- Overview
- Videos (1)
- Set list (22)
- Reviews (15)
- Venues (45)
- FAQs (13)
- Gallery (7)
- Further Info
- Get Quote
The Kings of Ceilidh
Overview
Authentic Scottish ceilidh band for weddings and parties
The Kings of Ceilidh, led by award-winning musician Craig Paton, are a modern Scottish ceilidh band with a genuine respect for tradition. They play full, authentic ceilidh sets on real instruments – no backing tracks – and every single dance is called and explained, so guests of any experience level can join in.
They're known for turning even a room full of ceilidh novices into a packed, jigging dance floor within minutes.
From the Gay Gordons to the Eightsome Reel
Their repertoire runs from ceilidh favourites like the Gay Gordons, Dashing White Sergeant and Strip the Willow through to livelier "Reel Party" dances such as the Eightsome Reel and the Duke of Perth for guests who want something more energetic.
Many couples mix a full traditional ceilidh with current disco and party music, giving a night that suits both die-hard ceilidh fans and guests who've never danced one before.
The line-up
The standard line-up features accordion, piano and drums. To make your ceilidh even bigger, you can add fiddle, pipes and/or double bass. The band can also perform your first dance.
What's included
A typical performance runs from 8pm to midnight with a 30-minute break, and alternative timings may be available on request. The band bring their own PA system and stage lighting, provide a complimentary playlist service whenever they're not playing live, and are experienced at working with venue sound limiters. They hold public liability insurance and all equipment is PAT tested.
Early arrival, a late finish after midnight and a manned DJ service are all available as add-ons, so you can have the best of both worlds.
Book The Kings of Ceilidh through Hireaband
The Kings of Ceilidh are available exclusively through Hireaband. To check their availability and get an instant quote, simply click 'Check Availability and Price' on this page, or contact the Hireaband team for free expert assistance. Hireaband has been booking live music in Scotland since 1999, is a full member of The Entertainment Agents' Association and has won 4 VOWS Awards for customer service.
You'll find answers to common questions below and in our Scottish weddings and events FAQs. To compare other ceilidh acts, visit our ceilidh bands page.
Set list
Ceilidh Dances
Gay Gordons
Dashing White Sergeant
Canadian Barn Dance
St Bernard's Waltz
Strip the Willow
Military (Boston) Two-Step
Virginia Reel
Flying Scotsman
Old Time Waltz
Circassian Circle
Hullichan's Jig
Highland Schottische
Riverside Jig
Orcadian Strip the Willow
Reel Party Dances
Eightsome Reel
Foursome Reel
Hamilton House
Duke of Perth
Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh
Mairi's Wedding
Inverness Country Dance (Speed the Plough)
The Reel of the 51st
Reviews (15)
I and all my guests at the party had a marvellous night's entertainment and dancing to a smashing band, the Kings of Ceilidh! Guests from States and down South along with everyone else, had a marvellous time doing our Scottish dancing! Many thanks to Kings of Ceilidh.
Kings of Ceilidh were absolutely great, terrific musically and guaged the energy of the room just right. I would recommend them without hesitation. Hireaband were very good; efficient and helpful communication.
Kings of Ceilidh were absolutely excellent! Would strongly recommend them- they had novice ceilidh dancers up having fun all night!
We hired the Kings of Ceilidh for our community Ceilidh, the band were fantastic! Explained the dances beforehand, which was very helpful!
Everyone who attended had a brilliant night. I would highly recommend Kings of Ceilidh. Thank you guys!
We had the good fortune of choosing The Kings of Ceilidh for our wedding dance. From the moment they started our guests never stopped dancing. Calling out the dances for the unsure and uninitiated when needed, and playing with high energy that transferred onto the dance floor! Highly Recommended!!
Kings of Ceilidh were super fun and really helped a group full of amateurs through a hilarious night of ceilidh dancing. They were all in super good spirits and the music was brilliant – they also communicated clearly what was needed from us as soon as we began communications, and they were punctual and extremely polite. Thank you so much for making it such a wonderful evening!
The Kings of Ceilidh are very professional, they are great musicians and will give you a fantastic time at your event. If you like traditional music, I guarantee you will love them.
What a wonderful way to complete our perfect day, good music, professionally delivery with good humour. Would highly recommend this band and we WILL be using them again as soon as we can. Thanks to all.
