Bowreed
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Bristol Ceilidh Band For Everyone!
Bowreed is the go-to Bristol ceilidh band for weddings, parties or anything else. Whatever the occasion, we’ll have your guests dancing the night away.
What’s a ceilidh actually like? Watch this.
A ceilidh’s about jumping in, letting loose, and laughing your way through the chaos. Our caller makes it easy, and the band keeps the energy high from start to finish.
Why Bristol Books Bowreed, the Bristol Ceilidh Band
We’ve built a reputation as the go-to ceilidh band in Bristol, playing top tunes and packing out dance floors across the city.
Expert Caller Included
Our caller reads the room to select the perfect dance for your crowd, whether they're ceilidh first-timers or veterans.
Local to Bristol
We've brought our ceilidhs to The Bristol Folk House, The Mount Without and beyond.
Trusted Across the City
We played at 50+ Bristol events in the last year, with one client saying "I would have them again for another event in the future in a heartbeat!"
What's Included in Your Ceilidh?
We’ve been getting guests on their feet for over a decade. Whether you’re planning a wedding or a party, we tailor each ceilidh to suit the space, the crowd, and the occasion.
Professional Musicians
Seasoned players who know how to lift the room with every tune.
Top-Tier Sound
Professional sound setup, ensuring your event looks and sounds amazing.
Smooth Setup
We handle the logistics with your venue so everything runs seamlessly.
Disco & DJ Options
Keep the party going after the ceilidh
Choose our hands-off disco service with curated playlists and lighting, or upgrade to a live DJ for real-time requests and mixing that keeps the dance floor packed.
Ceremony Music
Available as solo or duo
Set the tone for your day with live ceremony music, available as solo fiddle or as a fiddle and guitar duo. From processional to recessional, we’ll play beautifully arranged tunes that add warmth and character to each moment.
Reception Acoustic Duo
Traditional tunes for a relaxed setting
Fiddle and guitar provide instrumental folk music during your drinks reception, creating a warm backdrop without overpowering conversation.
Check Availability
Think you’re ready to book a ceilidh band? You’re only a few steps away.
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.
Are you local to Bristol?
Yes, Bowreed is based in Bristol, and we’ve played ceilidhs across the city for years. We also travel nationwide, so whether your event’s in Bristol or further afield, we can make it happen.
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.
Can you set up quickly in between the meal and the evening reception?
Yes, we’re used to tight turnarounds and can set up in about 60 minutes, so everything’s ready for the first dance and the ceilidh straight after the meal.
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.
Best Ceilidh Venues in Bristol
Looking for the best ceilidh venues in Bristol? As a top Bristol ceilidh band, we’ve played them all – here are a few favourites.
Venue Spotlight
Bristol Folk House
The Bristol Folk House is a fantastic venue for ceilidhs, right in the heart of the city. Bowreed has played here for weddings, parties, and public events. With its central location and flexible space, it’s perfect for both small gatherings and big celebrations.
Review Spotlight
Goldney Hall
Our Bristol ceilidh band played for Beth’s wedding at Goldney Hall’s Orangery, mixing traditional Scottish dances with a special first dance arrangement and a DJ set to close the night. The floor was packed from start to finish, and in Beth’s words: “Just wanted to say a massive thank you for playing at our wedding, we had an amazing time!”
Bristol Ceilidh Gallery
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