Ceilidh band

The Big Cool Celts: Scottish Ceilidh, Reeling & Covers Party Band

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About The Big Cool Celts: Scottish Ceilidh, Reeling & Covers Party Band

With unrivalled service and quality, they have built a reputation as one of the best Celtic party bands in the UK
Ceilidh band
London
Public liability insurance of £10 million

The most established Ceilidh, Reeling & Covers function band in London, presenting that BIG cool Celtic sound! Founded by Scottish Drummer, Vocalist & Caller Tom Adamson while studying at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. The Big Cool Celts (aka The Baltik Ceilidh band) is bursting with energy & features multi-award winning musicians, performing Ceilidh with a modern twist. An essential part of your event, this Celtic party band cover songs by Scottish bands Salsa Celtica, Martyn Bennett, The Unusual Suspects, Treacherous Orchestra, Kan and Lau, all arranged specially to fit your favorite Ceilidh dances. They also offer all the best Pop/Rock/Motown party floor fillers to bounce around and sing along to! Including Scottish favorites by Runrig, Deacon Blue, Travis,and The Proclaimers.

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Member of the Encore community forum
3rd Anniversary
This act has been working with Encore for over 3 years
5 gigs
Experienced: 5 bookings through Encore
Musicianship
Genres:
Ceilidh, Folk, Traditional Scottish folk, Jazz, Blues, Pop, Covers, Funk, Funk rock, Motown, Soul, Top 40, Acoustic, Rock, Hard rock, Alternative rock, Britpop, Classic rock, Pop rock, Indie, Progressive rock, Post rock, Klezmer, Scottish music
See all genres
Event types:
Wedding, Church service, Hotel / Restaurant event, Bar / Club / Venue event, Private event, Corporate event, Burns night, Recording session, New Year's Eve, Christmas party, Birthday party, Wedding proposal, Charity event, Concert
See all event types