The occasion was a 35 year reunion and some people hadn't been to a ceilidh since leaving Uni. Great tunes, some classic dances and some that were new to us. They were all well called, and got us all up and jigging. Really added to a great night. Thank you Kings of Ceilidh!
Kings of Ceilidh provided an excellent service for our wedding ceilidh, Great music, good range of dances, and kept the party going. Craig and the band were very professional and courteous, and were able to accommodate all requests we made of them. Overall, and great sound and great service, would recommend!”
We booked Craig and his band to play at our wedding at Banchory Lodge this year and the guys were fantastic. We had a mix of traditional live ceilidh music and a selection of current disco music when the guys took a well earned break. Couldn’t fault the band in any way. Half of our crowd were English and hadn’t a clue about ceilidh dancing, but Craig instructed everyone what to do which worked a treat so everyone tried to get involved. To complete our evening of celebrations we finished with Loch Lomond with Bride & Groom lifted onto folks shoulders, the atmosphere was just incredible and all thanks to Craig and his pals in the band. I would highly recommend – Martyn & Liv
An absolutely cracking ceilidh band that delivers a fast paced and top quality dance. If you are looking for a high standard as well as a group that’s minimum fuss to deal with and gets on with what they do best, then look no further.
Craig and his band had everyone dancing the whole night at our wedding dance and we had so many compliments from our guests. Dances were upbeat, with innovative harmonisation and had great segues. Dances were also called well and worked for all ages, including those new to Scottish dancing. They also called a few new dances that are now favourites! Thanks Craig!
We had the pleasure of booking Craig and the band for our wedding in December 2021. From the moment we paid the deposit, we knew we were in safe hands! Communication was great and the band were so professional and flexible throughout. However, on the night they exceeded expectations! The dance floor was packed and they got everyone dancing. We received so many compliments about the music and would highly recommend that anyone considering booking the band should go for it! It will be a highlight of your wedding day.
The Kings of Ceilidh played at my 21st birthday party and it was a great night. They kept the party going and everyone thouroughly enjoyed themselves.
Venues
Some of Our Previous Venues
Achnagairn
Ardoe House
Atholl Palace
Bachilton Barn
Backhouse Rossie Estate
Balbirnie House
Balgeddie House Hotel
Ballathie House
Balmoral Hotel
Blair Castle
Boclair House
Boturich Castle
Box Hub
Brig O' Doon
Cambo Estate
Cameron House
Cardney Steadings
Carlowrie Castle
Crossbasket Castle
Dalduff Farm
Drumtochty Castle
Dumfries Arms Hotel
Enterkine Country House
Fairmont Hotel
Folkerton Mill
GG's Yard
Glenskirlie Castle
Harelaw Farm
House for an Art Lover
Ingliston Country Club
Kingshouse Hotel
Kinkell Byre
Loch Lomond Arms Hotel
Lochgreen House Hotel
Mar Hall
Marciffe at Pitfodels
Norton House Hotel
Prestonfield House
Roseberry Steadings
Rowallan Castle
Seamill Hydro
Springkell
The Brig O' Doon Hotel
The Waterside
Trump Turnberry
FAQs
Do our guests need to know the ceilidh dances?
What ceilidh dances do The Kings of Ceilidh play?
Is a ceilidh suitable for all ages?
Can we have disco and party music as well as ceilidh?
Who is in the band?
Can we add a fiddle or a piper?
Can The Kings of Ceilidh play our first dance?
How long do The Kings of Ceilidh perform for?
What equipment do the band provide?
Can the band work with a sound limiter?
How long do the band need to set up?
What happens if the band can't make it?
How do I check if The Kings of Ceilidh are available?
Further Info
Line-Up
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Default Line Up
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accordion
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piano
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drums
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Additional Line Up Options
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standard line up plus fiddle piper and/or double bass
Performance Times
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8pm – 12am (with a 30-minute break)
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Alternative Timings May Be Available Upon Request
Booking Add-ons
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Additional ceilidh musician
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Manned DJ Service
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Early Arrival
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Late Finish (After Midnight)
Provided by the Act
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PA System
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Able To Work With Sound Limiters
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Public Liability Insurance & PAT Tested Equipment
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Can Perform Your First Dance
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Complimentary Unmanned DJ Service (when not performing)
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Stage Lighting
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Live Ceilidh Set
Gallery
Check availability and price for The Kings of Ceilidh
To find out if this act is available and what it would cost to hire them, please fill out the form.
To ensure the quote is as accurate as possible, remember to tell us the postcode or nearest town to your venue. Good Luck!