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’s been sparking ceilidh fun for over a decade, lighting up weddings, parties, and events across the UK. We’re all about fun, inclusive dancing that gets everyone on their feet—no experience needed! With 150+ glowing 5-star reviews, you can trust us to tailor every ceilidh perfectly to your celebration.
What Clients Say
Meet The Band
Fred
Fred, Bowreed’s founder, plays fiddle and button accordion, bringing years of professional expertise to every ceilidh.
Odhrán
Odhrán, from Derry, is Bowreed’s original fiddler and is also known for his work with Real World Records.
Ben
Ben’s solid rhythm and festival experience make him a core guitarist for Bowreed ceilidhs.
Alison
Alison brings decades of festival experience, expertly teaching ceilidh moves or playing fiddle with Bowreed.
Phil
Phil is a legendary caller, known nationwide at festivals, and we’re delighted to have him on board.
Jeff
Jeff is a brilliant drummer, adding an unparalleled groove to ceilidhs.
Naomi
Naomi is a fantastic bassist, bringing warmth and depth to the band’s sound.
Jon
Jon’s a brilliant caller, top jazz flautist, and disco master rolled into one fantastic Bowreed teammate.
Marick
Marick, Bath Folk Festival founder, is a regular session leader, trusted DJ, and Bowreed bandleader.
Michael
Michael, from Donegal, adds authentic traditional fiddle flair and passionate energy to Bowreed ceilidhs.
Luke
Luke’s driving DADGAD guitar style and impeccable rhythm are perfect for Bowreed.
Photo credit: Ben Potton Photography
Tom
Tom, an author and fiddler, brings his decades of calling expertise to Bowreed’s ceilidhs.
Noah
Noah’s bass-playing brilliance adds depth and groove to Bowreed’s larger ceilidh setups across Bristol and beyond.
Helen
Helen’s playful calling, along with her clarinet and flute expertise, guarantees ceilidh success with Bowreed.
Adam
A festival favourite and close friend, Adam is one of Bowreed’s go-to guitarists for any ceilidh.
Erin
Erin’s deep knowledge of British Isles dances makes her a standout caller at Bowreed ceilidhs.
Photo credit: Ben Potton Photography
Hannah
Hannah’s charm shines as a stunning fiddler, occasional caller, and soulful vocalist at Bowreed ceilidhs.
Tim
Tim’s All-Ireland winning playing brings the unique sound of uilleann pipes to Bowreed’s roster.
Andy
Whether on guitar, keys, or bass, Andy’s versatility and talent shine in Bowreed’s ceilidh lineups.
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: Is the Band a Fixed Lineup?
A: Bowreed’s lineup isn’t fixed - we draw from a core team of talented musicians and callers to suit your event perfectly.
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.
Ready to Dance?
Planning a wedding, party, or something else? Let’s chat about how we can bring ceilidh fun to your event. Whether it’s a big day or a lively evening, we’ll tailor it just for you. Fill out the form below and we’ll get started!