The Top 13 Best Ceilidh Bands in the UK (With Prices)
28 May 2020 (Updated 27 March 2024)
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The Top 13 Best Ceilidh Bands in the UK (With Prices)

In this blog post, we'll list out the 13 most popular ceilidh bands for hire in the UK on FixTheMusic, based on the number of their confirmed bookings for 2024 and 2025.

The UK is home to some of the best ceilidh bands in Europe...bands that perform regularly at high-end corporate events and celebrity weddings.

View our complete list of recommended ceilidh bands in the UK ➡️

You'll see that there is a huge range of styles and that many of the ceilidh bands offer something a bit different to make your wedding truly memorable.

Browse UK Ceilidh Bands

FixTheMusic is free to use – we're a secure platform for connecting with and booking outstanding musicians worldwide 🌎

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All of these ceilidh bands perform traditional Scottish ceilidh sets for dancing, and some perform pop & rock covers as well; these bands are known as "ceilidh and covers bands".

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FixTheMusic's ceilidh bands perform in a variety of styles, from Scottish and Irish traditional dance music to barn dance and folk music.

Ceilidh bands on FixTheMusic have public liability insurance and PAT tested equipment.

So here's the list of the 13 best ceilidh bands for hire in the UK for 2023...

1. Ceilidh Fire
2. Ceilidh Twist
3. Circassian Ceilidh Band
4. Seafolk Ceilidh Band
5. Ceilidh Storm
6. The Edinburgh Ceilidh Band
7. Paragon Ceilidh Band
8. Willow Ceilidh Band
9. Harvest Moon Ceilidh Band
10. The London Ceilidh Band
11. Ramnee Ceilidh Band
12. Fearless Folk
13. The Scottish Ceilidh Band

Receive quotes from ceilidh bands in the UK

So let's take a closer look at the most in-demand ceilidh bands in the UK this year...

1. Ceilidh Fire
Average booking price: £1,500 - £2,500 (as of April 2024)
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Ceilidh Fire are a foot-stomping ceilidh band based in Edinburgh available for weddings and events throughout Scotland.

The group comprises some of the best musicians in Scotland, all of whom are passionate about Scottish music.

They play it, they write it, they teach it and they perform it. Together they have 30 years of combined experience in the Scottish music industry.

They have played at weddings, concerts and events across Scotland, the UK and Europe.

They take tradition and combine it with their own unique style and sets to bring it into the present day.

Here are just some of the locations where Ceilidh Fire have been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings and events...

  • Villeneuve-de-Duras, France
  • Bergerac, France
  • Burg Battenberg, Germany
  • Finca Comassema, Mallorca
  • Glenapp Castle, Ballantrae, Girvan
  • Drumtochty Castle, Laurencekirk
  • University of St Andrews
  • The Colonnades at the Signet Library
  • Fingask Castle, Rait, Perth, UK
  • Barnard Castle
  • Hopetoun House, South Queensferry
  • The Free Company, Edinburgh
  • Hidden River Cabins, Carlisle
  • The Engine Works, Glasgow
  • Neidpath Castle, Peebles
  • Lodge on Loch Lomond, Alexandria
  • The Byre at Inchyra Luxury Barn
  • Cottiers Theatre, Glasgow
  • Crossbasket Castle Hotel, Glasgow
  • Achnagairn Estate, Inverness
  • Comrie Croft, Braincroft, Crieff
  • Kirknewton House Stables
  • Rhynd Café, Tayport, Scotland
  • Airth Castle Hotel, Stirlingshire
  • Knockraich Farm, Glasgow
  • Forres Town Hall, Moray
  • Summerhall, Newington
  • Braemar Highland Games Centre

So if you're looking to hire a young and modern ceilidh band for your wedding or event in Scotland, get in touch with Ceilidh Fire.

View more videos and read verified reviews of Ceilidh Fire ➡️


2. Ceilidh Twist
Average booking price: £2,012 (as of April 2024)
Location: London

Ceilidh Twist are a professional ceilidh and covers band based in London. Established in 2000, they have the experience to know what makes a great ceilidh!

