Looking for a wedding band and DJ to add excitement to your special day? Finding the right entertainment is key to making your wedding memorable. With our high energy blend of traditional ceilidh tunes, and our own unique ceilidh-tinged versions of modern hits, Norman Mackay’s Ceilidh Experience are guaranteed to get everyone on the dancefloor, and have your family and friends talking about your party for months and years to come!
We’ve performed at countless weddings in Glasgow, and all across Scotland, the UK and Europe, in settings ranging from castles to village halls and even beachside weddings. With a wide range of experience, we’re ready to help you plan the perfect party for you and your guests.
If you are familiar with what a ceilidh is, you might want to check out some of our videos, to see our ceilidh rock band in action.
Or, read on to learn more about what exactly we bring to your wedding…
What is a ceilidh, and why have a ceilidh at our wedding?
A ceilidh (pronounced kay-ly, rhyming with ‘daily’) is a traditional Scottish dance party. The music is traditional Scottish music, usually featuring fiddle (violin) and accordion. The best ceilidhs have a live band. Ceilidhs are designed to get everyone on the dance floor, and the traditional group dances (often called Scottish Country Dancing) are designed in a way that gets people mingling and interacting with strangers and friends alike.
If you are planning a wedding in Glasgow, the chances are a lot of the guests will be familiar with at least some of the dances, and any guests from further afeild will be delighted to be introduced to this vibrant part of Scottish culture.
The dances have names like ‘The Dashing White Sergeant’, ‘Gay Gordons’, ‘Strip the Willow’, and ‘The Eightsome Reel’. Most dances require at least 6 people, but there’s no upper limit. During a dance you may find yourself spinning your partner round, clapping, stamping your feet, and holding hands with friends and strangers in a circle or a line.
The dances can be quite high energy, and they have a set pattern or choreography. Things can get somewhat chaotic, especially when people aren’t familiar with a dance. This is where the Ceilidh Caller comes in. The caller is either a member of the band or a dedicated ‘MC’ (master of ceremonies), and they will explain the dance steps before each song and often shout instructions during the dance to keep everyone right.
The main thing is that everyone has fun, gets to meet and interact with new people, and there is much laughter and whooping, and everyone works up a bit of a sweat and gets their blood pumping!
How long should a ceilidh be at a wedding?
Glasgow wedding ceilidhs normally take place in the evening as part of your wedding reception, after the meal and speeches. The best duration for a wedding ceilidh is around 2-3 hours, with a break in between sets. The Ceilidh Experience normally play a first set of around 60 to 80 minutes, followed by a break with buffet. Then we’ll take the stage again for another 45 mins or so.
In between the high energy dance sections of the night we can also provide a DJ to keep the vibe going, or you can use our playlist planner to pick your own favourite tunes. At the end of the night there is nothing better than finishing off with a rocked up live version of Auld Lang Sine.
Glasgow Rock Ceilidh Band with DJ
Our blend of ceilidh rock and Scottish dancing offers a distinct alternative to traditional Glasgow ceilidh bands or wedding function bands. With professionally arranged music and a well-rehearsed show, plus our in-house DJ and lighting, we promise an evening filled with uninterrupted entertainment!
We’re dedicated to making every wedding booking exceptional. To achieve this, alongside our residencies and other commitments, we cap our private events at 50 per year. This limit helps us keep our enthusiasm and energy high, making each event distinctly special. Our focus on quality over quantity ensures our clients enjoy outstanding service and the best experience possible.
How does the Ceilidh and DJ combination work?
While we can adjust timings based on the audience’s vibe, here’s our usual plan that tends to work well:
- The DJ kicks off with the first dance or dances.
- The Ceilidh Experience plays up to the break/buffet, typically lasting 60 to 80 minutes.
- Break / buffet – with background music.
- This is followed by a DJ set / Disco.
- In the last 45 minutes, the band returns for a dynamic ceilidh finale, climaxing with everyone joining in for The Orcadian Strip The Willow.
- The DJ then plays Loch Lomond, and the band concludes with a rock version of Auld Lang Syne.
Our DJ and musicians remain until the event’s end. If you’d like to adjust the balance between live music and records, feel free to tell us. Just give us ample notice to adjust our schedule for a smooth ending.
You can find our most asked frequently asked questions by clicking here. Please get in touch if you have any further questions.
Planning your Ceilidh Wedding
Booking with us grants you exclusive access to a user-friendly planning portal. Once you’re in, you can manage your booking and pre-arrange your music preferences ahead of your wedding day. We’ll communicate with the venue for you, ensuring timings are confirmed and all necessary documentation, such as public liability insurance and PAT certificates, are provided.
Moreover, Norman, our band leader, will be on hand to meet you personally before the big day to discuss details over a coffee. This personal touch with your wedding suppliers fosters a relaxed atmosphere, enhancing the specialness of your day. Why go for a standard Glasgow wedding band when The Ceilidh Experience promises an unforgettable night?
WATCH us in action – Videos here! | GET IN TOUCH – Click Here!
