The Antler Ceilidh Band is a group of highly experienced and versatile musicians based in the South-west of England.
Core Members:
Andrew North (Bandleader) - Double Bass/Bass Guitar, Keyboard, Mandolin, Guitar (+Bass Pedals)
Tim O’Dowd - Uilleann Pipes, Whistles, Irish Flute
Sam Lifton - Drums
Andrew, Sam and Tim first began performing together in 2012, and since then have performed at hundreds of ceilidhs across the UK.
Tim O’Dowd - Uilleann Pipes, Whistles, Irish Flute
Sam Lifton - Drums
Andrew, Sam and Tim first began performing together in 2012, and since then have performed at hundreds of ceilidhs across the UK.
Other members:
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Georgia - Caller, Vocals, Accordion, Whistles, Keyboard
Rebecca - Violin, Vocals, Guitar Griselda - Fiddle Louis – Guitar, Banjo, Bouzouki Sarah – Guitar, Irish Flute Clare - Caller, Fiddle Alison - Caller, Fiddle |
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Ceilidh packages
New for 2017: Ceilidh + Covers
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Ceilidh + Covers with Georgia on Vocals
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Ceilidh + Acoustic covers featuring Rebecca Shelley on vocals
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| antler_ceilidh_covers_list.pdf |
Ceilidh Six: Drums, Double Bass, Guitar, Pipes/Whistles, Fiddle, Caller
This is our most popular line-up for weddings, featuring a charismatic caller, two top-notch tune players and a driving rhythm section.
This is our most popular line-up for weddings, featuring a charismatic caller, two top-notch tune players and a driving rhythm section.
Ceilidh Five : Drums, Guitar (+ Bass Pedals)/Keyboard, Pipes/Whistles, Fiddle, Caller
A similar sound to the full band, but with one musician covering bass and chord duties.
A similar sound to the full band, but with one musician covering bass and chord duties.
Ceilidh Four : a) Drums, Guitar (+Bass Pedals)/Keyboard, Pipes/Whistles, Caller
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b) Guitar (+Bass Pedals)/Keyboard, 2 x tune players, Caller
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b) Guitar (+Bass Pedals)/Keyboard, 2 x tune players, Caller
Ceilidh Trio: Keyboard or Guitar, Fiddle (or Pipes), Caller
Our three piece is perfect for smaller events, or for those on a tight budget.
Note: Alternative lineups can be arranged on request.
Our three piece is perfect for smaller events, or for those on a tight budget.
Note: Alternative lineups can be arranged on request.
Duos
The majority of our wedding clients book one of our duos for a performance earlier in the day. These typically take place during during drinks receptions, but we also perform for wedding ceremonies
Traditional Scottish/Irish Airs - Piano & Violin
This is our most popular duo lineup, featuring tunes such as 'My Love is Like a Red Red Rose', 'Wild Mountain Thyme' and 'Calum's Road'.
We are also able to perform a selection of light classical music.
Acoustic covers
Featuring Rebecca on vocals & violin, with Andrew on piano/guitar/bass.
Guitar + Uilleann Pipes & Whistles / Guitar & Fiddle / Guitar & Mandolin
Irish/Scottish folk music
Duo prices from £300 (discount if booked with a ceilidh)
The majority of our wedding clients book one of our duos for a performance earlier in the day. These typically take place during during drinks receptions, but we also perform for wedding ceremonies
Traditional Scottish/Irish Airs - Piano & Violin
This is our most popular duo lineup, featuring tunes such as 'My Love is Like a Red Red Rose', 'Wild Mountain Thyme' and 'Calum's Road'.
We are also able to perform a selection of light classical music.
Acoustic covers
Featuring Rebecca on vocals & violin, with Andrew on piano/guitar/bass.
Guitar + Uilleann Pipes & Whistles / Guitar & Fiddle / Guitar & Mandolin
Irish/Scottish folk music
Duo prices from £300 (discount if booked with a ceilidh)
Griselda and Andrew playing at an open air wedding ceremony.
Other genres
Our members have a number of 'strings to their bows', so if you have a particular genre in mind, the chances are we can sort it! Here are some examples:
Gypsy Jazz Trio/Quartet (with the option of female vocals)
Jazz duo/trio/quartet
Our members have a number of 'strings to their bows', so if you have a particular genre in mind, the chances are we can sort it! Here are some examples:
Gypsy Jazz Trio/Quartet (with the option of female vocals)
Jazz duo/trio/quartet
FAQs
How long is a typical ceilidh?
A typical ceilidh consists of two sets (around 1 hour per set) with a break in between.
Does your band include a caller?
Yes, we'll always assume you require a caller as part of the band unless you tell us otherwise (for example if you are organising a reeling ball, where everyone knows the dances). Our regular callers also double on melody instruments and will often play along with the band after the dances have been mastered. See our video clips for an example of this!
Who will the musicians be?
The Antler Ceilidh Band consists of a small pool of musicians who have all played with each other in various combinations for many years. Bandleader Andrew North will always be present, meaning that you can rely on him to ensure your event goes smoothly.
What music do you play?
For ceilidh dancing, we play jigs and reels, with a polka and waltz usually included.
