The Antler Ceilidh Band is a group of highly experienced and versatile musicians based in the South West of England.
Formed in 2017, we've built a strong reputation for our traditional yet funky sound, charismatic callers and professional attitude.
Ceilidh Packages
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Ceilidh Six: Caller, Keyboard + Guitar + Bass pedals, Fiddle, Accordion/Flute, Banjo/Mandolin, Drums The full band - featuring a charismatic caller, three top-notch tune players and a driving rhythm section. Ceilidh Four:
Caller, Keys + Guitar + Bass Pedals, Fiddle, Drums Or Caller, Keys + Guitar + Bass Pedals, 2 x tune players. Our most popular lineup. Disco Service
For a modest additional fee we offer the use our excellent PA and lights for a post-ceilidh disco. This works out much cheaper than hiring a separate DJ and results in less disruption to your event. For more details and pricing, please see the FAQs below. |
Ceilidh Five:
Caller, Keys/Guitar + Bass Pedals, Fiddle, Accordion/Uilleann Pipes, Drums A similar sound to the full band but with two tune players. Ceilidh Trio:
Caller, Keys + Guitar + Bass pedals, Fiddle Perfect for smaller events or for those on a tight budget. With our multi-tasking musicians, the trio still sounds like a larger band! Our unique sound...We have a fuller sound than other ceilidh bands for two reasons: 1) Andrew plays bass pedals (which sound just like a real double bass) at the same time as guitar and keyboard. 2) Antler Ceilidh callers typically double on instruments after the dances have been mastered. This means, for example, that an Antler Ceilidh 4-piece often sounds like a 6-piece band! |
Traditional Duos
Many of our wedding clients book an afternoon duo performance as well as a ceilidh. Please click here for more information.
FAQs
How long is a typical ceilidH?
A typical ceilidh consists of two sets of 45 minutes each with a break in between. If you require two sets of 1 hour, we are happy to do this for no extra charge, though for weddings in particular we find that 2 x 45min sets is the perfect balance between getting the full ceilidh experience, but without totally exhausting your guests!
Who will the musicians be?
The Antler Ceilidh Band is a small group of musicians who have played with each other in various combinations for many years. Bandleader Andrew will always be present, meaning that you can rely on him to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day. Whichever size lineup you go for, we have a fuller sound than other bands of an equivalent size due to our multi-tasking musicians.
Band members:
Andrew North - Guitar + Bass Pedals, Keyboard
Andy McLeod - Caller, Percussion, Drum Kit
Jon Dyer - Caller, Flute, Bodhran
Alison Rowley - Caller, Fiddle
Clare Lindley - Caller, Fiddle
Matt Tarling - Fiddle
Clare Tarling - Fiddle
Hannah Cumming - Fiddle
Griselda Sanderson - Fiddle
Rebecca Shelley - Vocals, Fiddle
Louis Bingham - Mandolin, Banjo, Cittern, Guitar
Tim O'Dowd - Uilleann pipes, Flute
Mike Cosgrave - Accordion, Guitar, Keyboard, Whistles
Sam Lifton - Drum Kit
Neil Evans - Drum Kit
Band members:
Andrew North - Guitar + Bass Pedals, Keyboard
Andy McLeod - Caller, Percussion, Drum Kit
Jon Dyer - Caller, Flute, Bodhran
Alison Rowley - Caller, Fiddle
Clare Lindley - Caller, Fiddle
Matt Tarling - Fiddle
Clare Tarling - Fiddle
Hannah Cumming - Fiddle
Griselda Sanderson - Fiddle
Rebecca Shelley - Vocals, Fiddle
Louis Bingham - Mandolin, Banjo, Cittern, Guitar
Tim O'Dowd - Uilleann pipes, Flute
Mike Cosgrave - Accordion, Guitar, Keyboard, Whistles
Sam Lifton - Drum Kit
Neil Evans - Drum Kit
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.
Do you provide YOUR Own PA and lighting?
Yes we always bring our own high quality PA and lights, unless instructed otherwise. All our equipment is fully PAT tested and we have Public Liability Insurance up to £10m.
How much do you charge?
