Ceilidh Frequently Asked Questions

Here I'll try to answer some of the Questions we are often asked to save you some time.

If you are looking for a wedding Ceilidh band then check our wedding page which has more in depth information on what we can do for you.

Q. How long do you normally play a Ceilidh for?

A. Four hours with a break is the usual set length for a wedding. For example 8pm till midnight with our break during the buffet. We can negotiate anything longer if needed.

Q. Can we hook up an iPod  or play a CD through your sound system during the break?

A. It is very easy to connect your iPod or Mp3 player or Lap top through the P.A. to play your own play lists during the break if you'd like to. We have a cable that will suit most of these generic devices that would have a mini stereo jack output on them. You must be sure that you have the batteries fully charged  or have the mains adapter with you. We also have a CD player integrated with our system to play any CD/CDR/MP3 discs. It won't play CD ROM as these are only readable on a computer. You can test your CD on any domestic CD player and if it works then it will work on ours.

Q. Do you do a Ceilidh Disco package.

A. Yes. We can offer our own Licensed Disco along with the band for an additional fee.

Q. We have been told by our venue that any Disco must have a ProDub License. Do you have a ProDub License?

A. Yes. If a DJ is using any copied media he must have a ProDub License. This doesn't apply to Vinyl or CD's unless they are copied or transferred onto a lap top or external drive. You can check validity of a License and get the more details on the PRS for music website.

Q. How will we know how to do the dances as many of our guests have never been to a ceilidh before?

A. We always have a dance caller with us who will take you through any of the dances we play so you have an idea of what you are doing but don't get too concerned about dance steps as the ceilidh dance is about enjoying yourself and most of the fun is from taking part and dancing with people you would never normally dance with including perfect strangers and that Old 'Auntie Grumpy' you never liked. A Ceilidh is a great way to mix up the company.

Q. Do you play any pop covers or other music.

A. No pop covers, we are a Ceilidh Band. We can play any pop music you want during the break on a CD. We do play some folk songs and some other dances like an occasional Quickstep or Foxtrot, waltzes etc.


Q. Do you have stage lighting?

A. YES! we have tasteful DMX controlled (colour controlled) flood lights of 1500w for large stages and we make use of L.E.D. technology in our Par cans and disco style lights. Which use very low voltage making them a very Green alternative to the traditional energy guzzling Par can which we also use if in a suitable venue. The LED parcans emit  no heat, so they are much safer and they wont overload your power circuits causing blackouts during the proceedings! Which can happen with the traditional alternatives. We can make the stage look very professional and very bonnie. Unfortunately we canna improve the looks of certain band members without the use of curtains ;)  Please check our stage gallery pics.

Q. Are You P.A.T. tested? Our venue stipulates in our contract the band must have their sound equipment P.A.T. tested.

A. YES! All our equipment is P.A.T. tested every 6 months.

Q. Do you have Public Liability Insurance?

A. YES! We have our own fully loaded policy for Public Liability Insurance which covers our responsibilities. Some of us are also members of the Musicians Union, which also comes with a separate personal public liability  per member though it does not cover the whole band which is why we have a special bespoke public Liability policy. However, we have never damaged any property in all our years playing or harmed anybody - this policy has become a necessity due to the popular request of many of the venues play in.

Q. What is a Ceilidh ?

A. This is best described by Wikipedia on their page Ceilidh
- another great resource for Scottish Dancing is ScottishDance which includes instructions to many dances.

Q. Do you do requests?

A. If you ask us. (ha ha) IF we can we will. If you have something special you'd like played let us know in advance and we can have some time to practice it if it is suitable of course.