Barn Dances, Country Dances & Ceilidhs

Customer Opinion

"Everyone remarked on what a good idea it was and what a great time they had. One young couple said it was the best wedding they had been to as they had only been to receptions that have had a disco. Other remarks were ‘Best wedding reception we have been to’, ‘The band was great; barn dancing is such great fun. I was helpless with laughter!’, ‘The barn dance was great’. Once again, thank you so much for making Clair and Mark’s special day that bit extra special."

"Brilliant! We hardly noticed the band setting up – very professional. The performance exceeded all our expectations. The band sounded great + with Malcolm created a vibrant + fun atmosphere which we will never forget. Compliments from guests are still rolling in! You really made our day special. Malcolm did a great job of getting people on the dance floor! Some of our friends who went pale when we mentioned ‘barn dance’ (Sat night clubbers!!!) didn’t leave the dance floor all night – well, just for a pint of Harveys to get their energy back!! We would have no hesitation booking with you again. Just got to find a reason for a party! We will recommend you to anyone we know who’s after a barn dance."

"The performance on the night was faultless. Everything went very smoothly and the bride and bridegroom had a fantastic evening! Many guests commented on what an excellent band."

"The sound of the band was exactly what I had imagined (Scottish ceilidh). The caller was superb – friendly, outgoing and very good at coaxing people up onto the dance floor without being bossy and annoying!"

"Enjoyed the walk thro’ the rooms at the beginning to encourage people to join in. Loved the mix of dances. A very memorable evening and a high-light to the wedding. Thanks again Paul – it really was a lovely way to finish off the day – apart from the church service it was the best part of the day."

"Excellent – a very good band with a caller who kept the impetus going throughout the evening …. You really made the evening. Additionally (unlike a ‘disco’) people could actually hold a conversation."

"... great atmosphere created by the music and dancing. The band was brilliant and the caller kept it all fun for the guests. You managed to involve everybody. There was a real sense of everyone being happy and relaxed.
As far as we were concerned – it was just perfect! Everyone commented on how much they enjoyed themselves. The whole thing encapsulated the mood of the day. We’ll never forget it."

 Although there are specialist events for experienced dancers of particular dance styles, these notes refer to the more normal event that anyone can enjoy.

Ceilidh, country dance, barn dance, 'hop' - all names used to describe events ranging from gentle dances for those challenged by age or physical condition, to the frantic 'bop' where experienced dancers merrily fling themselves (and each other) around the floor with nary a thought for personal injury.

Instruments vary from those found in medieval times such as bagpipes (And not just highland pipes) and hurdy gurdys to modern keyboards and electric guitars.

Anything which the players can get their hands on and which suits their style. Tunes come from traditional sources - England , Scotland , Ireland , America and The Continent as well as from modern times. If it works for a dance, it'll be used.

In general, a barn dance should provide a chance for everyone, regardless of age and ability, to have a good time. Dances are chosen to challenge but not baffle. By the time they have sorted out what to do the audience should be well and truly mixed together.

Experience is definitely not a requirement.

Why Should I Want One?

Simply to have a memorable and fun-filled event you and your guests can talk about for years to come. An event for the young and old alike. For the fit and not so fit. Not only is it becoming a special event in itself to have live music, the progress ional nature of many dances makes them a wonderful way to mix people together.

You can hold one even with a group of total strangers - they will soon become acquainted!

Unlike a 'disco', there is no need to worry about who you are seen dancing with - Auntie Maud and Cousin Zob, the Managing Director and the Cleaner; all can end up as partners. No one need feel excluded; almost anyone can join in.

Your event will be led by a 'caller' - a central figure to teach and guide the dancers along as necessary. Finding a good caller is the secret for a great evening. They will select the right dances according to the general abilities and wants of the audience and encourage people along without patronising them.

Choose your caller with care - there are those that change from mild mannered recluse to a mix between Victorian headmaster and drill sergeant from hell once they set foot upon stage! A good caller will make your event, a bad one (and there are a great many of these about) make it memorable for the wrong reasons.

What Will I Need?

• A suitable venue
  Anything from a village hall to stately home will do nicely. In the past we've played in the above as well as in pubs, barns, restaurants, castles, kitchens, car parks, town squares (French and English), on ships, in ships, on, in and under the English Channel and once even on a bridge over the M25 (don't ask!). If weather permits, an outside dance can be great fun.
  
