KJ Folk Music
Welcome to KJ Folk Music — home of KJ Ceilidhs, our flagship ceilidh service led by Kathryn Johnstone.
Ceilidhs are at the heart of what we do. Whether it’s a full-band wedding ceilidh, a community dance, or a festival blowout, this is where we shine. We guarantee to get everyone up on the dancefloor, making your event truly unforgettable.
Over 10 Years Experience
With over 10 years of live performance experience, Kathryn is a skilled multi-instrumentalist specialising in highland bagpipes and diatonic accordion. She’s known for bringing energy, warmth, and character to every event — whether she’s playing a festival stage or piping someone down the aisle.
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KJ Ceilidhs is a new name, but it’s built on years of experience and a simple idea: to make ceilidh bookings more personal, more transparent, and consistently high quality.
Many clients are caught between small local bands (that vary in professionalism) and large ceilidh agencies that don’t make it clear who will actually show up on the day. Some agencies even pose as the band and musicians themselves — only for completely different musicians to arrive on the night.
Kathryn wanted to change that. KJ Ceilidhs brings together real musicians, trusted line-ups, and a booking process that’s clear from the start — all overseen personally by Kathryn herself.
What our clients say!
Testimonials From Our Ceilidhs
"Great band. We had a superb evening all due to them. Thank you so much"
Rated ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
"The band were brilliant and Kathryn was amazing on the bagpipes. We will definitely use this band again and I would highly recommend them to anyone who wants to have a good time"
Rated ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
"They were absolutely fab and everyone loved the ceilidh. It added a really special element to our wedding. Kathryn was also great at communicating with us and I would highly recommend them for anyone looking for a ceilidh group."
Rated ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
WVSA Approved
The WVSA (Wedding Vendors & Services Association) is an organisation that recognises trusted, high-quality wedding suppliers.
We're proud to be the only ceilidh band accredited by the WVSA, giving you extra confidence in our professionalism, reliability, and service — while still offering a personal, direct booking experience.
Encore Verified
Encore is a leading UK musicians agency that verifies professional performers and connects them with event organisers. Being Encore-approved shows we meet high standards of quality and reliability — but we prefer clients to book directly through our own system for a more personal, streamlined experience.
Meet Kathryn Johnstone (KJ)
Kathryn Johnstone holds a BA (Hons) in Business Management and Innovation and has over a decade of ceilidh experience through top UK bands and agencies. Now, she’s combining that expertise with a drive for innovation - bringing a fresh approach to traditional ceilidhs by offering bespoke, premium packages tailored to you alongside a new seamless online booking process.
Kathryn is a dynamic and creative musician with a deep-rooted passion for folk music. Based in Peterborough, and regularly performing across Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire, and beyond, she is known for her vibrant stage presence and the unmistakable sound of the diatonic accordion and highland bagpipes. She has even appeared on the BBC News many times over her musical career, showcasing her unique musical flair.
A strong advocate for community engagement, Kathryn also offers private bagpipe lessons, inspiring the next generation of musicians. She’s always exploring new ways to connect with people through music, ensuring each performance is not just a service—but a personal, memorable experience.
So if you're looking for a ceilidh or barn dance band with energy, quality, and a spark of innovation, get in touch today for your free consultation. Let’s make something truly special together.
Why Choose KJ Music?
We're more than a band. We're a community of elite performers, led by Kathryn Johnstone – accordionist, bagpiper, bandleader, and folk music innovator from Cambridgeshire. Whether you're after a high-energy ceilidh, relaxed acoustic sets, or a full day of carefully curated wedding music, you’re in the safest and most capable hands.
Innovatation Meets Tradition:
We deliver the best ceilidhs and barn dances, with exceptional musicianship and the powerful sound of the Great Highland Bagpipes.
We create an atmosphere of fun, laughter, and full client satisfaction. Our approach is personal and professional, blending traditional music with innovation and offering a bespoke, tailored service.
Expert Musicians:
Led by Kathryn Johnstone, one of the UK’s top-ranked folk musicians, we guarantee a world-class ceilidh performance.
Tailored to You:
Every ceilidh & barn dance package is fully customisable to suit your event’s every single need, right from the start. From intimate gatherings to large celebrations, we’ve got you covered.
High-quality & Professional Service:
We pride ourselves on being professional, reliable, and providing the highest-quality music, sound, and lighting. We will work with you to make sure every aspect of your event is perfect!
What Sets Us Apart?
✅ WVSA recognised and Encore approved
✅ Transparent packages, professional booking flow, and private client hubs
✅ Full risk assessments and PAT-tested equipment (led by our in-house Health & Safety professional)
✅ Real musicians, not just an agency front — when you book with us, we deliver
✅ Carefully curated team: BBC Folk Award finalists, festival headliners, and seasoned wedding pros
Bespoke: Ceilidhs Tailored to You
Whether you’re planning a wedding, a corporate event, or a lively gathering, we bring vibrant folk music that’s guaranteed to get everyone dancing, laughing, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
Every ceilidh is fully tailored to your celebration—you choose the line-up, the musical style, and even the theme. Whether you’d like high-energy festival vibes, an elegant traditional feel, or something completely unique, we’ll work with you to craft the perfect atmosphere for your event.
Let us turn your celebration into something extraordinary—your ceilidh, your way.
Did You Know?
Once you book, you’ll unlock your own private client page - your personal hub to share details, confirm timings, and shape your ceilidh exactly how you want it. Secure your date now, and relax knowing you can fine-tune everything later, hassle-free.
Areas We Serve
East Anglia: Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex
The Midlands: Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands, Worcestershire, Herefordshire
Other Counties: Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Cheshire, City of London, Cornwall, Cumbria, County Durham, Devon, Dorset, East Riding of Yorkshire, East Sussex, Gloucestershire, Greater London, Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Lancashire, Merseyside, North Yorkshire, Northumberland, Oxfordshire, Somerset, South Yorkshire, Surrey, Tyne and Wear, West Sussex, West Yorkshire, Wiltshire
We Can Travel Further Too
With the KJ-Led team and our Handpicked musicians, we can travel almost anywhere in the UK — and beyond.
We’ve even been booked for destination weddings in Spain!
If your event is outside our standard areas, just get in touch.
Travel and accommodation charges may apply, but we’re always happy to create something special — wherever you are.
Ready to Fill Your Dancefloor?
Weddings, parties, team celebrations — we bring high-energy ceilidhs and take care of everything for you.
✔️ Live music from top folk musicians
✔️ Disco included as standard
✔️ Customisable line-ups from 3–6 performers
Dates go fast – book early to avoid missing out!
A huge thank you to our friends for allowing us to use their amazing photos on our website:
Sue Gwynne at LuminArt Photography
Lesley Downham