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Ceilidh band

Ceilios

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About Ceilios

High-energy, inclusive Ceilidh band from Brighton. Joyful music and dance for weddings, parties, festivals and events. Experienced caller.
Ceilidh band
Brighton and Hove
Public liability insurance of £10 million

Whether it’s an elegant wedding, lively corporate event, or relaxed countryside gathering, we create unforgettable nights of music, laughter, and dancing. Our experienced musicians and caller guide guests of all ages and abilities — no dance experience needed! We keep things inclusive, welcoming, and gender-neutral, ensuring everyone feels part of the fun. From the first toe-tap to the final spin, Ceilios guarantees a warm, energetic, and connected atmosphere. Gill Emerson – Caller Gill has been calling dances across Sussex and beyond for years, bringing infectious energy and enthusiasm to every event. She has a talent for getting even the most reluctant dancers on their feet and putting smiles on everyone’s faces. Experienced in her knowledge of dances from a variety of traditions she effortlessly caters to mixed abilities and can call for English, Irish, Scottish, or American events—but her real joy is flowing with the moment and choosing the perfect dances from around the world. A talented whistle and fiddle player, Gill often joins the band between dances, adding extra sparkle to the music. Kirsten Hammond – Fiddle Kirsten is an accomplished fiddle player known for her versatility and expressive playing across traditional and contemporary styles. With years of experience performing in solo, duo, and ensemble settings, she brings energy, nuance, and a deep love of music to every performance. Kirsten plays a wide repertoire including Irish, Scottish, English, and folk-inspired tunes from around the world. She regularly performs with bands, in workshops, and at festivals, delighting audiences with her vibrant sound and engaging stage presence. Dan Stewart – Guitar Dan Stewart is a superb guitarist and versatile multi-instrumentalist, performing on fiddle, whistle, mandolin, banjo, and pipes. With over 15 years of stage experience, he captivates audiences with his energy, precision, and wide-ranging musicality. Dan plays regularly in several bands, including Rattle on the Stovepipe, The Hotfoot Band and Swallowtail, a duo with his sister, performing Irish, Scottish, Cajun and English folk music. A passionate educator since 1996, Dan teaches private students and leads festival workshops, and is a banjo tutor for the Saturday Workshops at London’s Cecil Sharp House. Simon Stollard – Flute & Whistles Simon is a gifted flute and whistle player with a deep love for Scottish and Irish musical traditions. Known for his lively, expressive performances, he brings both technical skill and joyful musicality to every tune. He performs regularly with duo Tog Fàire, and as a soloist with his storytelling show 'Passages'. In addition to his instrumental expertise Simon is a prizewinning singer, and sings in English and Scottish Gaelic. When not performing he can be found at festivals such as Fèis Rois and The Royal National Mòd.

Ceilios' Reviews

From customers:

R(
Rob (
1 year ago

Ceilios provided lively music and a welcoming atmosphere. A really fun evening!

G(
Guest E

You pitched the dances just right as we were a real hotch potch of beginners (me!) and pretty good and experienced dancers but everybody was happy and had a great time! I was really pleased with the party as a whole but your presence (and the musicians of course!) made it really special!

Ceilios' Song list

-The Blackthorn Stick
-The Swallowtail Jig
-The Swallowtail Reel
-The Tulla Reel
-Roger de Coverley
-The Tune For Roy
-Christina's Jig
-Would The Minister Not Dance?
-Oblique
-Dolina MacKay
-Slide from Grace
-Superfly
-Brendan Tonra’s
-Back to Belfast
-A Highland lament
-Dusty Windowsill
-Killarney Boys of Pleasure
-Ruidhle Mo Nighean Donn
-Bó Mhí Na Toitean
-Munlochy Bridge
-The Primrose Lasses
-Mrs MacLeod of Raasay
-The Crow Road Croft
-The Iron Man
-Kenny Gillies of Portnalong
-Drover Lads
-An Drochaid Chliùteach
-Da Full Rigged Ship
-Da New Rigged Ship
-Flett From Flotta
-Unnamed Shetland Reel
-Drive Home the Mainlanders
-MacArthur Road
-Calum's Road
-Jenny Dang The Weaver
-Bert Mackenzie's
-The High Drive
-High Road To Linton
-Trip To Pakistan
-Roaring Barmaid
-£50 Cashback
-The Rabbit
-The Eavesdropper
-Rory Gallagher's
-Scarce O' Tatties
-Cashen's Gap
-Brenda Stubbert's
-Willafjord
-Spootiskerry
-Sleep Soond Ida Mornin'
-The Atholl Highlanders
-The Badger
Barrowburn
Brenda Stubbert’s
Ormond Sound
Curlews
Hellebore
Too late to sleep
Spootiskerry
Musical Priest
Merry Blacksmith
Sally Gardens
Silver Spear
Star of Munster
Drummond castle
stool of repentance
The Meelick Team
Cliffs of Mohar
Out on the Ocean
Oblique
Condon's frolics
Sliabh Russel
Roaring Barmaid
Killavil jig
Haste to wedding
Mcintyre’s Fancy
Muireann’s
Lilting banshee
Tripping up the stairs
Banish misfortune
pipe on the hob
Rain on the woodpile
Open House
Two To The Bar
Rattling Bog
Maggie in the woods
The Orkney Polkas
Peter Pratts
Hamnavoe
The Urban Garden
Rochdale coconut dance
Girl dressed in blue
Bonny Kate
Rain on the woodpile
Callums Road
Hut on Staffin island
Rights of Man
Boys of Bluehill
Jackie Tar
Red haired boy
Da white Wife
Clumsy Lover
Flatworld
Ashokan Farewell
Michael Turner's waltz
Naked and Bare
Mouth of the Topique
Customer questions

Can you perform covers?

We are happy to consider requests, if you have any songs or tunes you'd like us to feature please let us know. We often accommodate first dance requests at weddings.

Do you have different line-up options?

Our line-up is as follows: Caller Fiddle Guitar Flute/whistels We don't usually deviate from this unless there is unavailability within the band. If you would like to discuss other options, feel free to get in touch though.

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

We try to be as flexible as we can, and coordinate with you and each other throughout the booking process and the lead up to a booking. If your timings need to change, let us know as soon as possible and we will do everything we can to accommodate the new scehdule.

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

We can provide a device playlists before and between our sets, but do not offer a full DJ service outside of the band's agreed time at the venue.

How much time do you need to set up?

If we are providing PA, we generally aim to set up an hour before our start time. If the PA is provided at the venue, we can sound check much closer to our start time and then be ready to go.

Do you provide a caller?

We have the brilliant Gill Emerson as our caller. She is well known and much in demand as a caller at festivals and events all over Sussex and beyond.

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

We curate our sets carefully and refine our choices based on what works and feels best with each dance type. Feel free to request any specific tunes or songs you would like; we will do our best to work them into our sets or create new sets around them, but we don't provide a list to select from.

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

We can provide full PA and our typical quote will reflect this. If PA is not required please state this in your event details or let us know, and we can adjust our quote.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

We are happy to consider requests, if you have any songs or tunes you'd like us to feature please let us know. We often accommodate first dance requests at weddings. Whether we can learn requested songs in time can depend on the material, the amount of notice we get, and the band's availability for rehearsal. Always let us know requests as early as you can.
Musicianship
Genres:
Ceilidh, Folk, Traditional Irish folk, Traditional Scottish folk, Traditional English folk
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Event types:
Private event, Wedding, Bar / Club / Venue event, Hotel / Restaurant event, Corporate event, Charity event, New Year's Eve, Christmas party, Birthday party
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