They have several TV credits to their name, having recently appeared on BBC1 'This Week', E4 'Made in Chelsea', ITV 'TOWIE' and Channel 4 'Gok Wann's Fashion Fix'.

View our complete list of recommended ceilidh & covers bands in the UK ➡️

Ceilidh Twist regularly play at destination weddings in Europe and beyond, recently performing in France (4 times), Malta (3 times), Dubai, Portugal, Italy and Jersey.

And they have upcoming weddings in the next year in France (twice more), Rome (again), Majorca, Spain and Tuscany!

As possibly the busiest ceilidh band around, Ceilidh Twist are in demand for weddings across Europe as well as the UK! We put a fresh twist on traditional tunes and dances by combining them with a modern, contemporary rhythm that no one can resist dancing to, which is why word of mouth accounts for the majority of our work and we get so many repeat bookings.

The ceilidh musicians are highly experienced in traveling for bookings abroad and know how to work with a mixed nationality crowd and to deal with the logistics of a destination wedding!

Ceilidh Twist's standard band is a 5-piece line-up of Caller, Fiddle, Guitar, Bass Guitar and Drum Kit. But they often play as a smaller ensemble, as a 3 or 4-piece band, particularly for destination weddings and all options work really well!

All of the ceilidh band's musicians are full-time, professional players and the members of Ceilidh Twist come from a wide variety of musical backgrounds from Funk to Jazz and Big-Band, Classical to Gospel and Traditional Scottish/Irish music.

Here are just some of the locations where we have been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings and events...

  • Castello Orsini, Nerola, Italy
  • Gothenburg, Sweden
  • Borgo Santo Pietro, Italy
  • Sofiero Gard, Helsingborg, Sweden
  • Le Domaine d'Essendiéras, France
  • Arta, Mallorca
  • Campos, Mallorca
  • Restaurant Merkelbach, Amsterdam
  • Montpellier, France
  • Jerez de la Frontera, Spain
  • Paris, France
  • Quissac, France
  • Vitznau, Switzerland
  • De Vere Wokefield Estate
  • Hedsor House, Buckinghamshire
  • Stokes Farm Barn, Wokingham
  • Frame Farm, Kent
  • Cider Mill Barns, Stratford
  • Queen's House, Greenwich
  • Old Hall, Lincoln's Inn, London
  • The Bedford, London
  • Merriscourt, Chipping Norton
  • Trafalgar Tavern, London
  • Esher Theatre, Surrey
  • Stone Barn, Cheltenham, UK

View more videos and read verified reviews of Ceilidh Twist ➡️


3. Circassian Ceilidh Band
Average booking price: £1,704 (as of April 2024)
Location: Glasgow, Scotland

Formed in 2015, Circassian Ceilidh Band are a new and exciting group, guaranteed to give you a great evening.

The band are available to play at weddings, functions, birthday parties and any other event you might think of!

They cater for all abilities of dancer and all of their members are experienced dance callers.

Alongside playing for dancing they can also provide a singer, performance sets, background music, a wedding piper and a DJ set.

Here are just some of the locations where we have been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings and events...

  • Parkhotel Wasserburg Anholt, Germany
  • Dalhousie Castle Hotel, Bonnyrigg
  • Fort George, Ardersier, Inverness
  • Tullibole Castle, Kinross
  • Winton Castle, Pencaitland
  • Ballogie House, Aboyne, UK
  • Borthwick Castle, Gorebridge
  • Auchen Castle, Moffat
  • The Abercairny Estates, Crieff
  • Wedderburn Castle, Scotland
  • GRANGEFIELDS, Derbyshire
  • Òran Mór, Byres Road, Glasgow
  • The Coos Cathedral, Aboyne
  • Branxholm Park, Hawick
  • Crossbasket Castle, East Kilbride
  • The Byre at Inchyra, Perth
  • Glenbervie House Hotel
  • Achnagairn Castle, Scotland
  • Avonholm House Estate
  • Boturich Castle, Scotland
  • Sligachan, Isle of Skye, Scotland
  • GG's Yard, Castle Douglas
  • Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe
  • Cameron House, Alexandria
  • Primrose Hill Farm, Banbury
  • Inglewood House & Spa
  • Dalmeny Park House Hotel

View more videos and read verified reviews of Circassian Ceilidh Band ➡️


4. Seafolk Ceilidh Band
Average booking price: £1,594 (as of April 2024)
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Performing together since 2007, Seafolk ceilidh band provide a fresh, modern approach to the classic ceilidh, combining traditional with the not-so-traditional.

Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, but happy to travel throughout the country as well as overseas, they mainly provide music for weddings, corporate events, parties and student events. They can provide lighter background music as well as upbeat ceilidh and pop/rock covers music for dancing.

As standard, the band provides a high-quality PA system and lighting rig (all PAT tested of course) and are more than happy to set this up before the event, resulting in your evening running that bit smoother.

The ceilidh band aims to please with sound, ensuring quality rather than volume, so no one is left with sore lugs after a great night. Lastly, each of the musicians in Seafolk Ceilidh Band has a degree in music, so a very high level of professionalism can be guaranteed.

They have put a lot of thought into what makes the perfect ceilidh, and the band strongly believes that the most important element to a great wedding is that it is tailored exactly to the happy couples' specifications.

Here are just some of the locations where we have been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings and events...

  • Castello di Gargonza, Italy
  • Luxembourg
  • Gran, Norway
  • Château des Varennes, France
  • Boreland Loch Tay, Scotland
  • Glencorse House, Penicuik
  • Kincaid House Hotel, Glasgow
  • Maryculter House Hotel
  • Fintry, Glasgow

View more videos and read verified reviews of Seafolk Ceilidh Band ➡️


5. Ceilidh Storm
Average booking price: £1,540 (as of April 2024)
Location: St Andrews, Scotland

Ceilidh Storm are a charismatic covers and ceilidh band based in Scotland with an excellent repertoire of rock and pop from acts as diverse as ELO, Queen and Taylor Swift.

They perform as a quartet or trio and can also add fiddle if the emphasis is on the ceilidh.

Ceilidh Storm provide a fresh, original and unique sound.

All their musicians are professionally trained, full-time working musicians with impressive performing credits.

Here are just some of the locations where we have been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings and events...

  • Airth Castle Hotel, Stirlingshire
  • Glen Clova Hotel, Angus, UK
  • Monkton House, Musselburgh
  • Cameron House, Alexandria
  • Garvock House Hotel, Dunfermline
  • Auchen Castle, Beattock, Moffat
  • Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh
  • Taypark House, Dundee
  • Crear Weddings, Tarbert
  • Rhynd Café and Events Venue
  • Stoke-on-Trent, UK
  • Errol, Perth, UK
  • Helensburgh, Scotland
  • Bonchester Bridge, Hawick

So if you're looking to hire the finest ceilidh and covers band Scotland has to offer, get in touch with Ceilidh Storm.

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View more videos and read verified reviews of Ceilidh Storm ➡️


6. The Edinburgh Ceilidh Band
Average booking price: £1,044 (as of April 2024)
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

The Edinburgh Ceilidh Band are a lively professional Scottish dance band.

They are a band that can be hired for all events from Scottish country dancing to lively ceilidhs, weddings, graduation balls.

They are in demand to perform at weddings and functions throughout the UK and internationally.

As well as providing music for ceilidhs, the band is also experienced at traditional reeling and Scottish country dances. The band has travelled to France, The Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Spain, Kenya and Oman to play for functions, with more trips scheduled in the future.

View more videos and read verified reviews of The Edinburgh Ceilidh Band ➡️


7. Paragon Ceilidh Band
Average booking price: £1,429 (as of April 2024)
Location: London & Sussex

Paragon Ceilidh Band is a fantastic ceilidh and covers band to hire for weddings and all other occasions!

In the 15 years since the band was born they have built up the enviable reputation of being one of the best bands on the UK function scene.

Their exceptionally wide repertoire ranges from cool, dinner jazz, themed evenings, popular party songs and styles from the 1950s through the '60s, '70s and '80s, soul, funk and disco to today’s pop hits.

