Bowreed

Top Rated Oxford Ceilidh Band

Searching for Oxford ceilidh bands? Bowreed ensures your ceilidh is seamless with expert calling and top tunes. Book us today to make it happen.

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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.

Top Oxford Ceilidh Band

Caller-Led Dancing

Our caller makes every dance simple and fun, so even first-timers at an Oxford  wedding can dive straight in.

Trusted Across Oxford

From the Town Hall to college quads, we know Oxford’s venues and how to fill them with ceilidh energy.

Five-Star Reviews

Couples, students, and organisers rave about our ceilidhs, leaving us hundreds of glowing reviews.

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.

Have you played Oxford colleges before?

Yes, as an Oxford ceilidh band we've played ceilidhs in a number of Oxford colleges, so we’re familiar with how the venues run and can fit in smoothly with their timings and requirements.

Can you provide a smaller line-up if the venue space is tight?

Yes. If your Oxford venue has limited space, we can bring a smaller line-up that still includes a caller and live music, so you get the full ceilidh energy without overcrowding the room.

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 Oxford

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

Isis River Farmhouse

This unique venue sits on an island in a rural area of beauty, and offers two distinct venues with your own private meadow, direct riverside views and private mooring for those wishing to arrive right to the door.

Oxford Town Hall

Steeped in history and Victorian splendour, Oxford Town Hall is a Grade II listed wedding venue in the heart of the city, offering a magnificent setting where an Oxford ceilidh band feels right at home.

Bodleian Libraries

Located in the heart of Oxford, The Bodleian Library is one of the oldest libraries in Europe and an impressive wedding venue emitting old-world charm.

Venue Spotlight

Lains Barn

Lains Barn is an excellent venue for an Oxford ceilidh band, offering a convenient load-in that makes setup hassle-free without disturbing guests. The spacious layout provides ample room for dancing and mingling, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the celebration. Surrounded by picturesque countryside, Lains Barn creates a lovely setting that enhances the overall experience. Whether it’s a wedding or a birthday party, this charming venue ensures a memorable ceilidh. For more information, visit Lains Barn.

Review Spotlight

Family Party in Oxfordshire

At Bowreed, we see every event as a chance to bring people together through music and dance, and it was a real pleasure to bring our Oxford ceilidh band back with the Dickinson family in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell for the mother’s 70th birthday after playing at their daughter’s wedding. Family celebrations like this are why we love what we do, and hearing feedback such as “Our second Bowreed experience - and well up to standard! The band arrived on time, were flexible with timing, and, as previously, provided amazing music and calling. Can’t praise them highly enough!” makes it even more special. With professionalism, adaptability, and a focus on tailoring each ceilidh to the occasion, we aim to fill every event with energy, laughter, and memories that last.

Oxford Ceilidh Band Gallery