Here are a recent selection of testimonials provided by some of the happy customers who have hired The Ceilidh Experience!
Wedding Ceilidh – Seton Garden, 28th June 2024
The Ceilidh Experience brought so much joy, laughter and fun to our recent wedding.
From the get go, booking was made very easy with Norman. He catered to all our requests and nothing was a problem!
On the day, we had many Australian family and friends attend our Scottish wedding and they have not stopped talking about how much fun they had. They all got up and each dance was called so that they could easily understand and join in.
We could tell that the band were having just as much fun as us and they interacted with all our guests. I don’t think I left the dance floor the entire night!
We would 100% recommend the Ceilidh Experience for any event!
Wedding Ceilidh – Carrick Castle Estate, 8th June 2024
Ceilidh Experience are a fantastic band! Their rock edge, enthusiasm and constant energy kept our wedding party dancing and smiling all night. Everyone had the best time, the calling was clear, and Ceilidh Experience gave a great performance. I highly recommend.
Wedding Ceilidh – Carberry Tower, 18th May 2024
We recently had the band play our wedding at Carberry Tower. I could not be happier with the overall experience. Norman took the time to communicate and meet up with us prior to the day and the band’s performance on the night was darn near flawless. They took the time to understand the demographic and experience level of the participants and the playing and calling could not have been better.
Wedding Ceilidh – Summerhall, 4th May 2024
The Ceilidh Experience were the higlight of our party! Everyone loved the alternative edge to the traditional music, the callings were clear and the energy was electric. Choosing our ‘DJ’ music for the breaks and after the band finished was very easy and helped extend the energy to the early hours. A wonderful experience from start to end.
Corporate Ceilidh – Waldorf Caledonian, 30th April 2024
We were delighted to have Norman and his duo kick off our conference at the Waldorf Caledonian this April. Their ceilidh performance was a highlight of the event, setting the perfect tone for day 2, even those nursing hangovers! I highly recommend the ceilidh experience; it’s a unique and enjoyable way to start an event. Booking a morning ceilidh is especially recommended if you’re looking for something a little different. Thank you, Norman, you were great! – Charlotte, Events Manager
Wedding Ceilidh – Pratis Barns, 21st Oct 2023
We just wanted to say thank you so much to the Ceilidh Experience for the brilliant ceilidh on Saturday! You guys absolutely smashed it, the musicians in the crowd were fully rocking out! DJ Damian was amazing as well, such a good caller and great at analysing the vibe of the floor, we all loved headbanging to our pop punk hour!
Wedding Ceilidh – Old Dr. Bells Baths, 25th June 2023
An absolutely phenomenal ceilidh band who are extremely talented and with a brilliant insane and varied repertoire. This is not your grandmothers ceilidh. Want an energetic and amazing band to give you a rock ceilidh? These guys are your band.
Norman was fantastic to talk to and really built a relationship before hand. All the band mates were super friendly. Also they have an amazing database/ website where you can request music for the Dj set but also register your first dance song etc – whatever you want. Couldn’t have asked for a better ceilidh- thank you Norman and the rest of the ceilidh band you made our wedding even more special! X
Wedding Ceilidh – Kingshouse Hotel, Glencoe, 5th Nov 2022
I cannot recommend this band enough, they were totally above expectations. Friendly, funny on the mic, brilliant musicians, passionate about ceilidhing and they were hands down the highlight of my Wedding Day. Their interesting style makes it for a brilliant Ceilidh, taken to a new level. Our guests loved the brief pop/rock music interludes between dances, and truly think no ceilidh band is complete without an accordion. Book them now, you won’t regret it! Rosie Findlay
Wedding Ceilidh – Beamish Hall, 22nd Oct 2022
The band were brilliant at my wedding – the ceilidh set was perfect and the caller was great at taking everyone through the steps – great for beginners. Really easy to communicate with the band in the run up to the wedding, and they were really helpful making sure everything was organised. Would recommend them to anyone looking for a modern and fun ceilidh band for a wedding. Adam
Wedding Ceilidh – Riddle’s Court, 15th Oct 2022
Best Ceilidh ever! Hands down these guys are amazing. If you’re thinking of a Ceilidh for any event I would 100% recommend you get in touch with the Ceilidh Experience!!! Richard Dineen
Wedding Ceilidh – Errol Park, 24th Sep 2022
Norman and all the Ceilidh Experience players were amazing! I have worked with them a few times before (as an Event manager) and they never disappoint, so was delighted when they could play at our wedding. Great to deal with from booking, planning and a amazing ceilidh on the night! Thank you!
