Start here: complete Step 1 and Step 2 now for an instant quote.

Step 1:

Is KJ CEILIDHS right for you?

Check we’re the right fit for you

A few quick clicks. No typing. Let’s shape your ceilidh!

What type of ceilidh or barn dance are you planning?

Send this to KJ

Use this summary for Step 2 (Instant Quote), or email it to us if you’d like to ask anything else.

Tap to open an email pre-filled to info@kjmusic.uk.

Email this to KJ

“Email this to KJ” opens your email app. On desktop, you can copy and paste this summary into our live chat feature or email it directly to info@kjmusic.uk

Step 2:

Build your quote

KJ CEILIDHS

Ready to start?

You can complete Step 1 and Step 2 here now.

It only takes a few minutes.

Under 15 minutes. A whole ceilidh, planned properly.

Welcome to KJ Ceilidhs

This is where you can start planning your ceilidh.

We’ve stripped out the back-and-forth and made it simple.

In under 15 minutes, you can shape your entire ceilidh and get a clear quote.

We then check availability, answer any questions, and if you're happy with everything, you can go ahead and book online.

No guessing. No chasing emails.

Just a brilliant ceilidh, planned properly.

How it works

You can book a ceilidh in 4 easy steps. We pride ourselves on ensuring every detail is taken care of, so there are no surpises on the day! We are proud of the level of care we provide.

Step 1 — Is KJ Ceilidhs right for you?

Answer a few quick questions.

No typing, just pick answers that fit your event.

Email the summary to us directly, or copy it ready to use in Step 2.

Step 2 — Build your quote

Use our instant quote tool to shape your ceilidh.

If you’re happy with your quote, send it over to us!

If you have any questions, fill in the quote form anyway, and we'll guide you through the rest.

Not every field is required, so there’s no pressure to fill out everything at this stage.

Completing the form does not bind you into anything!

Step 3 — We confirm availability

We check your date and answer any questions.

We work with the best folk musicians from all over the UK.

We have never had to turn a ceilidh down so far.

Step 4 — Book when you are ready

If it’s a good fit, you can follow your booking link.

Your date will usually be reserved for 1 week once you receive your link.
If you need a little more time, just keep in touch — there’s no pressure. Our priority is to deliver a brilliant ceilidh, planned properly.

You can then choose how to pay:

1) Pay instantly by credit or debit card online
All sorted. All booked.

or

2) Pay by invoice (more flexibility)
Your date is held with a £200 deposit.
The remaining balance is due 8 weeks before your event.

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.

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.

Whether it's a wedding, party, or corporate event, we guarantee top-quality music, expert calling, and a buzzing dancefloor.

Alfreton, Derbyshire - Christian Centre Event

Northampton - Re-enactment Society 40th Anniversary Celebration

What's the difference between line-ups?

Core KJ Ceilidhs Line-Ups

Compact (Accordion + Caller)

A simple, intimate ceilidh setup.

Accordion (with split mic for bass and melody)
Stomp box
An experienced caller

Accordion and caller, focused on clear rhythm, strong tunes, and confident guidance.

Ideal for very small spaces or relaxed events where simplicity and connection matter most.

Best for:
Small gatherings, informal events, tight spaces.

The Spark (Duet + Caller)

Compact, powerful, and expertly engineered.

Accordion (with split mic for bass and melody)
Stomp box
Fiddle or guitar
An experienced caller

Delivers a surprisingly big sound, strong drive, and an inclusive, high-energy dancefloor — this is never a stripped-back option.

Best for:
Up to ~100 guests, smaller weddings, parties, and venues where space is limited but energy is essential.

The Classic (Trio + Caller)

Our most popular ceilidh line-up.

Accordion (with split mic for bass and melody)
Stomp box
Fiddle
Guitar
An experienced caller

Rich, full-bodied sound with extra lift and warmth from the guitar, filling larger rooms with ease and keeping momentum high all night.

Best for:
Weddings, corporate events, and celebrations from 60–200+ guests.

Something a little different...

Extended & UK-Wide Line-ups (4–5 musicians + Caller)

A little different from our core line-ups, the same KJ Ceilidhs standards.

Alongside our core KJ Ceilidhs line-ups, we also work with established ceilidh bands across the UK who perform as part of the KJ Ceilidhs network.

These are permanent, well-rehearsed bands with their own established line-ups.
They are selected because they meet our musical, professional, and dancefloor standards, and because their approach to inclusive, well-run ceilidhs aligns with ours.

We match the band to your event based on location, size, and style — ensuring consistency, reliability, and quality at scale.

Best for:
Large weddings, festivals, corporate events, and UK-wide bookings where a full band is the best fit.

KJ Experience (CD + Hosted Party with Caller)

Available Soon!

A hosted ceilidh-style party — budget-friendly, with all of the quality you expect from KJ Ceilidhs.

This option includes 2 x 45-minute dance sets, expertly called and hosted, using KJ Ceilidhs' music.

The evening then flows into a 2-hour playlist disco, included in your package, keeping the energy up and the dancefloor moving.

You get the structure, pacing, and confidence of a properly run ceilidh, without the need for a full live band — ideal when budget, space, or logistics are a factor.

Best for:
Smaller budgets, venues with sound limits, or events where you want a full evening of dancing without live musicians.

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!

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.

Bespoke - Tailored to You

We pride ourselves on our adaptability and commitment to make every event unique and tailored to you in every way. Explore what we have to offer and how we can make your event unforgettable.

"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."

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 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.