FAQs                                

This first question was asked by a lady who wanted to book us, unfortunatly we were not available on the requested date, but prompted us to try and help.

Q"How do I know if a bands are any good? They all say they are good."

A. When looking at websites it can be very confusing, you should always trust your first impressions. Listed below are some pointers.

• Does the website look like care has been taken. This may indicate a sloppy attitude.
• Listen to the music on the web sites, play it via good quality speakers or head phones not the general little speakers that come with your PC. Play it at high enough volume to get a real feel for the music. Does it sound exciting or dull?
• Ask about the experience of the caller, how would they deal with, for example: Young children or older people who may not be so mobile.
  
• What strategies do they have if guests are reluctant to get up and dance.
• If you are having a fund raiser does the band  get involved with games or other ideas or just do nothing?
  

Q.Will it always be the same caller, as advertised?
A. In our case YES  ALWAYS
Other bands may use different Callers depending on availability. You contact the band  and they will see which callers are available.

Q.What is the difference between a Ceilidh/Ceili, Barn Dance and Hoe Down?

A.The music at a Ceilidh or Ceili would be more Celtic and the dancers may have some knowledge of the dances, a Hoe Down should have an American style and a Barn Dance may have a traditional or mixed styles. If you have any other questions please ask.

Q. How do I know if the band is what I'm looking for?

A.You can always ask to see them perform. A good band will be pleased to arrange a time for you to see them play.

Q. What if the equipment breaks down?

A.Our band only use high quality equipment, but for peace of mind we carry spares including PA. amps and mixers, instruments, mics, and cables.
Q. I am thinking of having an outdoor event, is there any thing I need to know?

A. Yes there is a lot information you will need, including health and safety considerations. There is no substitute for experience, always ask.

Q. Will the music be very loud?

A. All the bands instruments go into a central mixer, the volume can be turned up or down instantly from a master control without the need of  any other adjustments.

Q.  Does the band use/need amplification?

 

 The calculation

 

Rough guide example for 100 people/dancers.

 

People talking, dancing, shoe noise, stamping, laughing and being loud can be the equivalent of 300 watts.

Decibels (a measure of loudness) and watts (a measure of amplifier power) are common terms used to describe stereos.

For a unamplified band to compete with that noise level from the audience,

you would need a small/medium size orchestra.

 

It is cheaper to use a P.A. System ( public address system) instead of twenty musicians.
All bands have there own P.A. systems.

 
Sutton, Croydon, to West, North, East London. Acoustic or Electric.

Q. What dances do you use?

A.  Some of the dances Reeling

                                                  
Strip the willow                                                  
The Dashing White Sergeant   Scottish Dancing                          
The Gay Gordons                                                   
Stoke Golding                                                   
Cumberland Square Eight
Sweets of May
Siege of Ennis                                                                   Canadian Barn Dance                                                       Boston Tea Party

 COST 

Our price is for band hire up to four hours of performance time, which includes
a break. We would normally expect to arrive one hour prior to the start.
If an early set up is required an extra charge may be applicable.
              

EARLY SET-UP

Example: The wedding organizers may not want the band to play until
               8.00pm. But don’t want them setting up whilst the guest are arriving,
               eating or during speeches. They may want the band to be set-up by 2 p.m.
Therefore an early set up would be needed. Our normal quote is for a standard set up and performance time.

It is also customary to supply the band with refreshments normally at  
the same time as the guest.

Q. Why can't you just have your fees on the website?

A.  The cost of a local event would be totally different from a event in Scotland, to include travelling and hotels. (see note at the bottom of the page). There are also many variations that need to be taken into consideration. It can depend on the time of year, duration of the event, will an early set-up (weddings  and corporate) or a big band be required etc. We will get back to you quickly with the cost.

Re: Cost, just like buying a car, would you buy the cheapest? You may not want a Rolls Royce but you wouldn’t buy an old mini if you need a reliable car.
It’s reasonable to expect quality at a sensible price.

To get a quote is easy, phone or email us with the following information.  Click here

Step 1.  The date
Step 2.  The place (nearest town)
Step 3   Email or phone for quote.

Remember the price we quote is the price you get. No last minute extras added on.

Optional info, help us to help you.
Start and finish and set-up times of your event?
What search engine did you use?
What did you type in for the search?

                          

If the event is in any of the following areas we "do not charge travel expenses".

                                             Starting from  west to east:
                                   Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire,                      
                              Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridgeshire                                                                                    and  London.

Please note this is not line dancing.