Ceilidh Bands for hire in Milton Keynes
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 Milton Keynes
"Thank your team all so much for Saturday, we cannot believe how well it all went, they absolutely made the wedding, they adapted to the heat wave and read the energy levels of the crowd so well, we ended up all dancing outside and it was just beautiful! The caller was amazing!! (I'm so sorry i've forgotten his name, such a lovely guy!) Even though we had a lot of non-english speakers, he explained everything so well and was patient and it was perfect! We've had loads of our Spanish friends and family say they want to bring this Ceildh business to spain because they enjoyed it so much! Was just the most joyful day. Thank you all so much!!!"
Jaime hired Ceilidh With Us for a Wedding (available in Milton Keynes)
"Book this band! Their music is incredible Michael is so talented and his violin alone has the whole room skipping about with glee, Nick on this occasion was on the drum and our caller - so personable and what a skill to create ordered dancers from our rabble. We had THE BEST fun. For me a ceilidh is the only way to celebrate any event - so if you've never tried it go for it you won't be disappointed. My work friends all said it was a fantastic way to bring everyone together. I would use The Sweeney Band again without hesitation. THANK YOU for such a wonderful evening of sheer fun !"
Sally hired The Sweeney Ceilidh Band for a Private event (available in Milton Keynes)
"Thanks to Ian and his band, our joint 60th birthday ceilidh was a fantastic success. From the first dance to the last, the floor was full thanks to the excellent music, as well as Simon and his calling skills. In the lead up to the event, Ian maintained regular contact and helped with suggesting a format for the event that would work best. On the day the band arrived exactly on schedule and ensured everyone had a most enjoyable evening. Thank you Ian, Simon and Bob!"
Peter hired Ian Robertson & his Scottish Dance Band for a Birthday party (available in Milton Keynes)
FAQs about hiring Ceilidh bands in Milton Keynes
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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 Milton Keynes
Useful information
Ceilidh bands in Milton Keynes 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 Milton Keynes?
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 3510 bookings and 1699 verified reviews across the UK.
Last updated: 6 June 2026
