About – Bowreed

Biography

Bowreed is a ceilidh band with years of experience bringing traditional music to weddings, parties, and events across the UK.

Known for their lively performances and welcoming style, Bowreed ensures everyone is part of the fun, whether they’re ceilidh veterans or total beginners.

Fred, the manager, is praised for his helpfulness and quick responses during the booking process, making planning a breeze. As one guest said, “The ceilidh was the highlight of our wedding! Even the newbies couldn’t stop raving about it.”

Bowreed has played in all kinds of venues, from rustic barns to elegant marquees. The band’s flexibility shines through, as they effortlessly adapt to different spaces and accommodate client requests. A recent client raved, “They filled our venue with dancing and laughter; it was simply unforgettable.”

The music doesn’t stop after the ceilidh. Many couples opt for Bowreed’s DJ package to keep the celebration going late into the night, with one couple noting, “We sent them a playlist, and they had everyone dancing until midnight.”

Why Have a Ceilidh?

In this video, we go into detail about what makes a ceilidh the perfect choice for your event. You'll learn how a ceilidh creates a lively and inclusive atmosphere, ensuring that guests of all ages can join in the fun. Watch to discover why our approach to ceilidh dancing makes it a highlight for any celebration.

Past Events

SS Great Britain

We played at a wedding aboard the historic SS Great Britain in Bristol, transforming the elegant space into a lively ceilidh dance floor. Guests of all ages joined in for an unforgettable evening, showing how we can bring a ceilidh to even the most unique venues.

Beautiful Days Festival

We’re honored to have a yearly residency at the Beautiful Days Festival, one of the UK’s most popular. Our lively sets have become a festival staple, with attendees eagerly joining the ceilidh dancing each year. It’s proof we’re not just for weddings—we’re festival favorites too!

Italy

We played at a stunning wedding in Italy for guests from around the world. It showcased our flexibility and love for travel. The night was filled with music, laughter, and dancing, proving a Bowreed ceilidh creates unforgettable moments anywhere.

FAQs

Q: How long does a ceilidh usually last?

A: 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.

Q: Do you provide a ceilidh caller?

A: 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.

Q: How many musicians are in the band?

A: 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.

Q: Can you play specific dances at our wedding?

A: Absolutely! If you have particular dances in mind, just let us know in advance, and we’ll incorporate them into the set.

Q: Do you bring your own sound equipment?

A: Yes, we bring all our own sound equipment, including microphones, speakers, and instruments. We just need access to a power source at your venue.

Q: What space do you need for the ceilidh?

A: 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.

Q: Can the ceilidh be held outdoors?

A: Yes, we can play outdoors, but we do require a sheltered area or marquee to protect our equipment in case of weather changes.

Q: How much time do you need to set up?

A: 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.

Q: Do you provide music when the band isn’t playing?

A: 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.

Q: Can you play traditional wedding songs or modern music?

A: Our ceilidh focuses on traditional tunes, but we do offer a DJ package for after the ceilidh, where we can play a mix of modern and classic hits, including any songs you request.

Q: What should guests wear for the ceilidh?

A: We recommend comfortable, non-restrictive clothing and shoes. Ceilidh dancing can be energetic, so it’s best if guests are able to move freely!

Q: Do you offer a disco or DJ service after the ceilidh?

A: 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.

Q: Do you take song requests during the DJ set?

Disco Service: No, the disco uses a pre-set playlist, which can include songs you choose beforehand.
DJ Service: Yes! The DJ service is fully interactive, where we take song requests and mix live to keep the energy high. This is highly dependent on availability, so be sure to book early.

Q: How far in advance should we book the band?

A: It’s best to book as early as possible, especially for popular dates during wedding season. We recommend booking 6-12 months in advance to secure your preferred date.

Q: Do you travel outside of your area for weddings?

A: Yes, we travel to weddings across the UK. Additional travel costs may apply depending on the distance, so let us know your venue location for a tailored quote.

Q: What if some of our guests have never done ceilidh dancing before?

A: No problem at all! Our caller will guide everyone through the dances, making sure both experienced dancers and beginners have a great time.