Bowreed
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About
Bowreed is a ceilidh band with years of experience bringing traditional music to weddings, parties, and events across the UK.
Who We Are
Bowreed has been sparking ceilidh fun for over a decade, bringing inclusive dancing to weddings, parties, and events across the UK. With 150+ 5-star reviews, you can trust us to tailor every ceilidh perfectly to your celebration.
What Clients Say
Dan, 2025
We had such a fantastic time at our wedding ceilidh!
Yasmin, 2025
We booked Bowreed for our wedding and they were incredible!
Anna, 2025
I got so many compliments from all of my guests!
Meet the Band
We work with a trusted roster of professional musicians, giving us the flexibility to tailor each ceilidh to your event. Whether you want a classic three-piece or something a little different, we’ll put together the perfect lineup. Here are just a few of the regulars you might see on stage.
Fred
Fred is Bowreed’s founder and plays fiddle and button accordion. With years of professional experience, he brings energy, expertise and warmth to every ceilidh.
Odhrán
Odhrán, from Derry, was Bowreed’s first fiddler and remains a firm favourite. He’s also known for his acclaimed traditional music work with Real World Records.
Ben
Ben plays guitar for Bowreed with rock-solid rhythm and flair. With years of ceilidhs behind him, he brings drive and experience to every Bowreed lineup.
Alison
Alison has decades of ceilidh experience and a warm, clear style. Her energy brings crowds to life every time.
Luke
Luke’s driving DADGAD guitar style and impeccable rhythm are perfect for Bowreed.
Phil
Phil is a legendary caller, known nationwide at festivals, and we’re delighted to have him on board.
Jon
Jon’s a brilliant caller, top jazz flautist, and disco master rolled into one fantastic Bowreed teammate.
Hannah
Hannah’s charm shines as a stunning fiddler, occasional caller, and soulful vocalist at Bowreed ceilidhs.
Tom
Tom, an author and fiddler, brings his decades of calling expertise to Bowreed’s ceilidhs.
Any questions?
Do you provide a ceilidh caller?
Yes, we always provide an experienced ceilidh caller to guide your guests through the dances, ensuring everyone has fun, whether they’re seasoned dancers or complete beginners.
How long does a ceilidh usually last?
A typical ceilidh set lasts around 2 hours, usually split into two 45-minute sets with a short break in between. However, we can adjust the length to fit your event’s schedule.
What if some of our guests have never done ceilidh dancing before?
No problem at all! Our caller will guide everyone through the dances, making sure both experienced dancers and beginners have a great time.
Do you offer a disco or DJ service after the ceilidh?
Yes, we offer both! You can choose between a curated disco playlist or a fully interactive DJ set with live mixing and requests.
How far in advance should we book the band?
It’s best to book as early as possible, especially for peak dates. We recommend 6–12 months in advance to secure your preferred date.
Do you bring your own sound equipment?
Yes, we bring all our own sound equipment – you just need to provide power and a space to set up.
How many musicians are in the band?
Our standard lineup includes three musicians and a caller, but we can add or reduce musicians depending on the size and needs of your event.
Is the band a fixed lineup?
Bowreed’s lineup isn’t fixed – we draw from a core team of talented musicians and callers to suit your event perfectly.
Can you play specific dances at our wedding?
Absolutely! If you have particular dances in mind, just let us know in advance, and we’ll incorporate them into the set.
How much space do you need for the ceilidh?
We can adapt to most spaces, but ideally, we need a performance area of about 3x4 meters for the band and a dance floor large enough to accommodate your guests.
How much time do you need to set up?
We typically need about 60 minutes to set up our equipment and do a quick sound check. We’ll coordinate with your venue to ensure everything is ready in time.
Do you provide music when the band isn’t playing?
Yes, we can play background music through our sound system during breaks. You’re welcome to provide a playlist, or we can choose something suitable for your guests.
Do you offer a disco or DJ service after the ceilidh?
Yes, we offer both! Our disco service involves playing a curated playlist through our sound system to keep the party atmosphere going. Our DJ service is more interactive, allowing guests to make song requests and featuring live mixing to keep the dance floor lively.
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