View more videos and read verified reviews of Paragon Ceilidh Band ➡️


8. Willow Ceilidh Band
Average booking price: £1,602 (as of April 2024)
Location: London

Willow Ceilidh Band perform lively Scottish, Irish, English & Welsh folk music at weddings and events throughout the UK and abroad at destination weddings.

With fiddles, accordion, guitar & expert caller to teach the ceilidh dances, they're a young, energetic and modern ceilidh band - guaranteed to get you and your wedding guests dancing!

The band is particularly in demand at destination weddings in Europe. They have recently been hired to perform in Tuscany, Italy and have upcoming weddings in Spain, France, Italy and Portugal.

Willow Ceilidh Band specialise in weddings & know that each one is unique. We carefully consider the following details in order to create the perfect ceilidh for you:

Number of guests, age range & dancing experience e.g. beginners / more experienced

Music: perhaps you prefer mainly Scottish tunes or have a favourite tune or song

Timings: we would normally perform for 3 x 45-minute sets but can adjust to suit

Sound, Band & DJ options: we bring a full PA system and offer Ceilidh & Disco / DJ packages

First dance - options include a circle dance or romantic waltz

View more videos and read verified reviews of Willow Ceilidh Band ➡️


9. Harvest Moon Ceilidh Band
Average booking price: £1,605 (as of April 2024)
Location: Dorset, UK

Harvest Moon Ceilidh Band are a lively band playing tunes from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, America and England.

We are available for performing concerts, barn dances or ceilidhs at pubs, festivals, weddings, birthday parties, BBQs or any other parties!

So if you're looking to hire the finest Celtic folk and ceilidh band Dorset has to offer, get in touch with us.

View more videos and read verified reviews of Harvest Moon Ceilidh Band ➡️


10. The London Ceilidh Band
Average booking price: £800 - £1,600 (as of April 2024)
Location: London, UK

The London Ceilidh Band has lots of experience playing for Scottish themed ceilidhs and Irish musical nights and we guarantee that we can put a sparkle into your event.

There is a vitality to our sound that encourages people to get up and dance.

Whether it's a wedding, a student social or a community fundraiser, we will give it a professional touch. As a band, we have performed for a variety of events in a huge range of venues including exclusive hotels, stately homes and village halls.

We're regularly booked to perform for weddings and events at The Honourable Artillery Company and East Dulwich Tavern in London.

The London Ceilidh Band is a group of musicians who provide live Celtic music for special occasions.

We are based in Croydon but would consider travelling throughout the South East. We are a traditional style band which includes accordion, violin, bass guitar and drums. Every band member is an experienced musician and as a group we have performed for parties, weddings, and fundraising events.

We can also play French Café music to give the right atmosphere for receptions and themed evenings. So if you're looking to hire the finest ceilidh band London has to offer for your special occasion, get in touch with us!

Here are just some of the locations where we have been booked by clients on FixTheMusic for weddings and events...

  • The Honourable Artillery Company, London
  • East Dulwich Tavern, London
  • Battle, UK

View more videos and read verified reviews of The London Ceilidh Band ➡️


11. Ramnee Ceilidh Band
Average booking price: £1,785 (as of April 2024)
Location: London, UK

With high profile performances for the likes of HRH Prince Michael of Kent, Country Life, ITV, E4, Netflix original series 'The Crown' (2 Golden Globes) feat. Claire Foy, Matt Smith and John Lithgow and performing with celebs such as John Barrowman, the award-winning Ramnee Ceilidh Band are by far the must-have feature of any Celtic event.

Renowned as a funky and exciting dance band with a wide range of influences, they have taken the key elements of Scottish & Irish tradition and moulded a new fresh Celtic blend with well-known covers...irresistible to dance to.

We provide tradition with a twist – Ramnee Ceilidh Band are a London-based ceilidh band for all your Celtic needs.

