Bowreed

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Your Essex Ceilidh Band

We love performing in Essex, where every ceilidh is a joy. Bowreed has been ceilidh-ing in Essex for over ten years, and we'd love to hear from you about your event.

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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.

Essex's Go-To Ceilidh Band

Expert Caller Included

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

Proud to Play in Essex

We’re at home here, delivering ceilidh magic every time.

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.

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.

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 Essex

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

Greenwoods Hotel Spa & Retreat


Greenwoods Hotel & Spa is one of the leading venues in Ingatestone, Essex.

Channels


Channels is a picturesque Little Waltham, Essex-situated venue.

Crondon Park

Crondon Park is a historic venue located in Stock, Essex's beautiful and peaceful countryside, offering exclusive use for grand affairs.

Venue Spotlight

Villier's Barn

Villiers Barn in Thorpe-le-Soken, Essex, is a Grade II listed beauty, perfect for ceilidhs and countryside weddings. Surrounded by peaceful gardens, it features a get-ready suite in the old coach house and catering with 25 years of expertise. With nearby accommodation at Lifehouse Spa & Hotel, it’s got everything you need for a seamless celebration.

Essex Ceilidh Band Moments