KJ CEILIDHS

Elite Ceilidh Band Run By Top Folk Musician - Kathryn Johnstone

If you're looking for the best ceilidh band or bagpipers, anywhere in the UK - you're in the right place.

We bring the full experiences to life:

live ceilidh bands, DJs, Highland bagpipers, violinists, and much more, together in one seamless package.

Led by Kathryn Johnstone, KJ (bagpiper, accordionist, and experienced ceilidh caller), we're not just a band or another online agency, we're a close-knit family of top-tier musicians with incredible connections across the UK folk scene.

Our focus is simple:
Packed dancefloors, huge energy, and making your wedding or event truly special.

Our "Musical Moments" are the moments everyone talks about.

Professional ceilidh bands, barn dance bands, solo bagpipers, and hand-picked folk musicians for weddings, private parties, corporate events, festivals, and community celebrations.
Based in Cambridgeshire, covering Norfolk, Suffolk, London, the Midlands, with availability nationwide and internationally.

Musicians For Events

Professional solo performers & live music for ceremonies and special moments.

Highland Bagpipes

Classical + Modern Violin

Folk Fiddle

Guitar + Singer

Soloists, duets & trios

(Folk & More)

Including Highland bagpipes, classical musicians, and folk soloists - carefully matched to your event and location.

✓ Funerals & memorial services ✓ Entrance Music ✓ Drinks receptions ✓ Background music

✓ Private parties ✓ birthdays ✓ Public ceremonies ✓ Public celebrations & parades

Care Home Entertainment

Live music experiences designed for connection, memory, and joy.

Gentle, engaging performances tailored for care homes, community groups, and wellbeing settings.

Scotland from the Armchair

England from the Armchair

Ireland from the Armchair

Interactive folk music sessions

✓ Interactive care home concerts ✓ Dementia-friendly music sessions 
✓Day centres & supported living ✓ Disability & additional-needs settings 

✓ Small-group or 1-to-1 performances

 

✓ Sing-along sessions✓  Encouraging gentle movement ✓ Sharing memories

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 planned wedding music, your booking is in the safest hands.

🎵 Sound & musicianship

Music quality comes first.
Every musician is chosen by Kathryn Johnstone (KJ) for control, musical authority, and the ability to connect with real audiences. Performances are intentional, confident, and memorable.

✅ Experience & reliability

We are professionally run with clear systems and experienced oversight.


Trusted musicians, strong organisation, and contingency planning are built in, so events run smoothly from first enquiry to final note.

 

We regularly deliver:

  • weddings & private events

  • corporate bookings

  • care homes & wellbeing sessions

  • festivals & programmed stages

When you book a solo musician through KJ Folk Music, you’re booking more than an individual performer. You’re supported by a wider professional team who work together to ensure the music goes ahead smoothly, even if the unexpected happens.

That level of support brings real peace of mind throughout the booking and on the day itself.

💷 Clear pricing & booking

No vague estimates or hidden surprises.
Pricing is structured, transparent, and designed to make sense. You’ll know what you’re booking, what’s included, and what options are available.

🌍 Nationwide coverage

Based in the UK, working nationwide and internationally.
With strong coverage across East Anglia, London, and the Midlands, we deliver the same standards wherever the music takes place — in the UK or abroad.

Our Values

 Music comes first

Sound, musicianship, and audience experience sit at the heart of every booking. Each performance is approached with care, intention, and high musical standards.

Fair pay for musicians

We believe professional musicians deserve fair pay and clear agreements. Fees reflect the skill, experience, and behind-the-scenes work that is involved in delivering high-quality live music.

Folk music belongs to everyone

Folk music is living, shared, and for all ages. We bring high-quality live music into weddings, villages, care homes, festivals, and community spaces.

Innovation with purpose

Tradition and innovation go hand in hand. We develop new ways to reach people and communities whilst keeping musical quality central. Formats and delivery are shaped thoughtfully, and rooted in tradition.

Choice, clarity, and listening

Every event is different. We take time to listen, offer clear options, and help clients choose what suits them best.

What is a ceilidh & barn dance?

A Ceilidh & Barn Dance is a Lively Social Dance Party

A ceilidh or barn dance is a traditional social gathering full of high-energy folk music, where everyone joins in the fun—no experience needed!

With Live Power-Driven Folk Bands & Ceilidh Callers

Toe-tapping tunes from fiddles and accordions fuel the night, whilst a caller guides you through the easy-to-learn group dances.

Expect Whirling, Laughing, Cheering on the Dancefloor

Expect spinning partners, roaring laughter, and the unbeatable joy of dancing with friends old and new!

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.