How Far are you willing to travel ?
We are a Derby-based band and generally accept bookings up to an hour's travel from Derby. This means we can cover Nottingham, Loughborough, Burton, Ashbourne, Buxton, Chesterfield, and anywhere in between.
If you would like us to go further afield, just let us know where, and we will let you know whether we are willing to quote for this.
If you would like us to go further afield, just let us know where, and we will let you know whether we are willing to quote for this.
how long can we expect you to play for ?
Our typical bookings are evening events, starting at 7 or 7.30 pm and finishing by about 11pm. We expect to take a break during the event of about 45 minutes.
However, wedding ceilidhs do not necessarily follow this pattern, and sometimes we are asked to play for afternoon events. Whatever the situation, we can generally fit in with your arrangements.
However, wedding ceilidhs do not necessarily follow this pattern, and sometimes we are asked to play for afternoon events. Whatever the situation, we can generally fit in with your arrangements.
does the venue need to have a stage ?
No - whilst many venues have a stage, we are quite happy to play without one.
We would ask that the venue makes available:-
We would ask that the venue makes available:-
- a 13-amp socket,
- a small table for the amplifier,
- and four upright chairs without arms.
how much do you charge ?
We will be happy to quote for your event if you let us know:-
Please note that to secure a booking we usually ask you to pay a deposit, with the balance of the fee being payable at the event.
- the type of event you are planning
- the venue
- the approximate start and finish times.
Please note that to secure a booking we usually ask you to pay a deposit, with the balance of the fee being payable at the event.
Are there any extras to pay for ?
No - there will be nothing else to pay, since our quoted fee is fully inclusive of:-
- the services of our musicians and the caller
- use of our sound equipment
- travel expenses
Does it matter if we have not done any ceilidh dancing before ?
The short answer is " No ". Our caller is quite used to dealing with complete beginners. Although it helps a bit if some of the guests have tried ceildh dancing before, the caller will explain each dance in detail, and give you an opportunity to walk through it, before the music starts, and will continue to give reminders of the moves as the dance progresses.
Do you have a set programme for every event ?
Again the short answer is " No ". Our caller, like the musicians, has many years of experience, and will very quickly be able to assess how experienced the audience is.
The programme of dances for each event will be tailored precisely to the needs and experience of the audience at the time. Occasionally we find an audience prefers to spend much of the evening chatting, rather than dancing. We have plenty of music to play in the background if this happens.
The programme of dances for each event will be tailored precisely to the needs and experience of the audience at the time. Occasionally we find an audience prefers to spend much of the evening chatting, rather than dancing. We have plenty of music to play in the background if this happens.
can we book you without a caller, just to play music at an event ?
Yes this is fine. We are occasionally booked just to play instrumental music at an event, and we have an extensive repertoire of, mainly English, country dance music, which can be enjoyed by any audience. We are happy to play at whatever sound level suits the ocasion.
we have some music on a mobile phone / Cd / memory stick. can this be played through your sound system ?
Yes if you have some music you would like to play during the ceilidh, we are happy to try to make this work, and it's generally successful.
can we use your microphone and sound system for speeches or making announcements ?
Yes you are welcome to make use of our mike and amplification during the ceilidh. The mike can be either hand held, or fixed to a stand adjusted to the height of the speaker.
Bear in mind, as far as announcements are concerned, that our caller is quite used to acting as the Master of Ceremonies for events, and will be happy to make the announcements for you if you prefer.
Bear in mind, as far as announcements are concerned, that our caller is quite used to acting as the Master of Ceremonies for events, and will be happy to make the announcements for you if you prefer.
is all your repertoire english ?
Our repertoire of music and dances reflects mainly the English tradition.
We also have an extensive repertoire of Scottish music and songs suitable for Burns Suppers, for which we are often booked to provide entertainment.
We also play just a few tunes from other traditions, mainly Irish and American.
We also have an extensive repertoire of Scottish music and songs suitable for Burns Suppers, for which we are often booked to provide entertainment.
We also play just a few tunes from other traditions, mainly Irish and American.
any further questions ?
If you have any other questions, we will be very happy to answer them. You can use the simple form on the
" Contact " page to get in touch by email for a quick reply.
" Contact " page to get in touch by email for a quick reply.