Ceilidh and DJ – Errol Park, 24th Sep 2022
Worked alongside them last night providing Dj assistance. Couldn’t have met a nicer bunch of people. Music was amazing. Added their own personal touch to a lot of the Scottish Classics. Very entertaining and fun to watch. Highly Recommend. Graeme Strachan. Dundee
Wedding Ceilidh – Bellfield, Portobello, 4th Sep 2022
Fantastic Experience – our number one priority for our wedding was the music and musicians we know recommended The Ceilidh Experience. They along with their DJ created truly a night to remember our American family Danish friends and locals are still raving about the wedding ceilidh. We’re still buzzing- just book them it will be the best decision you make. Christine & Alan
Wedding Ceilidh with DJ – Dynamic Earth, 27th Aug 2022
Norman and his band were superb. They absolutely rocked our wedding reception and had people dancing all night. The organisation and planning was great and they were able to accommodate everything we asked for. Special praise to their DJ who played with a broken ankle! Definitely went above and beyond! Highly Highly recommended them! Elliott Crosbie
Wedding Ceilidh – Newton Hall, Alnwick, 20th Aug 2022
Absolutely awesome, we had the Ceilidh Experience as entertainment at our wedding. They couldn’t have been nicer and the music was fantastic. We would highlight recommend. Jennifer Craise
Kilmardinny House, Glasgow, 5th Aug 2022
Dear Norman, I just wanted to drop you a quick line to thank you and your colleagues for an incredible evening on Friday. We loved every minute of it, and were totally blown away by how good the band was. We’ve been around a lot of ceilidhs in our time, and this was the very best of them. My friends are keen for me to make it an annual event, so we’ll see! Best wishes and hopefully we will get a chance to have another one in the future. Andy
Duns Castle, 9th July 2022
Hi Norman, Hope you and the band are well. The evening with you was indeed absolutely great. As an organiser of jazz concerts, I can say that I have rarely met such a likeable band. All the guests were so enthusiastic, that they are all thinking about the possibility of bringing you to Germany. We will meet again. Volker
The Barn at Harburn, 21st June 2022
We hired the Ceilidh Experience in June 2022 along with their DJ and it was absolutely fantastic. They are all really friendly and helpful, and total professionals. All our guests loved both the disco and the ceilidh, and the quality of the music and all the gear that they brought with them was top notch too. We will definitely be seeing them again! I can’t recommend them highly enough Alastair & Geetanjali
Carlowrie Castle, 6th June 2022
The lads played on the evening of our wedding, and what a night it was.. They were just the right balance of calling the dances for the international range of guests and keeping the fun and laughter of the Ceilidh experience. Everyone raved about it, I would highly recommend Norman and the band anytime. Patricia
Braid Hills Hotel, 29th May 2022
Would highly recommend booking these guys for any celebration. We booked for our Wedding in May and start to finish Norman made us feel like everything was under control and he would be looking after us on the night. We met up beforehand to chat through what would happen on the night and got the chance to ask questions. We ran over pretty late with the wedding dinner although the band were very relaxed about this and brought the house down when they were finally able to play. Good group of fun and talented musicians, book now!
