Bowreed

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The Dorset Ceilidh Band

With over a decade of experience and more than 150 five-star reviews, Bowreed is the top choice for ceilidhs in Dorset. Keep scrolling to find out why!

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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 Choose Bowreed for Your Dorset Ceilidh?

Expert Caller Included

Our caller makes the dances easy to follow and fun for everyone.

Local Know-How

Top-rated ceilidhs for weddings and events in Dorset.

Trusted by Hundreds

With glowing reviews, people rave about our ceilidhs week after week.

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.

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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.

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.

Best Ceilidh Venues in Dorset

Looking for the best ceilidh venues around? As a top Dorset ceilidh band, we’ve played them all – here are a few favourites.

Mapperton

Mapperton’s valley gardens and historic house make a stunning backdrop, and as a Dorset ceilidh band we’ve found its marquee and Orangery ideal for a night of dancing.

Abbots Court

Abbots Court’s walled garden, rustic stables and pavilion give plenty of versatile space, and our ceilidhs here always fill the floor.

Lulworth Castle

Lulworth Castle’s dramatic setting on the Jurassic Coast is a spectacular place for a ceilidh, with grand halls perfect for evening celebrations.

Venue Spotlight

Parley Manor

Parley Manor in Christchurch, Dorset, is a Georgian wedding venue dating back to the 1700s, set within four acres of landscaped grounds. Couples can exchange vows in the glass Pavilion and celebrate in a marquee in the Italian garden, accommodating up to 150 seated guests. The venue features seven luxury bedrooms, ideal for weekend weddings. Guests can enjoy tailored catering, from formal dining to relaxed BBQs. With its blend of history and modern comfort, Parley Manor provides a scenic setting for both celebration and relaxation, complete with beautiful lawns, a lake, and intricate garden features.

Dorset Ceilidh Band Moments