Folk Music & Dance Experiences

For Care Homes and Day Centres

At KJ Folk Music, we are passionate about bringing the joy of folk music to all, including those in care homes. Our unique Care Home Experiences are designed to engage, entertain, and uplift residents with live performances and interactive activities that promote connection, creativity, and wellbeing.

Tailored Music & Dance Experiences for Your Residents' Enjoyment and Wellbeing

We are committed to creating an experience that is both engaging and tailored to the needs of care home residents, enriching their day with the power of music and dance.

Contact us today to learn more about our Care Home Experiences and how we can bring the magic of folk music, ceilidh dancing and Morris dancing to your care home.

Scotland from the Armchair

A warm, immersive Scottish experience with familiar songs, traditional tunes, stories. We teach optional seated ceilidh-style movements including clapping and hand-jive style movements. Designed to encourage gentle movement, singing along, smiles, and shared memories.

England from the Armchair

Traditional English songs, folk tunes, and stories, with simple, inclusive activities adapted for limited mobility. Plenty of opportunities for joining in at whatever level feels comfortable. We use bells and hankies for residents to join in, inspired by morris dancing and adapted for seated participation.

Ireland from the Armchair

Well-loved Irish songs and tunes, foot-stomping rhythms, and relaxed audience participation. A joyful, welcoming experience that encourages connection, participation, and lifts the room.

"Excellent afternoon at The Hermitage Care Home in Whittlesey. Our ladies and gentlemen were amazed today. You made lots of people very happy and even made some happy tears 👌👌 definitely recommend 🥰" 

"Cor! It was better than our bingo!"

"Thank you so much! I wasn't sure how the residents would react to the bagpipes, I know they're quite loud, but everyone really loved it!"

KJ CEILIDHS

Our Armchair Experiences are Inspired by KJ Ceilidhs

 

KJ is a measurement of energy.

We DELIVER energy.

We are KJ Ceilidhs.

 

Fun · Reliable · Clear

Professional ceilidh bands, live folk musicians, solo bagpipers and community music experiences across Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, London, the Midlands and nationwide.

KJ Ceilidhs Videos

Trusted By:

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

Kathryn Johnstone

Kathryn Johnstone: Over 15 Years Experience

With over 15 years of live performance experience, Kathryn is a skilled multi-instrumentalist specialising in Highland bagpipes and diatonic accordion (melodeon). She’s known for bringing energy, warmth, and character to every performance — whether on a festival stage or piping someone down the aisle.

 

KJ Ceilidhs & KJ Folk Music may be newer names, but they’re built on years of professional experience and a simple idea: to make bookings more personal, more transparent, and consistently high quality.

 

Many clients find themselves caught between small local bands — where standards and professionalism can vary — and large agencies where it isn’t always clear who will arrive on the day. Sometimes, agencies even present themselves as the performers, only for completely different musicians to appear on the night.

 

Kathryn wanted to do things differently.


Rather than promising fixed line-ups, KJ Ceilidhs guarantees quality, experience, and professionalism. Every booking is overseen by Kathryn, and every musician is selected and approved by her. She confidently puts her name behind the performance you receive.

FAQs

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 barn dance & ceilidh?

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!

How long do the sessions last?

Our Armchair experiences last 1 hour.

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.