The exact price depends on the lineup size, location and date of your event. As a guide, our ceilidh trio starts at £860.
We can sometimes offer a discounted rate for community and charity events on weekdays and Sundays.
Please fill in the enquiry form for a quote.
We can sometimes offer a discounted rate for community and charity events on weekdays and Sundays.
Please fill in the enquiry form for a quote.
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 the quartet, 4m x 2.5m is adequate.
What are your usual DAnces?
Click here to see our list of dances
How does the disco service work?
The post-ceilidh disco service usually begins immediately after the ceilidh and is organised in one of the following ways:
1) PA + Disco lights hire only: Clients provide their own music and device, connecting to our PA via Bluetooth, 3.5mm jack or RCA cables (all provided). Andrew remains on site but it is left to the client to manage the music.
This is the cheapest option: £90 until 11pm, £120 until 11:30 or £150 until midnight.
2) The client provides a complete playlist of songs: This can be a written list or a playlist link from a streaming site that is then downloaded to our laptop.
3) The client provides a partial list of preferred tunes: We then supplement this with our tried and tested song selections. Guest requests can usually be accommodated, as long as there is wifi or 4G availability.
4) We provide all the music: Again, requests can usually be accommodated on the night.
The fees for options 2, 3 and 4 are £120 up to 11pm, £160 until 11:30pm, or £200 to midnight.
Disco equipment:
2 x 1000w EV ZLX 12p Powered Speakers
1 x 800w EV ZXA1 Powered Subwoofer (for deep bass!)
Alto Pro Live 1202 mixing desk
1 x Wireless handheld microphone for announcements
1 x KAM Partybar Eco par can set
2 x Fusion Spot Mk2 moving head lights
3 x Stairville LED Flood Panel
All lights are sound activated and operate automatically.
1) PA + Disco lights hire only: Clients provide their own music and device, connecting to our PA via Bluetooth, 3.5mm jack or RCA cables (all provided). Andrew remains on site but it is left to the client to manage the music.
This is the cheapest option: £90 until 11pm, £120 until 11:30 or £150 until midnight.
2) The client provides a complete playlist of songs: This can be a written list or a playlist link from a streaming site that is then downloaded to our laptop.
3) The client provides a partial list of preferred tunes: We then supplement this with our tried and tested song selections. Guest requests can usually be accommodated, as long as there is wifi or 4G availability.
4) We provide all the music: Again, requests can usually be accommodated on the night.
The fees for options 2, 3 and 4 are £120 up to 11pm, £160 until 11:30pm, or £200 to midnight.
Disco equipment:
2 x 1000w EV ZLX 12p Powered Speakers
1 x 800w EV ZXA1 Powered Subwoofer (for deep bass!)
Alto Pro Live 1202 mixing desk
1 x Wireless handheld microphone for announcements
1 x KAM Partybar Eco par can set
2 x Fusion Spot Mk2 moving head lights
3 x Stairville LED Flood Panel
All lights are sound activated and operate automatically.
how long do you need to set up?
We require one hour to set up and soundcheck. Andrew typically arrives 1.5 hours before the start of the ceilidh to begin setting up the PA, provided that there is access to the performance space.
Can you provide a mic and PA for speeches?
Yes, we can provide a wireless microphone and PA for speeches and background music. If this is required before the start of the ceilidh, an early arrival fee of £30 per hour is applicable. For example, if the ceilidh starts at 7pm and you'd like the PA and mic ready for 6pm, this would be £30. This charge is waived if an afternoon duo and / or ceremony music is booked along with a ceilidh.
We regularly update our Facebook page with gig photos and videos.
Testimonials
The Antler Ceilidh Band has a 5 star rating on Google and a 5.0 rating on Facebook.
Click the logos below to read our reviews.
Click the logos below to read our reviews.
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Hi Andrew,
Thanks again to you and the band for doing such a great job at the wedding. We, and all the guests, had such a fantastic time! It was brilliant.
Thanks again,
Emma & Henry
Ceilidh 4 - Clevedon, August 2022
Hi Andrew,
We just wanted to say a huge thank you for giving us the best wedding night we could have hoped for! The band were absolutely fantastic, everyone had so much fun and we are over the moon we went with you guys for the ceilidh.