Yorkshire, 22nd May 2022
The Ceilidh Experience led by Norman were incredible. We booked them for our Wedding in York and the whole experience was spot on. Norman was super helpful in the months running up to the event and would help with details and clarify anything for me. During the day their set-up was great and sympathetic not to disturb. Their music was brilliant – such a great mix of ceilidh style with a modern twist which went down so well. Great dances, great songs and the DJ James did a brilliant job late into the morning hours. I can’t recommend them highly enough! Angus
Harvest Moon, 28th May 2022
We booked The Ceilidh Experience for our wedding in May 2022 at Harvest Moon Holidays in Dunbar. We chose the four person band option, DJ and also folk music provided during the ceremony. Norman was fantastic throughout the whole process, including when we had to re-arrange the wedding twice due to Covid lockdowns. Norman was great with coming up with ideas and helping us make choices for the day, all aspects of the music were well organised and delivered well. The ceilidh was great fun and all our guests as well as us loved it! Cammy and Alex
Linlithgow Burgh Halls, 20th May 2022
Norman and the band were brilliant. Everyone has commented saying how it was such a fantastic ceilidh. Given that no one has been to a ceilidh in the last couple of years the whole band were on fire and really made up for it. We had several guests who had never been to a ceilidh before and they have all loved the experience. It can be daunting being thrown into a ceilidh but everything was run through first and then we were off! Word of advice – you might think your dance floor is big enough but it’s never big enough, everyone will be up with these guys playing! Lauren & Stephen
Gilmerton House, 8th May 2022
As a wedding planner, I see a LOT of ceilidh bands perform and The Ceilidh Experience were one of the best I’ve seen. Norman and the band we so good their sound check (which normally sounds like dying cats) sounded great! They were fantastic callers, incredible musicians, and just lovely guys. I will be recommending them to anyone who wants a ceilidh at their wedding. Mercedes Somerville
Mansfield Traquair, 6th Nov 2021
Hello  Apologies for the delay in reply, today has been the first day we have returned to some kind of normality. But I just wanted to thank you all for helping to make our day so special. We have been flooded with compliments over the last week on how the evening was the best part of the day. You made the dances clear to understand, you were so patient with all the drunken guests and you got the party started from the moment you began. A decent amount of our guests had never been to a Scottish wedding before and they were blown away by the ceilidh. I can’t thank you enough for the amazing job you all did. Our photographer got some really good shots from the night so will send them over once we have received them. Thanks again, Ellie & Neil
Kinkell Byre, 14 Oct 2021
Hi Norman, Thanks for creating such a party atmosphere for us! All our guests have commented on how great you guys were and loved the balance of ceilidh and DJ. Everyone certainly partied hard! It was just what we wanted! Thanks again! Hannah
Crieff Hydro, 21 August 2019
The Ceilidh Experience played our wedding at Crieff Hydro Hotel – we had about half and half English and Scottish guests , which meant that a lot of our guests hadn’t a clue about the ceilidh dances. This was never a problem on the night though, as the band did a great job of talking us through the dances one by one in a friendly way. They’re excellent musicians (as you can tell by their samples on their website) and they got everybody into a really fun, give-it-a-go spirit. The feedback we’ve had from guests (including those that had never Ceilidhed before) has been overwhelmingly positive. People were saying they forgot to take any photos because they got so caught up in all the dancing! They were a friendly bunch too, and were really good at communicating with us in the run-up to the event. Their DJ was also very helpful, and kept the party entertained well between sets with a mix of our requests and popular hits, and he also put up with my anxieties about making sure we had the right music for our first dance! Could not recommend Ceilidh Experience enough for weddings/parties/ family gatherings and hope to be at one of their events at some point in the near future. Nicola & Eric
Tullochcurran Farmhouse, 15th June 2019
A huge thank you to the ceilidh experience for playing at our wedding last Saturday. The music was fantastic from start to finish, you were all so friendly and easy to get along with! Our guests had a fab time even those that had no clue how to do the ceilidh dances but you were all so helpful and patient!!!! We would highly recommend you! Thank you so much, Nikki and Paul (Tullochcurran Farmhouse)
Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, 8th June 2019
Norman and the band played at our recent wedding, and we couldn’t be more happy! The music got everyone mingling and enjoying themselves, and it was fantastic. It was an extremely special experience, and made even better by the Ceilidh Experience. Thank you! Alexis & David
National Mining Museum, Newtongrange, 1st June 2019
Hi Norman, James and The Ceilidh Experience, Thanks very much for playing at our wedding this weekend. You guys were amazing and really gave a fantastic first introduction to what a Ceilidh is all about to the many people from all over Europe who were at the wedding. We also loved the Disco that struck just the right tone to get pretty much everyone up on the dancefloor at some point. Thanks also for adapting the set, given the massive delay with the serving of the meal. Was a shame to cut things a bit short – but was just one of those of things. Thanks again, Liam and Mailys
