Ceilidh Band & Barn Dance Band for hire

In Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk & beyond

For Weddings & Events

✅ Live Music - High energy & Traditional

✅ Expert Callers - Best in the UK

✅ Disco & Entertainment Upgrades

 

Weddings, Parties, Ceilidhs & Barn Dances Across Norfolk, Cambridgeshire & Suffolk

KJ Ceilidhs provide energetic, professional ceilidh bands for weddings, parties, and corporate events across Cambridgeshire, East Anglia, and the Midlands and further afield. With caller, fiddle, accordion, and stomp box at the core, our live ceilidh music keeps guests of all ages dancing all night. Whether you’re planning a rustic barn wedding, a black-tie corporate event, or a lively community ceilidh, we make every event unforgettable.

Trusted By:

From village halls to iconic venues, from top UK folk festivals, to smaller local events, Kathryn and her team have delivered music, top quality ceilidhs and barn dances to a wide range of events across the UK.

Fenland District Council, The Straw Bear Festival, Ely Folk Festival, FolkEast and more...

The Spark

The Spark – High-Energy Ceilidh Duet

Compact. Powerful. Completely unforgettable.

The Spark is our signature ceilidh duet: expertly engineered for weddings, parties, and events where space is tight but the energy needs to be huge. With cutting-edge sound design, full lighting, and top-tier musicianship, this duo delivers the punch of a full band in a compact format.

 

Accordion

Ceilidh Caller

Fiddle & Stomp box

 

Perfect for up to 150 guests.
Ideal for weddings, rustic venues, and parties where you want impact in a small footprint.

Book "The Spark" in 3 Easy Steps

The Classic

The Classic – Our Most Popular Ceilidh Band Package (Trio)

Powerful. Professional. Unforgettable.

The Classic is our most-booked ceilidh band setup—perfect for weddings, large parties, and corporate events. With a rich, full sound and unbeatable drive, this trio delivers a complete ceilidh experience that keeps your guests on the dancefloor all night.

 

Accordion

Ceilidh Caller

Fiddle

Guitar

Highland Bagpipes!

 

Perfect for up to 250+ guests. If you have the space, we have the sound!


Ideal for weddings, barn dances, and venues where you want a rich, driving sound that fills the room. A brilliant balance of energy, rhythm, and space.

Book "The Classic" in 3 Easy Steps

Verified Encore Ceilidh Band

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.

WVSA (Wedding Vendors & Services Association) Approved

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.

"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"

"Great band. We had a superb evening all due to them. Thank you so much"

"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."

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.

Ready to Explore Our Packages?

Let's make unforgettable memories!

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

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.

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

Our Services at a Glance

Ceilidhs & Barns Dances (Our Speciality)

 

  • Live folk music and expert callers bring the energy.

  • Choose Kathryn-led or one of our trusted Handpicked teams.

  • Tailored to suit any crowd — from relaxed to riotous.

  • Perfect for weddings, parties, festivals, and community events.

  • Always full of fun, connection, and brilliant dancing.

  • Optional add-ons available such as DJ package, early set up, themes, and more!

 

 

Weddings

 

  • We specialise in gorgeous, joy-filled wedding celebrations.

  • Add bagpipes, a folk trio, or a DJ to your ceilidh.

  • Live music for ceremonies, receptions, and evening parties.

  • Our all-inclusive wedding package covers everything you could wish for.

  • Seamless, stylish, and stress-free — we handle it all.

 

 

Corporate Events

 

  • Professional, polished, and fully risk-assessed.

  • Ideal for team building, awards nights, or client entertainment.

  • Add DJ, branding options, and early setup as needed.
  • Choose a high-energy ceilidh, a live folk set, or a full-day all-inclusive package with everything you could wish for.

  • Impress your guests with something genuinely memorable.

 

Highland Bagpipes

 

  • Traditional Scottish piping for weddings, funerals, and formal occasions.

  • Add that iconic sound to entrances, ceremonies, or tributes.

  • Available as part of a package or standalone.

  • Kathryn (The Fenland Piper) and her network bring experience and presence.

  • Also available as a thoughtful gift: Learn to Play the Bagpipes sessions.

 

 

Care Homes

Care Homes

  • Gentle, seated music and movement with live folk instruments.

  • Scotland from the Armchair: songs, stories, and ceilidh-inspired movement.

  • Morris Dancing Experience: bells, hankies, and songs to join in.

  • Adaptable for all needs — joyful, inclusive, and meaningful.

  • Perfect for Burns Night, St Andrew’s Day, birthdays or just because.

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.

 

 

Our Commitment to Innovation

At KJ Ceilidhs, we take a fresh, innovative approach to ceilidhs. We combine deep musical expertise with a focus on creating the best experience for you and your guests.

 Innovative & Modern Approach

Our ceilidhs are designed for everyone to enjoy, blending tradition with fresh energy. Kathryn, our band leader, has a BA (Hons) in Business Management and Innovation, ensuring we continually improve and adapt to create the best ceilidh experience possible.

Powerful Sound & Lighting

We provide top-quality PA systems and party lights to create the best sound and atmosphere for your event. In addition, we offer DJ services and bagpipes, ensuring an unforgettable experience for you and your guests! We keep the party going!

Lively, Inclusive Calling

Our expert caller makes sure everyone can join in, whether they're ceilidh pros or total beginners. But our callers don’t just lead the dances - they energise the room and connect effortlessly with the band and your guests, creating a natural flow and atmosphere that simply can’t be staged.

Nationwide Coverage

Our musicians and callers are based across the UK, allowing us to deliver the full KJ Ceilidhs experience wherever your event is. By keeping it local to our outstanding team members, we combine national reach with a personal touch.

Top UK Folk Musicians

Our band features some of the UK’s most sought-after folk musicians – artists who have performed at major festivals and events, and whose talents have been recognised by the prestigious BBC Folk Awards.

Flexible Line-ups

From a high-energy duet to a full band with bagpipes, we tailor our line-up to your event. Choose from our Duet, Trio, or Extended Band, and pick a style to match — whether it’s a KJ favourite, a lively English barn dance, or a traditional Scottish ceilidh, every element is fully customisable.