With Tim on uilleann pipes/whistles we lean more towards the Irish repertoire. For clients wishing for a traditional Scottish feel we use two fiddle players and play predominately Scottish tunes.
Do you provide your own PA and lighting?
Yes we do. For a modest additional fee, we also offer the option of using our excellent PA and lights for a post-ceilidh disco.
How much do you charge?
This depends on the location of your event and the size of band you would like. Please fill in the enquiry form for a quote. We typically respond within 12 hours. We aim to cater for most budgets and offer discounts for daytime and weekday gigs.
How much floor space do you require?
For the full 6-piece an area 6m wide x 3m deep is ideal, though we can squeeze into a smaller space if necessary. For a quartet, 4m x 3m is adequate.
How long is a typical ceilidh?
A typical ceilidh consists of two sets (around 1 hour per set) with a break in between.
Does your band include a caller?
Yes, we'll always assume you require a caller as part of the band unless you tell us otherwise (for example if you are organising a reeling ball, where everyone knows the dances). Our regular callers also double on melody instruments and will often play along with the band after the dances have been mastered. See our video clips for an example of this!
Who will the musicians be?
The Antler Ceilidh Band consists of a small pool of musicians who have all played with each other in various combinations for many years. Bandleader Andrew North will always be present, meaning that you can rely on him to ensure your event goes smoothly.
What music do you play?
For ceilidh dancing, we play jigs and reels, with a polka and waltz usually included.
With Tim on uilleann pipes/whistles we lean more towards the Irish repertoire. For clients wishing for a traditional Scottish feel we use two fiddle players and play predominately Scottish tunes.
Do you provide your own PA and lighting?
Yes we do. For a modest additional fee, we also offer the option of using our excellent PA and lights for a post-ceilidh disco.
How much do you charge?
This depends on the location of your event and the size of band you would like. Please fill in the enquiry form for a quote. We typically respond within 12 hours. We aim to cater for most budgets and offer discounts for daytime and weekday gigs.
How much floor space do you require?
For the full 6-piece an area 6m wide x 3m deep is ideal, though we can squeeze into a smaller space if necessary. For a quartet, 4m x 3m is adequate.
Media
Testimonials
Hello Andrew
I just wanted to drop you a line to say a massive thank you to you, Claire and Tim. You were great. Excellent musicians for which your skills were appreciated by a few of our guests being very musical themselves. The dancing was brilliant and music very foot tapping. Most of our guests ached the next day. Young people who have never done ceilidh dancing before said to me yesterday how much fun they had and what a great night it was. So thank you so much of coming despite weather.
It's my 50th in November and we have agreed another ceilidh is in order so we will be in touch with you again a little later in the year.
Thank you again it was brilliant.
- R Neate,
Ceilidh Trio - Yatton Keynell, 2018
Hi Andrew,
We just wanted to drop you a message to say thank you for your efforts with the Antler Ceilidh Band for our wedding. The reeling congregation was a little chaotic, but you did very well to extract what little dancing talent there was in the room!
Thanks for helping making it such a memorable evening for us.
- Josh and Olivia,
Reeling Ceilidh + Covers - Minterne House, 2017
As Katie's mum (and now Frazer's mum-in-law) I wanted to thank you for all your efforts to make their wedding a huge success.
Both the Ceilidh music and the "popular" music were absolutely brilliant, and you certainly got everyone up on the floor for the whole night.
I have never seen so many guests dancing and all your band members were absolutely fabulous - thank you!
- D Bassett,
Ceilidh + Covers - Henley-in-Arden, 2017
Andrew and the Antler Ceilidh Band played at our wedding this July. We signed up to the ‘ceilidh and covers’ package, and it exceeded our expectations. Such a talented bunch of musicians, able to turn their hands to a perfect combination of reeling and rocking. Everybody had a great time at the ceilidh, from seasoned Willow Strippers to complete novices, and the covers section produced some really memorable moments. To top it off they were all lovely people, and Andrew was fantastic in advance setting up the night and answering all our queries. We couldn’t recommend highly enough. It was the complete wedding party package. Thanks again guys,
- Tom & Nicky,
Ceilidh + Covers - Tolpuddle, 2017
I just wanted to send a quick message to express our sincere gratitude to you all for making our celebration, in no small part, a true success. Everyone had a fantastic time and the feedback we are still receiving about the music and guidance through all the dances on the night confirms this no end.
We are already talking about the next 10 year celebration and maybe something sooner so we'll no doubt be in touch again.
- Chris & Sally,
Ceilidh Four - Poole, 2017
Hi Andrew,
I just wanted to pass on our thanks again to you and your band. Despite our low numbers we had a great time last Saturday night. The fact that you got nearly all of us participating was brilliant!
- Tim Aspden, President, Solent Gaffers
Ceilidh Trio - Blandford St. Mary, 2017
Thank you both so much for the wonderful playing. Playing interlude music and staying late was much appreciated. Several people said how good the music was. Personally loved the choice for the St Bernard's Waltz - a lovely Burns song played beautifully.
- Cheryl Ayres, Westbury Scottish Club
Scottish Dance Duo - Bristol, 2017