Our musicians are some of the most in-demand musicians in London, with a wealth of performing experience including...Abbey Road, BBC Television Centre, Dame Shirley Bassey, The Graham Norton Show, Disney World Epcot, Shane MacGowan and The Popes, Riverdance, Later with Jools Holland, Roisin Murphy, Simple Minds, Mick Hucknall, Melody Gardot, Kid Creole, Britain's Got Talent, Nina Nesbitt, Was Not Was, Mica Paris, The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Thriller Live, Book of Mormon, G4, House band at London's Hard Rock Cafe, BBC 1 breakfast news, Alan Titchmarsh, Loose Women, Made In Chelsea, Little Boots, Netflix original series 'The Crown', Blake, John Barrowman, Barbican Centre, Ronnie Scots, Kensington Palace and not forgetting The London Vegetable Orchestra.

London's premier Ceilidh & Covers Band present to you a new generation of Celtic musicians bursting with energy.

View more videos and read verified reviews of Ramnee Ceilidh Band ➡️


12. Fearless Folk
Average booking price: £842 (as of April 2024)
Location: Lancashire

Fearless Folk are a charismatic, exciting, energetic folk band based in Lancashire.

We perform in a range of genres, including Balkan, klezmer, Irish folk, reggae, funk and ceilidh.

We are in demand to perform at weddings, corporate events, parties and any type of event where a packed dance floor is required!

A folk band with a difference, Fearless Folk bring memorable melodies and funky beats.

The band is regularly booked to perform for weddings and events at Blaithwaite House in Wigton and Wyresdale Park in Preston, UK.

Fearless Folk began playing together and quickly realised they were on to something good.

They play a wide range of tunes, both self-penned and traditional in often unusual settings provided by the backline of bass, bouzouki and drums.

Working to blend disco, reggae, ska, and even bhangra influences with their Irish, English and European heritage, Fearless Folk is a band that never fails to make people smile and dance.

Fearless Folk, with their driving beats and memorable melodies, are sure to be well-received at corporate and private events as well as festivals, both with and without a dance caller.

Energetic, exciting and exhilarating.

View more videos and read verified reviews of Fearless Folk ➡️


13. The Scottish Ceilidh Band
Average booking price: £800 - £1,600 (as of April 2024)
Location: Glasgow, Scotland

The Scottish Ceilidh Band are a well established exciting and dynamic ceilidh band providing top-quality traditional musicians for private parties, company events, weddings, charity ceilidhs and Burns Supper evenings.

Dance the night away to an eclectic mix of Scottish traditional ceilidh and contemporary songs.

They are regularly booked to perform for weddings and events at Venachar Lochside in Callander and The Boat Country Inn & Restaurant in Boat of Garten, Scotland.

The band features a variety of top-quality musicians playing fiddle, accordion, piano, guitar, mandolin, bouzouki and whistle and we place great importance on the role of our caller.

Every lineup features this important individual who helps instruct with the dances and entertains the dancers with some good crack!

We also perform contemporary and roots acoustic songs upon request while the audience takes a well earned breather from the dancing!

Depending on your requirements The Scottish Ceilidh Band provide a three or four piece lineup for ceilidh dancing and also for drinks receptions, parties and dinner events where ambient backing music is required.

View more videos and read verified reviews of The Scottish Ceilidh Band ➡️


Receive quotes from ceilidh bands in the UK

We hope you've enjoyed reading this list of the best ceilidh bands UK has to offer in 2024.

At FixTheMusic, we list top-quality UK ceilidh bands that have been selected by invitation only, so if you're looking to hire a ceilidh band for your wedding or party, you're in the right place.

As well as the best ceilidh bands in the country, we also work with many other local ceilidh bands and musicians, ideal for smaller parties or where you're working to a strict budget.

When you submit an enquiry, you'll receive quotes directly from available bands so you can compare them by watching their videos, reading their reviews and by asking them any questions you might have via our secure messaging system.

