Ceilidh Bands for hire in Greater Glasgow
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 Greater Glasgow
"We absolutely adored The Big Shoogle! We couldn’t have asked for a better band than The Big Shoogle for our wedding. From the moment they started, they brought an incredible energy that completely lifted the room and got people of all ages up dancing, some of whom we never expected to leave their seats! They struck the perfect balance between traditional ceilidh fun and making everyone feel comfortable joining in, whether they were seasoned dancers or total beginners. What really stood out was how accommodating they were - they happily took specific song requests and made sure the night felt personal to us. Professional, lively, and genuinely great fun, The Big Shoogle played a huge part in making our wedding unforgettable. We’d recommend them without hesitation to anyone looking to get a crowd going and create a brilliant atmosphere."
Lauren hired The Big Shoogle for a Wedding (available in Greater Glasgow)
"An unreal experience. Colin catered to the ability of my guests (around 60% hadn't ceilidh-ed before) and everyone has given me feedback about the pace he went at and how he made it such an enjoyable party! Would recommend 100 times over to book Ceilidh Colin as a caller at your ceilidh party!"
Lauren hired Ceilidh Colin for a Private event (available in Greater Glasgow)
"Really great experience with Davie and the team at our wedding. Even novice ceilidh-ers got involved and had a great time. Many thanks!"
Matt hired The Big Shoogle for a Wedding (available in Greater Glasgow)
FAQs about hiring Ceilidh bands in Greater Glasgow
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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 Greater Glasgow
Useful information
Ceilidh bands in Greater Glasgow 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 Greater Glasgow?
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
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This page was created by the Encore team using data from 3484 bookings and 1683 verified reviews across the UK.
Last updated: 16 May 2026
