Ceilidh Bands available to hire in Carlisle
Typical price
From £625, with most ceilidh bands costing £800–£1,250
Best for
Weddings and parties with group dancing
Avg response time
Usually within an hour
When to book
2–6 months in advance
What our expert says...Ceilidh bands bring people together in a way few other acts can. Even guests who’ve never danced before end up joining in, laughing, and learning the steps - it’s the ultimate icebreaker for any celebration.
— Perrine Gouarne, Managing Director at Encore Musicians
Latest reviews of our Ceilidh Bands in Carlisle
"These folks were brilliant! So friendly and communicative in the run up to our wedding! On the day, really made the ceilidh inclusive, fun and different. They really read the room and chose dances that got everyone laughing and being together! Would highly recommend!!!"
Hannah hired The Wild Thyme Band for a Wedding (available in Carlisle)
"Great service from the ceilidh band. They started on time as planned, communicated the instructions really well which was great as many people had never done a ceilidh before. They were able to make some jokes with guests too. Everyone loved the celidh and joined in. They also did a DJ service in the evening where we could have asked for specific songs but we were quite happy with their selection. We cannot fault them and would recommend to anyone. Thank you!"
Anna hired Triple Scotch Ceilidh Band for a Wedding (available in Carlisle)
"Fairgreen Ceilidh were exceptional at our wedding! Communication leading up to our big day was prompt and they were extremely helpful with information about timings and set up. They were very professional, sounded fantastic and read the room giving our guests a breather inbetween dances when needed. We had a truely fun, fantastic evening with multiple guests commenting on how amazing the band and ceilidh was. Can't recommend this band highly enough!"
Sheriden hired Fairgreen Ceilidh Band for a Wedding (available in Carlisle)
FAQs about hiring Ceilidh bands in Carlisle
Take the stress out of hiring musicians with Encore
What is a ceilidh band?
A ceilidh band (pronounced ‘kay-lee’) is a group of musicians that specialise in traditional folk music for ceilidh dances (usually jigs). Ceilidh bands will usually have fiddle players, accordionists, bagpipers playing and a “caller” leading the dances.
What do people do at a ceilidh?
Ceilidhs comes from the Gaelic word for ‘party’ and typically feature a ceilidh band with a caller who will lead the guests in traditional folk Scottish (or Irish) dances. Ceilidh’s are a great way to entertain your guests because they offer an interactive experience where the guests are part of the performances and the dances are simple enough for all ages and abilities, meaning everyone can get involved.
How long do ceilidh dances last?
A traditional Ceilidh dance can last anywhere from 2 to 3 hours, usually broken down with 3-4 dances and then a break. Our Ceilidh bands, however, are flexible and can play for as short or as long as you need.
What instruments are used in a ceilidh band?
Ceilidh bands commonly feature traditional folk instruments. Some common instruments you will find in a Ceilidh band include the fiddle, the accordion, bagpipes, the flute and a banjo. Each Ceilidh band’s lineup will feature different musicians and some bands will feature drums or percussion instruments, such as bodhrán (traditional Irish drum), or guitars. It’s also good to properly check their lineups before booking but if you’re unsure, speak to one of our experts who can give you tailored advice on what would work well for your venue.
Are ceilidh bands only for weddings?
Although wedding ceilidh bands are particularly popular, ceilidh bands are not limited to weddings. Ceilidhs are also popular for birthday parties, anniversaries, and other celebrations, as a fun form of interactive, unique entertainment. Ceilidhs bands are also very popular for corporate events as the dances are a great way to break the ice and get people talking. Overall, ceilidh bands bring people together, making any event memorable with their spirited tunes and engaging dances. You can speak to one of Encore's experts today to find the perfect ceilidh band near you.
Why should I choose a ceilidh band for my corporate event?
Although wedding ceilidh bands are particularly popular, ceilidh bands are not limited to weddings. Ceilidhs are also popular for birthday parties, anniversaries, and other celebrations, as a fun form of interactive, unique entertainment. Ceilidhs bands are also very popular for corporate events as the dances are a great way to break the ice and get people talking. Overall, ceilidh bands bring people together, making any event memorable with their spirited tunes and engaging dances. You can speak to one of Encore's experts today to find the perfect ceilidh band near you.
How much does a Ceilidh Band cost?
Ceilidh Bands typically cost around £220-£400 per group member, with the average band costing £1100 for a 2 hour performance. You can adjust the number of group members and performance length depending on your requirements.
Hiring a Ceilidh Band in Carlisle
Useful information
Ceilidh bands in Carlisle typically play Ceilidh, Folk, Pop, and most respond to enquiries within 2 hours. Demand peaks in June, July, August, so if your event falls in that window, it's worth getting in touch early to secure your preferred act.
How much does it cost to hire a Ceilidh Band in Carlisle?
Prices for Ceilidh bands vary depending on experience, set length, and the size of the act. As a guide, budget Ceilidh bands typically charge around £220 per performer, mid-range acts around £330, and high-end Ceilidh bands from £400 per performer upwards.
A guide to hiring Ceilidh Bands
Take the hassle out of hiring Ceilidh Bands with Encore Musicians
This page was created by the Encore team using data from 3587 bookings and 1792 verified reviews across the UK.
Last updated: 8 August 2026
