Question 1

Can you perform covers?

Accepted Answer

We'll happily learn a first dance if it suits our folky instrumentation (acoustic guitar, fiddle, accordion & percussion).  If you want a full-on pop/soul/rock covers band, then check out our sister band The Definitives (also on Encore) also run by bandleader Aly.  He offers a £100 dual-booking discount if both bands are booked for the same event.

Question 2

Do you have different line-up options?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our full band is the 4-piece; perc/caller, guitar fiddle and accordion.  We also go out as a 3-piece; as above but fiddle or accordion. See the prices page for details.

Question 3

What if my timings change after I've booked you?

Accepted Answer

Let us know if you would like a significantly earlier start to your event as we may have prior commitments earlier in the day.  Don't worry though if timings slightly move throughout the evening, as we know that it is hard to keep everything to an exact schedule, particularly at weddings. Other than a fixed 12am finish, we don't mind exactly when we perform.

Question 4

Can you provide an iPod/DJ service before and between your sets?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to play your own playlist through our speakers for the first dance and between our sets. We provide the connecting cable from an iPod/mobile etc.  If you would like the use of our speakers beyond our standard 2x1hr sets, you can hire the use of them for £75 p/hr.  We also hire out 2 sets of disco lights for a flat fee of £63 for the evening.

Question 5

How much time do you need to set up?

Accepted Answer

We usually give ourselves 1 hour from the point we arrive at a venue to load in, set up and sound check.  Only the last 15 mins of this hour involves us making any noise.  We are happy to quietly load in and set up whilst wedding speeches are taking place if this helps with the flow of the day.  We can liase with the venue to arrange loading in.

Question 6

Do you provide a caller?

Accepted Answer

Band leader Aly calls as well as plays percussion so this is included in our fee; why pay extra for a separate caller!  He teaches each dance slowly and clearly, he then does a faster walk-through without the band and finally does the dance with music.  No prior ceilidh experience is necessary to fully participate in the evening. Just enthusiasm required!

Question 7

Can I pick the songs you play from the set list?

Accepted Answer

Let us know if you have any particular favourite dances and we'll be sure to include them.  In a one hour set we'll play roughly 4/5 dances depending on how long it takes people to get onto the floor for each dance.

Question 8

Is all of the equipment (e.g. PA) included in your quote?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We are fully self-sufficient. We bring our own speakers, mixing desk, microphones etc. All plugs etc are PAT tested annually and we have public liability through the Musician's Union. We can happily set up around a DJ if necessary although we do require a floor space of approximately 4m across by 3m deep.

Question 9

Can you learn song requests before the event?

Accepted Answer

With at least two weeks notice, we'll happily learn and perform a dance which is not currently on our set list.  Remember that many of your guests may be ceilidh novices, so keep the requests fairly simple for their sake!

Question 10

What do your clients love most about your performances?

Accepted Answer

Previous client testimonials (of which we have many!) have mentioned the clarity of the calling, the very high standard of musicianship, the sense of fun and the easy communication with bandleader Aly from the first point of contact through to the event itself.

Question 11

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

Accepted Answer

We're about to enter our 9th year at the point of writing this so we've played at literally hundreds of venues all across the North of England.  These include: East Riddlesden Hall, The Hospitium, Rise Hall, Carlton Towers, Bolton Castle, Holdsworth House, Merchant Adventurer's Hall, Blenheim House, Allerton Castle, Hazelwood Castle, Ruddying Park etc, etc!

Question 12

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

Accepted Answer

We like to draw from the traditions of the best Scottish, Irish and English musicians from the past, but we inject our sound with a contemporary edge in terms of the harmony and a driving, funky rhythmic feel from the guitar and percussion.  We dare you to try and not tap your toes!

Question 13

What is the most high profile gig you've performed?

Accepted Answer

Playing for Sarah Benny's birthday party in the splendour of Rise Hall was a definitive highlight.  We've also done large scale weddings with hundreds of dancers on the floor; a fantastic sight to behold!
Having said that, we also love doing intimate ceilidhs at the local village hall. Any gig where people are up for dancing is a fun night for us!

Performance duration	Price
Up to 1 hour	£915
Up to 2 hours	£915
Up to 3 hours	£1015

Aluinn Ceilidh Band

About Aluinn Ceilidh Band