The Byre at Inchyra, 9th March 2019
Wow, I’m so amazed and speechless about this past weekend. Thank you for making this wedding a completely magical dream come true. All the best, Chris and Erin McClelland
Assembly Rooms, Newcastle, 28th Dec 2018
Hi Norman, Thank you so so much for everything. We had the best day/ night and all our guests loved the dancing, sorry some of them were not that good i think those at the back of the dance floor struggled to hear the instructions sometimes but at least they tried and had great fun! We would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone looking for a great band in the future. Take care and thanks again. Kate
Healey Barn, 26th Oct 2018
Hey Norman, Friday was amazing! You guys made our night so so special and kept us all on the dance floor until the bitter end. A quick note to thank you and the rest of the band, super talented bunch who know how to throw a serious party! We will recommend you to anyone who needs a top class Ceilidh Band. Thanks again Hazel and Sam
Borthwick Castle, 12th Aug 2018
Hi Guys, Just wanted to say thank you so much for playing at our wedding! You guys were amazing and the guests loved it! Thanks very much, Stephen & Mel
Dunglass Estate, 4th Aug 2018
Dear Norman and the team, Thank you so much for being part of our wedding day! You guys were absolutely brilliant and all of the guests remarked on how good the ceilidh was. Wee have loved meeting you and will definitely be coming to see you play again soon. Lots of love, Flora & Ed xxxx
Melville Castle 23rd June, 2018
Hi Norman! We have received so many compliments and comments about how amazing you (and James) were! It was the perfect introduction to ceilidh dancing for my family, and they just loved it. It was such a great night! Best wishes, Brenna
Surgeons Hall, Edinburgh , 28th April 2018
Hi Norman, Please would you pass on this message in to the band and dj that played at our wedding on Saturday. Sylvana and I would like to say a massive thank you to the ceilidh experience and the DJ for playing at our wedding. We could not have asked for a better night! You were all great and had the whole crowd going from beginning to end. Everybody had such a fantastic time and loved the energy of the night! We really had the best night of our lives and your music played a massive part in that! Thank you so much for contributing to our wedding day in such a brilliant way! We are so grateful to you all! Best wishes, Mr and Mrs Mason
Roman Camp Hotel, Callander, 22nd Oct 2016
Hi Norman! We’ve been meaning to send you a message ever since our wedding but we ran around afterwards getting ready for our honeymoon then scooted off to Nepal where there was no internet!! Anyway, we just wanted to say MASSIVE thank you to you and the ceilidh experience for an absolutely amazing night celebrating our wedding. We had an absolute ball!! And we loved every second of the day, but especially all the dancing!! I still can’t quite believe I did the Cumberland reel in a wedding dress though… We’ll do a proper review soon, but really just wanted to tell you how brilliant you guys were! We’re planning to come along for a wee dance at one of your nights in Edinburgh sometime with some of our pals! Thanks so much Norman! With best wishes, Lorna and Marc x
Falkland Estate, 3rd July 2016
Hi Norman, Thanks for your email, and providing such a rousing ceilidh to end our youth theatre festival! Many returning group leaders commented on how great they thought you and the band were so thanks to you all for doing such a fantastic job. I think I said on the night but I also appreciate how efficient you’ve been with communicating. This hasn’t always been the case with other bands in the past and it really makes a difference. If we plan a ceilidh again for next year we’ll definitely be in touch! Best wishes, Helen Bain
Erroll Park, 18th June 2016
Norman, Thanks to you and the band for being so wonderful and helping us celebrate our wedding! What a night!!! The music was perfect!! Still can’t quite believe I managed that first dance!! With gratitude, Lauren and Tobias
Radison Blu, Edinburgh, 28th May 2016
Thank you so much for an amazing night , fantastic. Really loved you guys and would hire you again and recommend you to anyone. Laurence Tait
Kinkell Byre, 7th of Feb 2015
We found Norman online and asked him to preform for our wedding at Kinkell Byre in St Andrews on the 7th of Feb 2015. Wow! It was a great day and we both had a fantastic time and all of our guests had a great time too (even my work colleague who got a bit gropey and almost got beaten up by my new father in law – haha). Quite a few of our guests commented on how amazing Norman and the band were and they loved their knight rider interlude and all the others too… A few asked for the bands details so no doubt there will be some repeat and further custom. It was a really slick and fun night of music and exactly what we were after. Looking back at the photos there were so many smiling faces and a big part of that was because of Norman’s band / James’ set. An incredible wedding, couldn’t have went any better. Ceilidh is really the only way to do it. We had guests from 12 countries travel to be there and everyone mingled loads. Still smiling a few weeks on. Thanks again Norman and co. James and Lorraine.
