Ceilidh and Barn Dance FAQs
If you question isn’t answered below or you just want to know more, send us a message and we’ll get right back to you!
What is a Ceilidh?
Is a Ceilidh the same as a Barn Dance?
In reality, there’s not a huge difference in the format and the music often crosses multiple geographic boundaries and ‘Ceilidh’ / ‘Barn Dance’ are often used interchangeably.
Can you provide a ceilidh band for my wedding / club / event / festival?
Can I have a disco or DJ with my ceilidh?
What is the typical format of a ceilidh?
What sort of music is played?
If you are looking for a particular type of band, you can browse our ceilidh bands by style
Do I need to know the dances in advance?
Of course not! The band will provide an expert caller who will run you through the moves before the dance starts. The caller will continue to remind you what to do once the dance has started so that you won’t be confused. If you want to know about the dances beforehand, we have a growing database of ceilidh dances including their descriptions and videos.
Will the band bring a PA system?
How do you Pronounce Ceilidh
The Wikipedia page helps to explain where the term came from: “The term is derived from the Old Irish céle meaning “companion”. It later became céilidhe and céilidh, which means “visit” in Gaelic. In Scottish Gaelic reformed spelling it is spelled cèilidh and in Irish reformed spelling as céilí.
You can hear the word pronounced by different accents on this ceilidh pronounciation page
Can I request specific dances
Oft-requested dances include Strip The Willow or Drops of Brandy and The Dashing White Sergeant. You can browse a collection of Ceilidh Dances on the Ceilidh Network Country Dance Database

Hilltop Ceilidh Band

BB Ceilidh Band

Top Ceilidh Band

FN Ceilidh Band

Frog on a Bike

Brandon Village Ceilidh Project

Passerida

4 Feet First

The Lonely Mister Punch

Melobo

Erin Brown & Barry Watson

Róisín Bán

Stumpy Oak

Bowreed

Silver Street Ceilidh Band

Rumpus

HOVR

First Light Ceilidh Band

Freedom Fields Ceilidh Band

Celtic Ceilidh Collective

Cambridge Ceilidh Collective

TTB Ceilidh Band

Rejigged Ceilidh Band
