Ceilidh band

Stumpy Oak Ceilidh Band

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About Stumpy Oak Ceilidh Band

Stumpy Oak present a rhythmic, frenetic performance of tunes from across the British Isles.
Ceilidh band
Suffolk
Public liability insurance of £10 million

One of most in-demand ceilidh bands in the UK, Stumpy Oak provides lively ceilidhs for weddings, parties and corporate events across East Anglia as well as appearing at leading folk festivals nationally (Cambridge Folk Festival, Towersey, FolkEast, Sidmouth and others). The band features a line-up of award-winning musicians and doesn’t use a ‘pool’ of performers as many bands do. With Stumpy Oak, you’re assured of a professional, energetic and memorable performance every time! The band plays a mixture of Scottish, Irish and English tunes, however the music can be tailored to the client’s wishes. Stumpy Oak boasts an unusually large sound. Fiery fiddle, accordion and guitar are complimented by guitar sub-octaves (giving a bass guitar sound) and a stompbox (like a bass drum). Lighting is included with every booking, adding to the atmosphere. A friendly, patient caller completes the line-up to talk guests through the dance moves prior to/during each dance so that everyone knows what to do and can have fun, regardless of age or experience! Do listen to our videos on headphones or big speakers for the full effect! Tailored packages are available including: DJ/disco add-on (with no changeover time required) Folk ceremony music Background music A single sound system is used for ceilidh/disco combinations to avoid frustrating changeover time Our friendly team will advise on various aspects including optimum timings to maintain a party atmosphere! Testimonials: “Having you there made it much more memorable… Everyone loved what you did and you went above and beyond what we asked for. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for making our day so special.” Paul & Emily, wedding ceilidh in Heybridge, Essex (September 2023) “Band were superb. Everyone loved the dancing, and commented on the energy of the band – the two work off each other. Just got to comment on Sarah’s calling which I think is about the best I’ve ever heard. Clear precise and funny! Loved the way she picked up on the audience. A great night, thanks again. Hope to see you again soon.” Gerry, wedding ceilidh in Little Massingham, Norfolk (July 2023) “Barry, you were all fantastic and my guests said it was a brilliant night. Thank you so much for everything… You couldn’t have done it any better and all my guests were raving about you. It was such a great day and you were an absolute saint in dealing with all my questions. I hope some day we can ceilidh again together as I’ll certainly be recommending you to all my friends. Best wishes for the rest of the wedding season and Summer.” Vicky & Steve, wedding ceilidh at Henry Moore Foundation (July 2023) “Just wanted to say a huge thank you for last night. Your performing and bringing of joy to the party was excellent. Just what we wanted. Wouldn’t have changed a thing.” Guy & Derek, wedding ceilidh (Aug 2018)

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Member of the Encore community forum
8th Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over 8 years
10 gigs
Experienced: 10 bookings through Encore
Musicianship
Genres:
Folk, Ceilidh, Traditional English folk, Traditional Scottish folk, Traditional Irish folk, Scottish music
See all genres
Event types:
Wedding, Wedding proposal, Funeral / Memorial service, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Charity event, Concert, Burns night, Birthday party, Christmas party, New Year's Eve
See all event types

Stumpy Oak Ceilidh Band's Song list

A selection of our favourite dances - feel free to request your own favourites!
Circassian Circle
Cumberland Square Eight
Strip The Willow
Snowball
Waves of Tory
Canadian Barn Dance
Gay Gordons
Ping
Falling Masonry
Riverside Jig
Small Circle Dance
Bridge of Athone
Dashing White Sergeant
Lucky Seven
Coming Round the Mountain
Bottoms Up
Flint Street Gallop
Borrowdale Exchange
Rebecca's Roundabout
The New Mrs Arrowsmith
Stoke Golding Country Dance
St. Bernard's Waltz
Flying Scotsman
Witches Reel
May Morning
Town and Country Square dance
Willow Tree
Nottingham Swing
Cornish Six Hand Reel
Boston Tea Party
Clopton Bridge
Stepping Stone Rag
Jacks Alive
OXO Reel
Strip The Willow Square
Twelve Meet
Customer questions

Can you perform covers?

Unfortunately we don't perform Pop/Rock covers but will certainly consider folk songs by special request.

Do you have different line-up options?

Stumpy Oak boasts an unusually large sound. Fiery fiddle, accordion and guitar are complimented by guitar sub-octaves (giving a bass guitar sound) and a stompbox (like a bass drum). Options for further instruments include a bodhran and second fiddle.

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

We always try our best to be flexible to help ensure your event runs as smoothly as possible. If timings change slightly in the run up to the event just let us know.

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

Absolutely we can provide an iPod service before and between our sets. This is a really popular request and we actually offer this service for free. If you'd like a DJ service through our PA after the final set until the venue closes, we provide this for an additional fee - please contact us for a quote.

How much time do you need to set up?