The Big Cool Celts: Scottish Ceilidh, Reeling & Covers Party Band's Song list

CEILIDH (Called)
Auld Lang Syne
The Borrowdale Exchange
Canadian Barn Dance
Circassian Circle
Cumbernauld Square Eight (aka Cumberland Square Eight)
Cumbrian Reel
Dashing White Sgt.
Flying Scotsman
Gay Gordons
Highland Welcome
Lady Godiva Reel
Military 2-Step
Orcadian Strip The Willow
Scotch Mixer
St Bernard's Waltz
Strip The Willow
Swedish Masquerade
Thread The Needle
Virginia Reel
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REELING (Not Called)
Barley Bree
Butterscotch and Honey
De'il Amang the Tailors
Duke & Duchess of Edinburgh
Duke of Perth (aka Broon's Reel)
The Eightsome Reel
The Foursome Reel
Hamilton House
Inverness Reel (aka Speed The Plough)
Johnnie Walker Dance
Machine Without Horses
Monymusk
The Piper & The Penguin
Postie's Jig
Reel of the 51st Division
St Andrews Fair
The Sixteensome Reel
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KLEZMER
Hava Nageela
Siman Tov and Mazel Tov
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COVER SONGS
(*) Only Available With Horn Section
(**) Only Available With Female Vocalist
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-50's-
I Got a Woman - Ray Charles
I Only Have Eyes For You - Jazz standard from the film 'Dames'
Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Presley
You Send Me - Sam Cooke
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-60's-
All Along the Watch Tower - Jimi Hendrix
Blame It On The Boogie - Jackson 5 (**)
Brown Eyed Girl - Van Morrison
Come Together - The Beatles
Dancing in the Street - Martha and the Vandellas (**)
Day Tripper - The Beatles
The End - The Beatles
Gimmie Some Lovin' - Steve Winwood
I Feel Good - James Brown (**)
I Fought the Law - Sonny Curtis (The Clash version)
I Heard It Through The Grapevine - Marvin Gaye
I Saw Her Standing There - The Beatles
In The Midnight Hour - Wilson Pickett
Jumpin' Jack Flash - Rolling Stones
Lady Madonna - The Beatles
Meet on the Ledge - Fairport Convention
Mustang Sally - Wilson Pickett
My Girl - The Temptations
Proud Mary - Creedence Clearwater Revival
Satisfaction - Rolling Stones
Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay - Otis Redding
Something In The Way She Moves - James Taylor
Soul Man - Sam & Dave
Stand By Me - Ben E. King
White Room - Cream
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-70's-
Bodhisattva - Steely Dan
The Boys Are Back In Town - Thin Lizzy
Can't Get Enough of Your Love - Bad Company
Darlin' - Frankie Miller
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough - Michael Jackson (*)(**)
Dreams - Fleetwood Mac
Get Back - The Beatles
Hey Jude - The Beatles
Higher Ground - Stevie Wonder (*)
Hold the Line - Toto
I Wish - Stevie Wonder (**)
Lady Marmalade - Patti LaBelle (**)
Let's Stay Together - Al Green
Life in the Fast Lane - The Eagles
Long Train Running - Doobie Brothers
Maggie May - Rod Stewart
Oh What A Night - Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons
One of These Nights - The Eagles
Peg - Steely Dan
Play That Funky Music - Wild Cherry
Rebel Rebel - David Bowie
Reelin' In The Years - Steely Dan (*)
Shake Your Body Down to the Ground - Michael Jackson (*)
Signed, Sealed, Delivered - Stevie Wonder (**)
Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder (*)
Stuck in the Middle With You - Stealers Wheel
Superstition - Stevie Wonder
Sweet Home Alabama - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Teenage Kicks - Undertones
Take Me To The River - Al Green (*)
We Are Family - Sister Sledge (**)
Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton
You're All I Need to Get By - Aretha Franklyn (*)(**)
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-80's-
9 to 5 - Dolly Parton (**)
500 Miles (I'm Gonna Be) - Proclaimers
1999 - Prince o(+-> (*) (**)
Ain't Nobody - Chaka Kahn (**)
Caledonia - Dougie MacLean
Don't Stop Believin' - Journey
Dude Looks Like A Lady - Aerosmith
Every Breath You Take - The Police
Fisherman's Blues - The Waterboys
Ghostbusters Theme - Ray Parker Jnr.
I Want to Break Free - Queen
I Wanna Dance with Somebody - Whitney Houston (**)
Kiss - Prince o(+->
Let's Go Crazy - Prince o(+->
Livin' On A Prayer - Bon Jovi
Never Too Much - Luther Vandross
Power Of Love - Huey Lewis & The News (*)
Raspberry Beret - Prince o(+->
Real Gone Kid - Deacon Blue
Sledgehammer - Peter Gabriel
Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - U2
Sunshine on Leith - The Proclaimers
Sweet Child of Mine - Guns 'n' Roses
