Advice on booking a Ceilidh Band
Between us, the members of Albireo have over 70 years experience of playing for events. We've attended thousands of them, ranging from parties for a dozen people to halls and marquees holding many hundreds. Along the way, we've picked up a few tips and tricks on the smooth running of an evening. No matter which band you choose, the advice below will help ensure that you have a hassle-free and enjoyable event.
Planning
Ceilidh bands are usually pretty flexible, and will fit in with your plans. Here are a few suggestions to get started.
- Most ceilidh bands are happy to provide entertainment for a whole evening. They're used to being on stage between 8pm and midnight - admittedly with a couple of short breaks to go to the bar! If an agent tries to sell you a ceilidh band at "£600 for two 45-minute spots" and you want more from the band, tell the agent or look elsewhere!
- Bands tend to finish by midnight. If you want a band to continue past midnight, the band will probably ask for more money.
- Most ceilidh bands can supply a microphone for announcements and speeches during the evening. Many now have radio mics, so the speech doesn't have to be from the stage.
- Many ceilidh bands are quite willing to set up the PA system early so that you can use it for speeches or background music before the entertainment starts. Most will charge a bit extra for this, as the sound crew has to be there early.
When booking
You may already know which band you want to book. Whoever it is, we suggest you check a few points with them before you book.
- Do you like the band's style? Try to listen to them. We're happy for you to come along to one of our gigs to check us out - just contact Steve.
- Can the band supply its own amplification? You don't want to be ringing round PA hire firms; that should be the band's problem.
- Can the band provide or recommend a caller for the dances?
- How long will the band take to set up and do a sound check? Albireo need about 45 minutes, and the last ten or so will be noisy as we check instruments.
- How much space does the band need? Albireo need at least 150 square feet (15 square metres), but we're always happy with more! To estimate this space, think about parking a people-carrier in the room. Right... at least that much!
- Does the band have public liability insurance? This can provide a useful safety net in the unlikely event that something unfortunate happens.
- Is the band's equipment covered by a current portable appliance testing certificate? It's a statutory requirement, but many bands and DJs don't keep their equipment tests up to date. Some venues, usually the higher-class hotels, will insist on seeing the band's certificate in advance.
- Do you have a special piece of music recorded for a first dance or interval? If so, tell the band.
The band and the venue
Most hotel managers are used to dealing with bands and discos, but they've not all come across ceilidhs. A few quick checks with the venue can save some hurried rearrangements on the day.
- Is there enough space for the band?
- Is there enough space for the dancers? Ceilidh dancing takes more space per person than a disco.
- Will electricity be available? This is especially true for outdoor events and marquees.
- Is the wiring up to scratch? We'll still play if we think the electrics are unsafe, but we'll be a bit quieter as we won't plug the amplifiers in! Some bands like to see the venue's Electrical Inspection Certificate (and some will play tit-for-tat by asking for this if the venue want a PAT certificate).
Ceilidhs and Children
Ceilidhs are great entertainment for children of all ages. If you're expecting a lot of children, tell the band when you book - most bands work with different callers, and they'll bring a caller who's good with children (and very likely a parent themselves).
Ceilidhs and Discos
Many people like to mix a band and a disco - it works pretty well, especially at weddings. If you're planning to do this:
- Keep the band and the DJ separate. Usually, the band will go on first and the disco will finish the evening.
- Tell the band there's going to be a disco as well.
- Tell the DJ there's going to be a band playing as well.
On the day
- Make sure somebody's got the money to pay the band. Most bands prefer cash as it's easier to split between the band members.
- Relax and enjoy your event! If you've followed these checklists, the band shouldn't be a problem.