FixTheMusic is free to use – we're a secure platform for liaising with and booking outstanding musicians worldwide


Some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about hiring a ceilidh band for your wedding or event...
How much does it cost to hire a ceilidh band?
For weddings in 2024, UK ceilidh bands usually charge about £300 per musician, so a trio would cost roughly £900 and a 4-piece ceilidh band would cost approximately £1,200. This is based on a standard quote for 2 x 1 hour or 2 x 45 minute sets of ceilidh dancing. As with all musicians, price depends on several factors, not least how far they will need to travel to reach your venue. Bands will generally quote an all-in price (which includes all expenses) or quote their performance fee with expenses clearly detailed.
How long do ceilidh bands perform for at weddings and events?
They usually perform 2 or 3 sets of 45-minutes, or something similar to this. Any longer is not recommended as the live music at any event should not be overused or it doesn't have maximum effect. Also consider that performing ceilidh music (and indeed the dancing that goes with it!) is a physical activity for both musicians and guests. Breaks in between sets can be around 30 minutes.
What music do ceilidh bands perform?
They perform the standard ceilidh dances, from the Scottish and Irish traditions. Famous dances include The Dashing White Sergeant, The Gay Gordons, Canadian Barn Dance, Highland Schottische, The Military Two Step and the Pride of Erin Waltz.
Do they perform pop & rock covers like a standard wedding band do?
About half of ceilidh bands just perform the traditional Scottish and Celtic dances, but some also perform pop & rock covers...these bands are often referred to as "Ceilidh and Covers Bands". They tend to perform a set of traditional music followed by a pop & rock party set to finish the night off.
Most of my guests aren't experienced ceilidh dancers. Will the ceilidh band teach my guests the dances?
Yes! Nearly all ceilidh bands feature a "caller" who will guide your guests through the moves. The band will usually take a few minutes to explain the dances, followed by the actual performance. The caller explaining the dances is a really fun and interactive part of the entertainment, and of course, it means that less experienced guests can take to the dance floor!
Do ceilidh bands bring their own equipment?
Ceilidh bands will bring all of their own instruments, and sometimes their own PA system and lighting. However, this is not always the case, so you may need to provide a PA system and lighting based on their specifications. Most bands usually charge less if they require the client to provide some equipment.
Which musical instruments do ceilidh bands consist of?
There is a huge amount of variety in the instrumentation of ceilidh bands. Most bands will include a violin (fiddle), an acoustic guitar and a drum kit to set the rhythm. However, several other instruments are often added, including accordion, piano or keyboard, bagpipes, flute or tin whistle and bass guitar.
How much space does ceilidh dancing require?
The band itself will require about 3m by 5m area, but ceilidh dancing takes up a lot of space...much more than a typical disco dance floor, so it's best to clear away tables and chairs to provide the maximum space available.
Do ceilidh bands take requests?
There are only a handful of ceilidh dances, and bands will know their repertoire to a very high standard. It's best to leave the set list to the band's own. discretion. For ceilidh and covers bands, they may be able to accommodate some requests in their covers set.
How many ceilidh dances in an hour?
Most ceilidh bands will perform around 6 or 7 ceilidh dances per hour, which leaves enough time to teach the routine and give dancers a minute or two to catch their breath in between dances. For more experienced ceilidh dancers, the band would likely perform more dances per hour as less time would be needed for guiding through the steps.
What is the band you would hear at a ceilidh called?
The bands you hear at a ceilidh are called ceilidh bands. They normally perform Scottish, Irish or English dances as well as some folk tunes.

FixTheMusic is a one-stop-shop for booking outstanding, recommended professional musicians – and it's completely free for you to use.

So if you're looking for the best UK ceilidh band, hire them on FixTheMusic and you'll be guaranteed a fun night full of dancing! A ceilidh wedding is one of the most popular forms of musical entertainment you can choose for your big day.

As well as UK ceilidh bands for hire, many of our top-rated musicians can also provide Irish fiddle bands, performing modern Irish folk music.

Fill in the enquiry form to receive offers directly from hand-picked local ceilidh bands. Once you've confirmed details with your preferred act, book and pay securely through our secure online checkout.

Adam is a co-founder of FixTheMusic and works on everything from copywriting and marketing to design and user experience. He studied Music at Cambridge University. Adam is a keen pianist, and also learned cello and trumpet from an early age.

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