We usually set up about 60 minutes before the performance time. As soon as our PA is set up we can provide a free playlist service to help set the atmosphere and get your guests ready for our live performance!

Do you provide a caller?

Yes we do! We have a fantastic, friendly, patient caller as part of our ceilidh band. She will talk guests through the dance moves prior to/during each dance so that everyone knows what to do and can have fun.

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

Our dance repertoire is put together from our experience of hundreds of ceilidhs for mixed ability groups. Feel free to request your favourite dances and we will do our best to accommodate this. For the DJ playlist we will invite you to set a brief which specifies the styles of music/songs you would like us to play (and not play!)

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

All our quotes include a professional, full range PA system and lighting. All items are PAT tested at 12 month intervals. We provide an electronic copy of safety/insurance documents for your venue at the time of booking.

Can you learn song requests before the event?

Yes - we can learn one or two of your favourite folk songs/tunes by special request.

What do your clients love most about your performances?

High energy performance with a much larger sound than all other ceilidh bands. A consistent line up - not a pool of deputy musicians. Professional conduct and appearance. Lighting included with every event. Help with sorting through the finer details to ensure a really special party atmosphere. Friendly communications with fast replies.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

South Farm - Royston Kings College - Cambridge Easton Grange - Woodbridge Henry Moore Trust - Herts The Junction - Cambridge Snape Maltings Concert Hall - Suffolk Assembly Rooms - Norwich Jesus College - Cambridge Layer Marney Tower - Essex Glemham Hall - Suffolk Madingley Hall - Cambridge Godwick Barn - Norfolk FolkEast and Sidmouth Folk Festivals

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

Two main stage performances at the country's leading folk festival - Sidmouth Folk Week. Also teaching over 100 Chinese CEO delegates English folk dancing!

Stumpy Oak Ceilidh Band's Prices

Note: prices may vary based on travel distance. For an exact quote, click “Check availability”.

Standard Prices
Performance durationPrice
Up to 1 hour£950
Up to 2 hours£1000
Up to 3 hours£1000
Packages
Wedding ceremony + Drinks reception + Dinner2 musicians
Music before the service begins, music during the signing of the register, and music as guests leave. 30 min performance at the drinks reception. 30 min performance as dinner is being served.
£350

Add-ons

DJ set
+£325
Stumpy Oak Ceilidh Band
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4.9 out of 5
4 verified reviews
Satisfaction
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5.0
Professionalism
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4.8
Communication
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5.0
Punctuality
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5.0

Stumpy Oak Ceilidh Band's Reviews

From Encore customers:

NF
Natasha F
3 months ago
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5 out of 5

Brilliant. Stumpy oak saved the evening as our second wedding band killed the vibe. All of our guests remembered Stumpy Oak and we wish they were our only band and we had paid for longer! Highly recommend!

Reply from Stumpy Oak Ceilidh Band
3 months ago

Ah - thanks so much for inviting us along, Natasha! We really hope to ceilidh with you again someday - hope you enjoyed a lovely rest afterwards!

JE
Joshua E
1 year ago
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5 out of 5

Stumpy oak exceeded our expectations and we’re so accommodating for us. I would not hesitate to book them again for future events. Thank you all for such a memorable and personal dance.

Reply from Stumpy Oak Ceilidh Band
1 year ago

We had an AMAZING time - thanks so much for having us along!

NS
Nicola S
2 years ago
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5 out of 5

Stumpy Oak we’re brilliant, got everyone up and dancing. Thoroughly enjoyed by all. Sensitive to the mix of people and our dancing abilities! Thank you Nicola Smith

Reply from Stumpy Oak Ceilidh Band
3 months ago

Thanks so much for inviting us, Nicola! (So sorry we missed your review at the time)

LG
Laura G
2 years ago
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4.8 out of 5

Brilliant band, we had so much fun!

Reply from Stumpy Oak Ceilidh Band
3 months ago

Thanks so much for having us play for you, Laura! (So sorry we missed your review at the time)

From other customers:

J
Jackie
5 years ago

I am SO glad I booked this band for my 50th birthday! Much like a wedding, there were lots of people there who didn’t know each other and the ceilidh dancing and atmosphere got them all up and on their feet and smiling at each other. The music and calling were excellent and they also provided much-needed lighting. Great communication before and during the event too – couldn’t have asked for more and would highly recommend.

N
Nadia
5 years ago

I booked Stumpy Oak for my 40th and prior to the event, all communication was swift and any requests were accommodated in a friendly way. The Ceilidh went down a storm on the day, with all ages from 4-80 getting involved. Given that many guests had never taken part in a ceilidh before, it became such a memorable part of the party because it created so much fun, laughter (and sense of accomplishment in places!). The band played beautifully and slotted themselves into the vibe of the day seamlessly, in a laid-back and crowd-pleasing way. Thanks Guys x

Read all 15 reviews