Bowreed

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Manchester Ceilidh Band to Get Everyone Dancing

Bowreed bring ceilidhs to weddings, birthdays and work events across Manchester – guaranteed full dance floors and a night people talk about long after the lights go up.

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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 Manchester Ceilidh?

Our caller keeps it light, funny, and easy to follow - no one is left watching from the sidelines. We’ve played everything from intimate pub parties to charity balls at the Midland Hotel, so we know how to make ceilidhs work in any space. And when it comes to logistics, we bring the sound, lights, and know-how so you can just enjoy the night.

Expert Caller Included

Our caller picks the right dances for the room, keeping both first-timers and seasoned ceilidh dancers involved.

Manchester Locals

We've brought our ceilidhs to venues all over the city.

Trusted Across the City

We played at countless Manchester events.

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.

Are you local to Manchester?

Yes, Bowreed has a base in Manchester, and we’ve played ceilidhs across the city for years. We also travel nationwide, so whether your event’s in Manchester 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 Mancheter

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

Coombe Lodge

Coombe Lodge is an enchanting, romantic wedding venue in Somerset, England.

Aldwick Estate

Aldwick Estate is nestled amidst the picturesque countryside, overlooked by the stunning Mendip Hills.

Berwick Lodge

On the outskirts of Bristol, set in stunning grounds, is Berwick Lodge.

Venue Spotlight

GRUB

GRUB MCR is a brilliant spot for a ceilidh in Manchester – plenty of space for dancing, flexible layouts to suit any crowd, and top-quality food and drink from the bar to keep everyone fuelled for the night.

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!”