Our Commitment to Innovation

At KJ Folk Music, tradition and innovation go hand in hand.

We are proud to lead the way in raising standards for folk music entertainment, not just musically but across the whole event experience. 

    Our Innovations

    At KJ Folk Music, we're not just keeping up — we're leading the way. We're proud to set new standards in how live music is delivered, with genuine care for clients, musicians, and the planet.
    Here’s how we’re doing things differently:

     

    Professional Sound and Lighting: Using top-of-the-range PA systems and party lighting to create a truly professional sound and look at every event.

     

    Commitment to Safety and Compliance: Offering full risk assessments, PAT-tested equipment certificates, and health and safety documentation where required — alongside our standard £5 million Public Liability Insurance and £1 million Professional Indemnity Cover.

     

    The Handpicked Team Model: Introducing a unique model that allows for greater flexibility without sacrificing personal care, quality, or Kathryn’s oversight.

     

    Truly Local Musicians: Only advertising in areas where we have award-winning, trusted musicians on the ground — ensuring authentic, high-quality performances.

     

    Diverse Music Options: Offering Highland bagpipes, diatonic accordion, saxophone, and multi-instrument wedding and ceremony packages, as well as ceilidhs.

     

    Quality Over Quantity: Limiting the number of bookings we accept each year to ensure every client receives personal attention and a truly memorable event.

     

    Sustainability Matters: 0.5% of all card payments is automatically set to donate to Climate Action initiatives via Stripe to help offset carbon emissions and support global sustainability efforts.

     

    Seamless Online Booking: We are the only ceilidh and folk music band offering a full online booking process — no endless back-and-forth, just simple, personal service designed to prioritise user experience and save you time.

     

    At KJ Folk Music, we believe innovation isn’t just about technology — it's about making your experience better, safer, and more meaningful at every step.

    Our innovations include:

    • Using top-of-the-range PA systems and party lighting for a truly professional sound and look
    • Offering risk assessments, PAT-tested equipment certificates, and health and safety documentation where required on top of our standard £5 million Public Liability Insurance with £1 million Personal Indemnity Cover.
    • Introducing our unique Handpicked Team model, allowing flexibility without losing personal care and oversight
    • Only advertising in areas where we have local, award-winning musicians we know and trust
    • Offering Highland bagpipes, diatonic accordion, saxophone, and multi-instrument wedding and ceremony packages alongside ceilidhs
    • Prioritising quality over quantity by limiting our bookings each year, ensuring every event gets the attention it deserves

     

    Fair Pay for Top Musicians

    When searching for folk bands or ceilidh bands online, most of the top Google Ads results are agency listings. In fact, many of our fantastic musicians work across multiple agencies, simply because they need regular work. KJ Folk Music pays our musicians and  ceilidh callers properly, values our teams, and ensures everyone arrives motivated and ready to give their best.

     

    For you, booking through KJ Folk Music means that you get the same outstanding talent — but with real personal care, connection that can't be fakes, direct communication, and an experience that is completely tailored around you, not agency systems.

     

    Our Google Ads

    Unlike many others, KJ Folk Music only advertises in areas where award-winning local teams are genuinely available. This ensures that the performers at your event aren’t just available — they are local and truly the best for your area.

    Kathryn Johnstone: Owner of KJ Folk Music

    Kathryn herself is involved in every single event right from the very beginning — from your first message to the last dance of the night. Whether she's playing the Highland bagpipes for your ceremony, the diatonic accordion for your ceilidh, or supporting acoustic music sets with saxophone, double bass, cajon, or whistle as needed, you can be confident you're getting the very best in live music and party experience.


    Kathryn always works with a trusted circle of musicians she knows personally, selecting players she has performed with many times, that live the most locally to your event. This ensures that every KJ Ceilidhs event is filled with energy, skill, and a genuine sense of connection.

    Our Handpicked Teams

    When Kathryn is already booked, we can still deliver your ceilidh with a "Handpicked Team". These are musicians and callers she knows, trusts, and has worked with many times. It’s a little more like an agency setup for our Handpicked Ceilidhs, but Kathryn personally coordinates everything to make sure you get the same great quality, energy, and care.

     

    You will always be told if a Handpicked Team is selected for your event before you even confirm your booking, giving you complete transparency d peace of mind, with no surprises on the night!

     

    A lot of agency ceilidh bands are not open about the fact they are an agency. Kathryn has, unfortunately, seen clients disappointed  when a different band has turned up to the one advertised, when she's worked for agency bands. 

    In Conclusion...

    With a strong focus on professionalism, health and safety, and limited bookings to maintain quality, KJ Folk Music offers complete peace of mind alongside unforgettable music.

    Contact Us Today

     

    Let’s Make Your Event Unforgettable

    Get in touch today to check availability, discuss ideas, or build the perfect music package for your day.