Wraggle Taggle

Adored London-based Ceilidh band Wraggle Taggle have performed for Mick Jagger, Zoe Ball, Robert Smith of the Cure, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and Frank Skinner to name a few. One of the most popular, versatile, professional, fun, and affordable traditional Ceilidh bands, Wraggle Taggle Ceilidh Band performs live Irish, Scottish, English, and American folk music, dances, and songs with innovation, flair, and vitality, throughout South East England. With many years of experience performing traditional music in pubs and clubs, schools and colleges, festivals, weddings, parties, and corporate functions, they can be hired from a duo to a six-piece, amplified or acoustic, with or without a caller. We are flexible enough as regards personnel, instrumentation, and musical style to be able to tailor a band to your specific requirements. All band members have been performing, touring, and recording for many years and are punctual, smart, and sober, but still good fun! Founded by Mick Bailey (Guitar/vocals) in 1998, the band has had many years of success including performances for Mick Jagger, and Robert Smith of The Cure. Celebrities they've performed for include: Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Zoe Ball, Frank Skinner, Clive Anderson, Ian Hislop Stephen Fry, Alan Davis, Dara O'Briain, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Meera Syal, Aimi MacDonald, Bert Weedon, Jon Snow, and Imelda Staunton. Award-winning musicians Carlene Anglim (fiddle), Eugene Teevan (accordion), and Mick O'Connor (tenor banjo) form the "core" of the band. Other instruments such as flute, tin-whistle, or percussion may also be added. Speciality instruments such as Irish or Scottish bagpipes or traditional dancers are also available. Our most common format for a ceilidh consists of four musicians plus a caller who will teach the dances from scratch - no experience needed! A ceilidh is something really different and ideal for a successful party, as it is a fun way to get families, friends, and colleagues to mix and meet and because all age groups become involved. The faster dances are an energetic workout, and we also play in a more relaxed romantic mood. Our musical influences include The Chieftains, Planxty, The Bothy Band, Altan, Ally Bain, Boys of the Lough, Jimmy Shand, The Pogues, Van Morrison, The Dubliners, Christy Moore, and the many talented friends we have met over the years in the vibrant traditional music scene. We are both sensitive to the occasion and responsive to the mood of the audience. If you wish we can concentrate on one particular style e.g. Scottish or Irish throughout the performance. We will bring all the necessary instruments and equipment. All we need is a couple of normal 3-pin plug sockets and chairs without arms. We bring an iPod to provide background music in the breaks. I have a wide selection of tracks available. We normally set up half an hour before the performance and pack down as soon as we have finished. I can play iPod from a few minutes after we arrive and while we set up as well as during our breaks. My equipment can also be made available to play personalised playlists before or after the performance, for an additional fee. To see videos and listen to Wraggle Taggle in action please see our media at the top of the profile page. Let us know the date you require traditional entertainment and we will gladly check our availability and pencil the date in our bookings diary. We look forward to hearing from you! Past Clients: Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall, Robert Smith of The Cure, Guy Ritchie, Jackie Clune, Baroness McDonagh, and Sheila McDonagh MP, National Theatre, National Youth Orchestra, London Irish RFC, and British Airways. Celebrities: Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Zoe Ball, Frank Skinner, Clive Anderson, Ian Hislop, Stephen Fry, Alan Davis, Dara O'Briain, Sanjeev Bhaskar, Meera Syal, Aimi MacDonald, Bert Weedon, Jon Snow, Imelda Staunton. Venues: Return to Camden Town Festival, London NW1, Blenheim Palace, The National Liberal Club The Royal Festival Hall, Pinewood Studios, Grosvenor Square Hotel, and HM Treasury. TV appearances: "Next" on Live TV, "Failte" on TG4 End-of-shoot parties: "Poirot" & "The Bill". Film appearances: "66" with Helena Bonham Carter and Catherine Tate. Musicians residencies: The Clayton Crown Hotel, London NW2. Core band members' bios: Carlene Anglim is a fabulous fiddle player who won the BBC young folk musician of the year and went on to earn many awards and accolades including performing at the Cambridge Folk Festival. Eugene Teevan is a talented accordion player from Luton. He competed in Fleadhs all over Britain and Ireland and was All-Ireland Champion in 1982 and 1986 and is now a qualified music teacher. Mick Bailey on Guitar and Vocals, is the founder and lynchpin of the band which he put together following many successful years organising sessions and gigs in and around his home in North London. Mick O'Connor on Tenor Banjo, was invited to meet Irish President Mary McAleese at a special reception for traditional Irish musicians on 21st April 2004. Callers (If you need one): Margaret Morrin is a real traditional dancing enthusiast. If she isn't teaching traditional dance or calling for a ceilidh she will be out dancing with her husband John. Margaret teaches Irish set dancing at Harringay Irish Centre in London. Mary Panton Caller is a rare combination of expert country dance caller and crowd psychologist. Her knowledge of dance steps from the UK and beyond is based on decades of professional involvement and a true passion for her art. A suitably talented deputy will be substituted if any of the main band members aren't available, (e.g. because of other commitments). Past reviews: "Wraggle Taggle were great and very professional." John Magee 10th November 2019 "The musicians were fantastic" Eileen Kelly 5th November 2019 "Wraggle Taggle were an awesome band" Beth Thayne 29th October 2019 "Everyone had such a great time" George Papadopoulos, The Kensington Care Home 11th October 2019 "Lots of compliments about your band" Brian McGinley, Chairman, Maidenhead Golf Club 16th July 2019 "I would totally recommend Wraggle Taggle" Seb Teuber, The King's Royal Hussars 22nd February 2019 “This is the best birthday present I have ever had” Zoe Ball, 20th October 2018 "Fantastic and efficient" Marisa Smith Acting Events Manager: Adult Programmes, British Museum 12th October 2015 "They had a great time" Louise Fisher The Tour Company on behalf of Robert Smith of "The Cure" 1st December 2014 "They were marvellous" Ben Salter, Head of Support, National Youth Orchestra 20th January 2014 "We all loved the band" Baroness McDonagh (life peer in the House of Lords) 22nd October 2013