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) - Eurythmics (*)
The Way You Make Me Feel - Michael Jackson (*)
Upside Down - Diana Ross (**)
You Can Call Me Al - Paul Simon
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-90's-
Angels - Robbie Williams
Ants Marching - Dave Matthews Band (*)
The Boy With the Arab Strap - Belle & Sebastian
Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Elton John (*)
Deeper Underground - Jamiroquai
Everything I Do (I Do It For You) - Bryan Adams
Just Looking - Stereophonics
Keep The Faith - Bon Jovi (*)
Let Me Entertain You - Robbie Williams
Perfect 10 -The Beautiful South
Pony - Ginuwine (**)
Rocks - Primal Scream
Rotterdam (Or Anywhere) - The Beautiful South
Something Got Me Started - Simply Red
Soul With A Capital S - Tower of Power (*)
Why Does It Always Rain On Me - Travis
You Do Something To Me - Paul Weller
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-00's-
All These Things That I've Done - The Killers
American Boy - Estelle (**)
Butterfly - Jason Mraz (*)
Can't Stop - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Cigar Song - Brad Paisley
Crazy In Love - Beyonce (**)
Family Affair - Mary J. Blige (**)
Gravity - John Mayer
Loch Lomond (Hampden Remix) - Runrig
Maybe Tomorrow - Stereophonics
Original Fire - Audioslave
PLAY - Martyn Bennett
Rock Your Body - Justin Timberlake (**)
Sex on Fire - Kings of Leon (**)
Sunday Morning - Maroon 5
Take Me Out - Franz Ferdinand
This Love - Maroon 5
Valerie - The Zutons/Mark Ronson & Amy Winehouse
You Are All I Have - Snow Patrol
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-Current-
About Damn Time - Lizzo (**)
All of Me - John Legend (**)
Beautiful, Crazy - Luke Combs
Dean Town - Vulfpeck
Forget You - Ce Lo Green
Get Lucky - Daft Punk
Happy - Pharrell Williams (**)
How Long Will I Love You - Waterboys (Ellie Goulding vers)(**)
I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) - Sleeping At Last
Jericho - Iniko
Locked Out of Heaven - Bruno Mars
Ordinary Love - U2 (**)
Perfect - Ed Sheeran (**)
Pumped Up Kicks - Foster the People
Rather Be - Clean Bandit (**)
Remedy - Adele (**)
Rolling in the Deep - Adele (**)
Shake It Off - Taylor Swift (**)
Shut up and Dance with Me - Walk the Moon
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POPULAR & PAST REQUESTED 1st DANCES IN OUR REPERTOIRE:
All of Me - John Legend (**)
Beautiful, Crazy - Luke Combs
Beyond the Sea - Bobby Darin
Caledonia - Dougie MacLean
Can You Feel The Love Tonight - Elton John
Chateau Lobby - Father John Misty (*)
Every Breath You Take - The Police
Everything I Do (I Do It For You) - Bryan Adams
Feeling Good - Nina Simone (Michael Bublé & Muse Versions)
Gravity - John Mayer
Have I Told You Lately - Van Morrison
The Heart Never Lies - McFly
Hey Ho - The Lumineers
Heaven - Bryan Adams
How Long Will I Love You - The Waterboys (Ellie Goulding version) (**)
I Got a Woman - Ray Charles
I Love You 'till the End - The Pogues
I Only Have Eyes For You - Jazz standard from the film 'Dames'
I'm Into Something Good - Herman's Hermit
Into The Mystic - Van Morrison
Is This Love - Bob Marley
Let's Stay Together - Al Green
L.O.V.E. - Nat King Cole
May You Never - John Martyn
Nothing Else Matters - Metalica
Ordinary Love - U2 (**)
Perfect - Ed Sheeran (**)
Remedy - Adele (**)
Rotterdam (Or Anywhere) - The Beautiful South
Runaway - The Corrs (**)
Shut up and Dance with Me - Walk the Moon
Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay - Otis Redding
Something In The Way She Moves - James Taylor
Stand By Me - Ben E. King
Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) - Eurythmics
Take My Hand - Skerryvore (*)
You Are the First, My Last, My Everything - Barry White
You Do Something To Me - Paul Weller
You Send Me - Sam Cooke
You've Got A Friend In Me - Randy Newman
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The Band Can Also Play Jazz Standards as a Trio, Quartet or Quintet.
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TRADITIONAL FOLK SONGS & ACOUSTIC DUO SONGS
Back Down the River - John Martyn
Caledonia - Dougie MacLean
Donald Where’s Your Trewsers? - Andy Stewart
Fisherman's Blues - The Waterboys
Gloomy Winter's Now Awa - Dougie MacLean
Green Fields of France - Eric Bogle
Hill of Thieves - Cara Dillon
Into The Mystic - Van Morrison
Mominsko Horo - Trad.
Marie's Wedding - John Bannerman
May You Never - John Martyn
Molly Malone - Trad.
Over The Hill - John Martyn
There Were Roses - Tommy Sands
Whisky In The Jar -Trad.
Wild Rover - The Dubliners
Customer questions

