How to Book A Ceilidh Band: A Guide to What to Expect in 2021
At Slàinte Sounds we know that planning an event or a wedding can be a real headache, that’s why we have put together a guide to help you book a Ceilidh band (pronounced ‘kay - lee’). From prices to sound systems we hope that we can answer your questions here but if not send us an email.
What is a Ceilidh?
A Ceilidh is a traditional dance found in Scotland, Ireland throughout America and more. Ceilidh dancing is a great way to bring families together, break the ice and get a work out all at the same time. Bands come in all sort of sizes and styles but typically you will have instruments such as Fiddle or Bagpipes playing a selection of Jigs, Reels, Polkas, Slides and Hornpipes accompanied by Guitar, Piano, Drummer or Bodhran player. Don’t worry if you are not a seasoned dancer, our bands will always talk you through the dances and maybe even join in!
Our Ceilidh bands are hugely flexible so you have lots to choose from.
Traditional Ceilidh Bands
A traditional Ceilidh band setup will play a mixture of Scottish or Irish tunes and songs accompanied by a selection of instruments. There is a huge amount of flexibility available with many bands offering a range of instrumentations to suit your needs.
Ceilidh Covers Band
A Ceilidh Covers Band differs from a traditional Ceilidh band as they will not only play traditional tunes but they can play a selection of popular covers with a folky twist. Sometimes one of the band members will sing for the songs or they might bring another singer. This is the perfect option if you have a range of ages coming to your event.
Check out some common band line ups here.
How much can I expect to pay for a Ceilidh band?
Prices depend on a lot of factors. The more information you can give us about your event and what you want from a band will help us give you the best price possible for our bands.
Our musicians have dedicated many years of their time to mastering their craft and so we feel it is important that our prices represent the value of their skills. See our rough price guide to the right!
Ceilidh band travel costs
Booking a Ceilidh Band near you is the best way to keep travel costs low but for the right band its always worth paying a little extra. We work with our artists directly to create travel arrangements that keep the cost as low as possible for you. We will often provide a van for bands to use to avoid multiple vehicles.
How do I pay the Ceilidh band?
Once you are happy with your quote, we will issue you with a contract and instructions on how to pay. A booking is confirmed once both you and the band have signed this contract and the deposit is received.
A month prior to your event, a member of the band will be in contact to discuss the fine details with you.
How far in advance should I book a Ceilidh band?
We recommend booking your ceilidh band as soon as you have your venue confirmed. Ceilidh bands are in high demand and the best ones can be booked up a year or more in advance.
Ceilidhs are popular for many occasions such as Burns night, St Andrews day, St Patrick's day and during the summer many bands will be out every weekend playing for weddings.
Why book a Ceilidh Band through Slàinte Sounds?
We have a small roster of artists that we trust and are inspired by. This is how we ensure that you are booking only the highest quality acts. Booking through an agency gives you the piece of mind that there is someone else to help with planning your event.
Ragin’ Ceilidh Band will light up any room with their fun and exciting tune sets. These guys are great for small events wanting a big sound!
What are the popular Ceilidh dances?
When should I have a Ceilidh at my event?
A Ceilidh is always best towards the end of an event. Dancing is a real workout so heading home for a well earned rest is advisable!
How long will the Ceilidh band play for?
A great Ceilidh band knows how to pace the dancers and get those stubborn feet onto the dance floor. Usually the band will play in 30 to 45 minute intervals or sets over the course of the night. A Ceilidh booking will usually be for up to 4 hours with plenty of breaks for the dancers and the band.
How much setup time does a Ceilidh band need?
Ceilidh bands will need approximately 1 hour to set up. We will let you know if they will need more time for your event.
During this setup the band will be setting up their instruments and doing a thorough sound check. This is an important part of what the band will do at your event, bad sound will ruin the Ceilidh for the band and your guests.
Our bands won’t start packing up until the end of the contracted time, unless otherwise agreed.
Where to have the band play and how much space do they need?
When booking a band let them know how much space you have at the venue. No matter how big or small a venue is, there is a band for you!
With a band, sound system and lighting to think about here is an idea of the space needed:
Small Line Up (2 or 3 piece): 3m x 3m approx
Medium Line Up (4 or 5 piece): 4m x 3m approx
Large Line Up (5 piece plus): 5m x 3m approx
The band can set up while you and your guests are having a meal or while they have a drink in another part of the venue. Be sure to inform the band of when and where they will be playing.
How much space do I need for Ceilidh dancing?
Ceilidh dancing needs a lot of space, more than other types of dancing. You won’t be in one spot for very long! We know that not all your guests will dance at the same time but having a bit more space in case they do is always a good idea.
Most Ceilidh bands recommend a minimum of 5m x 5m for most events. Get in touch with us or your venue to ask for more advice.
Can a Ceilidh band play outside?
Yes - Provided the weather is good, there is power and a suitable dance floor our bands will play wherever its’ possible. Our musicians have played in barns, on boats, at high altitude and many other unusual situations.
Can a Ceilidh band move to another area of the venue?
No - it is very unusual for a band to have to move once set up. This eats up a lot of time and can disrupt your event.
In certain circumstances our acts may be able to accommodate a small amount of roaming. If this is a requirement for your event please get in touch with us to discuss your event.
Do I need to provide equipment for the Ceilidh band?
All our acts will bring sufficient equipment to make sure they are seen and heard by your guests, we often liaise with venues to discuss the technical details of the performance. All we ask is that power sockets are available in the area you would like the band to set up in. This is typical of most Ceilidh bands.
If deemed appropriate a band will bring sound and lighting equipment suitable for the size of venue and number of guests. The cost of this equipment is usually included as standard however larger or more expensive bands will sometimes charge extra (from £120 ) to have a professional audio engineer present.
Please let us know the venue address and the number of guests you are bringing so we can provide appropriate equipment.
What happens when the band aren’t playing?
Typically, a Ceilidh band will ensure some background music is playing from an Ipod or similar when they aren’t playing. This is usually as soon as they have setup, during breaks and while they pack away or until the contracted time.
Playlist requests can be made at the time of making the booking or until 2 weeks before the event.
Our Ceilidh bands can provide a separate DJ with decks as an add on or for a more cost effective option, a member of the band can provide a DJ set from a laptop for around £120. They will do a similar job to a DJ, taking requests and making announcements, they may just not have the same song choice and equipment.
If it’s possible for a dressing room to be arranged for the band, this will give them space to store cases and equipment, warm up and change clothing before performing.
The Slàinte Sounds Ceilidh Band are a great blank canvas for you to dress how you want!
Do Ceilidh bands have a dress code?
Most Ceilidh bands will have a dress code either unique to them or just generally appropriate for an event. Kilts and other traditional dress may be worn or a simple shirt and tie.
If you have a particular theme or style you are having for your event then most bands will do their best to accommodate this. It is advisable that this is included in your booking or with plenty of notice before the event.
Should I provide food for the Ceilidh band?
Typically if your guests are eating its all ways nice to offer food to the band if your budget allows. We ask that you make sure there is plenty of water for them and if possible a soft drink or too!