• Power
  If a sound system is required then we'll need access to one standard, 240v three-pin power point. Something to bear in mind for outside events.
  
• An audience
  Please bring your own - we can't help you on this one. It is a good idea to tell them about the dance in advance. Guests may want to bring suitable footwear and clothing to change into if dressed up for a more formal part of the proceedings.
  

A Band is a Band, is a Band

Only in the same way that a car is a car is a car!

Good musicians tend to have better and more reliable instruments and equipment. It may be possible to postpone a dance because the amplifier has blown up, but how do you feel about your event?

A group with a professional attitude will have third party liability insurance.

The Health and Safety, and Electricity at Work regulations require that ALL mains powered electrical equipment that has been tested to comply with 'P.A.T' standards. Most groups don't bother, claim that the regulations don't apply to them or just resort to bare faced lies and assure you that everything is in order. Groups should have a schedule of tested equipment, which will all be marked with green and white stickers. This includes amplifiers, mixing desks, mains leads and multi-sockets, transformers and lighting – anything with a three pin plug MUST be inspected and tested. Always ask for written proof of testing, if the band say they will bring it on the night then ‘forget', just arrange to withhold payment until written confirmation is received, that should work! (More information available here).

All this results in a higher cost, but there are however ways to work to a tighter budget without having to sacrifice safety, peace of mind or quality.

Saturday nights in the summer are always heavily in demand, a move to another time will give you more choice between performers, or else remember to book well in advance.

For smaller events a reduced band will cost less and also keep the ratio between musician and dancers balanced.

All that being said, at present rates (summer 2005) it is still possible to get a top three-piece band with excellent caller and sound system as described above at a peak time for less than 600 pounds. Bands tend to know what they are worth, and charge accordingly. As with most things in life, you pays your money and takes your choice...

Hints & Tips

A contract will ensure that there is no doubt as to what you require, when, for how long and for how much. Ask to see details of insurance, and equipment checks. Some bands play mainly at private and corporate events, where it will not be possible for you to see them perform. They should however always be willing and able to provide a demonstration tape. Ask for a live 'demo', rather than something produced in a studio - you want to hear what you'll get in real life!

Provide your musicians with full and clear directions with a map if necessary. They'll be more relaxed if able to get straight to you, and won't have the excuse to drop into a pub 'just to get directions' on the way!

Check that your dance floor is safe, without holes or ridges to trip over, and is brushed out if necessary. Don't try to fit in too much in an event, particularly at a wedding where friends and family like to have time to talk with each other. A well-planned timetable will be able to cope with the almost inevitable over-runs.

You are the boss. If you want something, ask for it. 'He who pays the piper calls the tune'. Bands have their own ideas about what to play, and how to play it.

If you are booking a group directly make sure you both have the same event in mind!

What Can We Do For You?

We'll do our best to find the right performers for you, not just the first group who are available - from solo piper or minstrel to full evening of entertainment with caller, sound system, floor spots and, if required, sound engineer and lighting rig.

Over the years we have weeded out the unreliable, the temperamental and the simply bad. To help you feel confident in booking a band through us we now offer a 100% guarantee - If you are unhappy with a performance, there will be no charge on the day and your deposit will be refunded in full!

We will be happy to discuss what you want, then give advice free of charge. Blues to bluegrass, classical to jazz. Barn dance to banquet. All within budget and on a 'no find - no fee' basis.

We can also decorate your venue with flags, bunting and lighting to create a special atmosphere, helping your event get off to a flying start.

There is nothing to pay until you decide to book a group, and then a deposit will secure them for your event.

These notes have been produced by someone who has spent the last twenty years, man and pimply youth, playing traditional music at various events. You may therefore detect more than a modicum of bias in his view that a traditional style dance can offer a valid alternative to other ways of spending a Saturday night. It is sincerely hoped that this guide is of some use to you, please feel free to pass on any comments and observations.

Whatever you decide to do, have a great event!

Don't forget that all of our acts are covered by our unique 100% guarantee – if you are unhappy with our performance simply don't pay – any deposit or prior payment will be refunded in full!