What do your clients love most about your performances?

This band is bursting with energy & features multi-award winning musicians, performing Ceilidh with a modern twist.

Which venues have you performed at in the past?

Palace of Westminster, The Savoy (for London Scottish), London Reels, Barbican Centre, Cecil Sharp House, Old Billingsgate Market, Caledonain Club, Savile Club, Gonville and Caius, Gleneagles, Luton Hoo, Kensington Palace, Baden-Powell House, De Vere Wokefield, Tower42, National Gallery, National History Museum, Sandhurst MA, Alexandra Palace, RAFChicksands

Which artists have you been most influenced by?

We perform music from artists like: Salsa Celtica, Martyn Bennett, The Unusual Suspects, Treacherous Orchestra, Fairport Convention, Kan, Lau, Flook, Gordon Duncan and Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas; As well as lot's of traditional favorites by the likes of Niel Gow, Nathaniel Gow and James Scott Skinner.

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

Made in Chelsea S5 Ep7 to 913,000 UK Viewers

Can you perform covers?

Yes, no problem. We have a range of modern covers we're happy to perform in addition to the Ceilidh music. If you book both Ceilidh and Covers, we recommend mixing throughout the night to allow guest a rest between dances.

Do you have different line-up options?

Ceilidh Caller/Drums + Accordion Caller/Drums + Acc or Violin + Violin or Guitar Caller/Drums + Acc + Violin + Guitar Caller/Drums + Acc + Violin + Guitar + Bass Ceilidh + Covers Caller/Drums/Vocals + Acc or Violin + Guitar + Bass 4 Piece + Female Vocals 4 Piece + Sax + Trumpet + Trombone 4 Piece + Female Vocals + Horns 4 Piece + Female Vocals + Horns + Acc

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. This is a really popular request and we actually offer this service for free. If you'd like a DJ service via our PA after the final set until the venue closes, we provide this for an additional price.

How much time do you need to set up?

We usually set up 1 hours before the performance time. 1.5/2hrs for the 7 and 8 Piece line up. 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 caller as part of our Ceilidh band.

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

Our set lists are crafted from countless performances and learning what works best to ensure guests dance and have an amazing time. However, we're definitely happy to chat through and make sure we find what works for your event.

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

Our PA and lighting system is included in your quote. We usually require a minimum of 2m by 5m space to perform

Can you learn song requests before the event?

If a song isn't included in our song list there may still be a chance we already know it. If there is a special song you'd like us to learn we are happy to do this for you. There is an extra fee (per song) for this service to take into account transcription and arranging time.

The Big Cool Celts: Scottish Ceilidh, Reeling & Covers Party 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£1575
Up to 2 hours£1575
Up to 3 hours£1575
Packages
Early Set Up (2-4 Piece)4 musicians
If you require the band to be set up ready to play more than 2hrs before the start of the performance, there is an early set up charge.
£125
Early Set Up Large Band (5-9 piece)8 musicians
If you require the band to be set up ready to play more than 2hrs before the start of the performance, there is an early set up charge.
£250

Add-ons

Microphone for Speeches
+£100
DJ set
+£125
DJ set after 12am
+£250
Wedding ceremony Celtic Duo
+£250
Drinks reception Celtic Duo
+£250
Solo Harpist
+£315
Drinks reception Jazz Trio
+£375
Drinks reception Jazz Quartet
+£500
The Big Cool Celts: Scottish Ceilidh, Reeling & Covers Party Band
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
4.9 out of 5
14 verified reviews
Satisfaction
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5.0
Professionalism
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5.0
Communication
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5.0
Punctuality
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5.0

The Big Cool Celts: Scottish Ceilidh, Reeling & Covers Party Band's Reviews

From Encore customers:

HT
Henry T
4 months ago
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

Excellent on all counts, this band played for our wedding, we requested a mixture of ceilidh (mostly folk and barn dance since we’re not Scottish) and modern covers. The band delivered exactly what we needed and were kind, professional, and easy to book/organise. Worth every penny.

CH
Cat H
2 years ago
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

The guys were absolutely spot on and we would definitely recommend them. We had an incredible time and they massively influenced this. Thank You so much.

Reply from The Big Cool Celts: Scottish Ceilidh, Reeling & Covers Party Band
1 year ago

Thank you for your kind words.

From other customers:

JS
Jon S
1 year ago, for a Wedding in HP15 7FN
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

Absolutely superb. Performed at our wedding. Perfect mix of ceilidh and covers, judged the crowd perfectly to keep people on the dance floor until the end! Thanks! Lucy & Jon

CB
Charlotte B
1 year ago, for a Wedding in RG87RT
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star
5 out of 5

Tom and band performed at my wedding recently and were a big hit. They played a seamless mixture of ceilidh songs and covers, giving guests the opportunity to throw themselves into the ceilidh and then take a break before the next one! Would recommend.

Read all 34 reviews