Thanks again,
Steph and Dave
Ceilidh 4 - Priston Mill, Bath, July 2022
Dear Andrew,
Chris and I just wanted to say thank you so much to both you and the band for the amazing job you did for us on Saturday. I couldn’t believe how quickly and quietly you got set up, and the Ceilidh was fantastic. I couldn’t believe how well Jon coped with our guests generally low skill levels and high numbers of falls, and everyone had a great time. We have lots of positive comments about how good you guys were, and we certainly loved every second.
Thank you!!
Caroline
Ceilidh 4 - Broomfield, Somerset, 2022
Hi Andrew,
I just wanted to send a message to say a huge huge thank you to you and the band for Monday evening. We had the most incredible fun and all of our guests just loved the ceilidh! We had friends and family up on that dance floor that never dance. One friend told us he’d danced 3 times in his life, once at his wedding and twice at ours! My 2 year old niece is also now insisting that she listens to ceilidh music at home and watching videos on YouTube.
I also want to thank you personally for your excellent communication throughout!
My cousin has also booked you to play at their wedding on 30th September so we can’t wait to see you again then!
Thanks again for everything,
Rebeccah & Chris
Ceilidh 6 - St Audries Park, Somerset, 2022
Hi Andrew
I cannot thank you enough for attending our wedding on Sunday. You are all so talented and we had such a great time even if we were not the best ceilidh dancers! We had so many compliments.
Doug and I wish you every success in the future.
Many thanks
Hannah and Doug
Ceilidh + Covers - Hestercombe Gardens, Taunton, 2019
Hi Andrew,
Just wanted to drop a message to say a massive thank you for Saturday! Everyone had such an amazing time - thank you for being so accommodating with the small space and our not sticking to schedule. It was so fun, and doing the waltz as a first dance was wonderful, so thank you, and pass on to the rest of the band.
- Martin & Emily
Ceilidh 4 - Llantwit Major, 2019
Hi Andrew
Aileen and I would like to say a HUGE thank you to you and your band for Saturday’s performances. Our guests loved the atmosphere you created on the field, we had a magical first dance and it was clear the ceilidh went down extremely well! It was a pleasure communicating with you in the build up and you just nailed everything on the day! Thank you so much.
- Ben & Aileen
Afternoon Duo + Ceilidh Trio - Wistanstow, Shropshire, 2019
"I cannot recommend The Antler Ceilidh Band highly enough. Up to the wedding day Andrew's communication was quick, friendly and accommodating. He stayed flexible to my changes in timing, song requests, and equipment. The band were absolutely brilliant with a clear and fun caller. I couldn't find another band who did ceilidh and cover songs to such a high quality. They mixed them seemlessly, giving people breaks between galloping without having to leave the dance floor. My one wedding regret is not having a longer set to dance to The Antler Ceilidh Band."
- Hannah & Tebo
Ceilidh + Covers - Kingston, Dorset, 2019
Dear Andrew
Thank you so much for playing for us last night. You were absolutely brilliant and I had such a great time as did all my family and friends!! I will definitely be recommending you. Many thanks again to all the band.
- Chris Saxton,
Ceilidh 4 - Weymouth, 2018
Dear Andrew,
Thank you so much! We loved having you there and you're a brilliant ceilidh band in every way! Thank you for being so accommodating to our late running and the awkward stage setup. And I haven't seen my friends and family dance quite so wildly before so you inspired some good stuff! It was great. Thank you so much again for the opportunity to play Dennis' tune with you it meant a lot, there are some great videos of the dancing it inspired haha.
Wishing you all the very best and some great gigs, I am spreading the word among friends over there :)
- Jane & Dennis,
Ceilidh 4 - Motcombe, Dorset, 2018
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.
- Rachel Neate,
Ceilidh Trio - Yatton Keynell, Wiltshire, 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 & Olivia,
Reeling Ceilidh + Covers - Minterne House, Dorset, 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!
- Debbie Bassett,
Ceilidh + Covers - Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, 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, Dorset, 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, Dorset, 2017