrant Sound
Annasach Ceilidh Band have a solid reputation, providing an energetic vibrant sound to entertain your guests at your special event.
from £1,196 / event
5.0(11 reviews)
• 24 bookings
High-Energy Celtic Band '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
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
5.0(6 reviews)
• 2 bookings
One Man Ceilidh Band with Optional DJ
The beauty of The One Man Ceilidh Band is, it still sounds like you have a full band on the stage. The One Man Band with the BIG sound.
from £600 / 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(7 reviews)
• 3 bookings
Experienced & Energetic 'Swing The Bridge' Ceilidh Band
'Swing The Bridge' is an Experienced, Energetic and Professional Folk/Rock Ceilidh Band performing lively traditional tunes!
from £950 / event
Ceilidh Bands spotlight 🌟
'Black Velvet' Ceilidh Band
4.89(63 reviews)
• 93 bookings
Whether it's a Scottish Ceilidh, an English Barn Dance, or an American Hoedown, Black Velvet Band Ceilidh Trio fit the bill. Professional musicians from the band tailor the style of music and the dances to suit. No dancing experience is required. Whatever the style, our experienced dance callers will include your favourite dances and will make it easy for "newbies". Your guests will soon be on the dance-floor ceilidh-ing and barn dancing with the best of them. It's a guaranteed good fun night!
About supplier
With three decades of wedding and party experience, Black Velvet Band guarantees you a first-class barn dance or ceilidh. Scottish ceilidh? Irish Ceili? English Barn dance? No problem! Professional musicians play tunes to suit and our experienced dance-caller makes dancing easy and fun.
from £595 / event
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Can’t decide between a traditional ceilidh and a classic party band? You don’t have to. This is an increasingly popular option and for good reason. The band kicks off the night with a couple of high-energy ceilidh sets to get everyone warmed up and mixing. Then, after a break, they switch to a slick set of pop, rock, and soul covers, turning the event into a full-blown party. It’s the perfect all-in-one solution.
Travel-Light Acoustic Sets
Planning your event in a remote rural barn, a marquee in a field, or a historic venue with tricky access? A flexible acoustic band is your best friend. These talented musicians can create an incredible atmosphere with a smaller, travel-light setup – think fiddles, acoustic guitars, and a bodhrán. It’s an intimate, organic sound that’s perfect for unique spaces or venues with noise restrictions.
An All-Abilities Caller is Key
This is less a style and more of a non-negotiable. The single most important element for a successful ceilidh with a mixed crowd is a brilliant caller. Their job is to be the friendly, encouraging face of the band, teaching the dances with clarity and patience. They are experts at reading a room, choosing dances that suit the energy and experience level of the guests, ensuring nobody feels left out.
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.
The Ideal Stomping Ground: Venues Across the UK
A ceilidh needs space for your guests to birl and gallop around. Thankfully, the UK is blessed with incredible venues that are perfect for a proper knees-up.
Stately Homes
For a truly grand affair, the UK’s magnificent stately homes provide a breathtaking backdrop. Their elegant ballrooms often have high ceilings and beautiful sprung-wood floors that are simply made for dancing.
Rural Barns
The rustic barn wedding or party is a modern classic. From the Cotswolds to the Yorkshire Dales, these venues offer a relaxed, informal charm that is the perfect match for the earthy energy of a ceilidh.
Marquees
A marquee offers a completely blank canvas in the grounds of a beautiful venue or even your own back garden. The two absolute essentials for a ceilidh in a marquee are a solid, level dance floor (dancing on grass is a recipe for disaster!) and a reliable, safe power supply for the band’s equipment.
Budgeting for Your Band: UK-Wide Pricing
So, what does it cost to hire a professional ceilidh band in the UK? As a guide, you should budget for between £850 and £1,600. The key thing to note for a UK-wide search is that this price will often have travel costs added on top.
Here’s what influences the price:
Band Size: A trio will cost less than a five-piece band with a full drum kit and PA system.
Experience & Demand: The most popular and experienced bands command higher fees.
Duration: The price will be for a set amount of time, usually two or three sets. Extra time will cost more.
Travel: This is the big one for UK-wide bookings. Bands will charge for mileage from their base. For long distances that require an overnight stay, you may also need to cover accommodation costs.
Your time is valuable. That’s why at Poptop, we provide instant, all-inclusive pricing. You enter your event postcode, and the system automatically calculates any travel fees, so the price you see is the price you pay. No hidden extras. This means you can make decisions immediately without waiting for quotes, making your planning process smooth, fast, and completely hassle-free.
The Simple, Stress-Free Way to Plan Your Event
Organising an event, especially a destination one, can feel overwhelming. We believe booking your entertainment should be the easiest part.
Forget the stress of wondering if everything is on track. We provide you with clear communication and updates at every stage. You'll know exactly what's happening and when, so you can feel confident and relaxed, and simply look forward to your celebration.
You don't need to be an event planning expert to use Poptop. Our platform is 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, wherever it may be in the UK.
Your vision for your event is what matters most. Our suppliers excel at tailoring their services to you. This flexibility ensures the final result is a personal experience that perfectly matches your expectations. You can also trust that your event is in safe hands. We guarantee a reliable service by carefully vetting all our suppliers. If any issue arises, we promise to find a suitable alternative for you. Paired with our money-back guarantee, you can book with total confidence.
A ceilidh is a guaranteed way to inject pure, unadulterated joy into any celebration. It’s an unforgettable experience that your guests will be talking about for years to come.
Ready to find the perfect band for your event? Browse the fantastic selection of ceilidh bands available across the UK on Poptop.
How much time in advance should I book a ceilidh band?
We advise making reservations as early as possible, ideally as soon as you've reserved your venue. Our ceilidh bands for hire require that you book their services at least a day before your event. Others recommend you send in your booking two days before your event. Regardless, it is important that you secure your booking before your event to prevent any disappointment, especially during festivities when most bands are busy. Also, always make sure to secure your booking with a deposit.