Kinkell Byre, 12th April 2014
These guys rock! was at a wedding at the Kinkell Byre last night and the one phrase that sends me to the bar, outside for a smoke or putting my head in a bucket is “OK it’s time for the ceilidh” but hearing this band I’ll be in the front row, a life changing moment – bring them on! Eldon Zuill
Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, 26/11/13
The best Ceilidh band in Scotland! (A big claim, but I’d challenge anyone to prove me wrong). I have organised and attended scores of events and Norman and his team come with my highest recommendation. As a result, I use them every time. My guests always leave happy. The variety of dances they offer is wide and exciting and the instruction is clear and easy to follow (make sure you request the ‘helicopter’). Even the music interludes get people up on their feet singing and dancing. The DJ package (which is included in the price on request) brings an added dynamic to the proceedings. Great band and would fit any occasion. *They also wear awesome suits* Look elsewhere at your own peril. Sam Trett
Carberry Tower, Musselburgh, 2/11/13
The Ceilidh Experience played at our wedding at the end of 2013 and they were outstanding! Simply put they are top-class musicians with great energy and stage presence. It was really important to us to have a band that would cater to keen ceilidh dancers, eager but shy people who needed a bit of encouragement/guidance and also to entertain the wall flowers… Norman’s band absolutely nailed it. They have great character and I honestly believe they’re one of the best ceilidh bands in the UK (I’ve been going to ceilidhs for 10+ years and never seen a better band). Their DJ was top-notch too and the way they set up and interacted with each other and our friends and family made the whole evening a party… all of our friends said they had a ball and it was one of the best receptions they’d ever been to. I’d highly recommend the Ceilidh Experience to anyone!! Cameron Kirkwood
Hilton Grosvenor, Edinburgh, 1st Feb 2013
Hi Norman!! You and your band were absolutely incredible – I cannot begin to thank you enough! I’ve never heard such a clever mix of current songs into traditional ceilidh music, everyone absolutely loved it!! We’d definitely be keen to use your band again if the opportunity arises!! Thanks so much, Katie Cunningham
Priory Church, South Queensferry, 8th Sep 2012
Norman! How are you?! We’re not long back from honeymoon which is why I’m only just replying now. Thank you SO MUCH for doing such an amazing job at the ceilidh – we had such a hoot! You guys are fantastic and so many people were raving about you and asking for details. You really are THE ceilidh experience – thanks so much. Pam
Loch Ness Country House, 11th Aug 2012
Hi Norman had a fab day thanks so much for everything…you made the night..everybody has been singing your praises. Thanks Mr & Mrs MacDonald. X
Dalmunzie Castle, 15th April 2012
Hi Norman, We just returned from our honeymoon and I would like to thank you for the excellent service! Norman, your band at our wedding was simply perfect! They played really good and they were very friendly! Everybody loved it!!! Thank you so much again for everything!!! Stefano and Tania
Signet Library, 27th Oct 2011
Dear Norman, Just a little note to say a thousand thank yous for such magnificent music at our wedding ceilidh. Everyone we have spoken to since the day has commented on how fantastic you and your band were and how much fun they had on the dance floor. We both had an absolute ball with the dancing and were so pleased Ditte had recommended you! Please pass on your thanks to the others. We will be recommending you for many more friends weddings, so may hopefully see you again at some point! Best wishes, Charlotte & Allan
Tontine Hotel, Peebles, 30th May 2011
Dear Norman, Thank you so much for helping to make our day so special. The whole day was perfect and everyone thought so, but most comments were about the ceilidh and how much fun it was. Many thanks, Darren & Penelope
Auchen Castle, 27th March 2010
We just wanted to say a huge thank you for the ceilidh at our wedding at Auchen Castle in Moffat on 27th March. We had such an amazing time and will probably use any excuse to have another one asap! The musicianship was fantastic and as musicians ourselves we were really impressed by that – there’s nothing worse than thinking, “I can do better than that!”, especially at your own wedding!! Our guests really enjoyed the Ceilidh Experience too as most of them were Sassinaks and had no idea how to pronounce ceilidh let alone what to expect from a Scottish Barn Dance.
We could’ve gone on partying all night but alas all good things must come to an end.
Our thanks again, we had a perfect day and you guys added to that whole experience.
Warmest regards,
Ms. Amy Nicholson & Mr. Tom Walsh xxx
See us Live!
But, why not come and see us for yourselves?! Obviously we can’t invite you to weddings, but we do have regular public gigs which are listed on our Gig Page. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook to keep in touch with new events, and in the meantime check out our video/film page for some live clips!
