We are lochnagar

Lochnagar is a fun, energetic and authentic Scottish ceilidh band with a traditional sound and a contemporary feel. We’re based in south-east England, but we’re happy to play further afield - just ask. We play for weddings, parties, reeling nights, corporate events - basically, wherever a group of people want an evening that’s lively, memorable and fun. You can even see and hear us on Netflix’s The Crown!

Don’t know the dances? Don’t worry! We have an experienced caller to guide you through all the dances with infectious enthusiasm. Our usual line-up is accordion, fiddle and drums plus our caller who teaches the dances. However, we can adapt depending on the size of your event and your budget. The band has full PA amplification equipment that is suitable for most halls.

A Wedding night to remember

A ceilidh is the ideal way to celebrate your wedding or civil partnership. Everybody can be included and it’s a lot of fun! We’ll guide you and your guests through the steps so that everybody can feel confident and take part. We understand how important it is to get your wedding reception just right and we’ll tailor the ceilidh to suit your timings and preferences. If you want us to play for your first dance, just let us know. We’ve played for countless weddings, and know how to give you a fun-filled evening that your guests will remember for years to come.

We have some practical tips on how to run a ceilidh here

What to expect

A Scottish ceilidh involves dancing to live, traditional Scottish music. It’s a great way to get everybody involved and Lochnagar plays dances to suit all ages and abilities. The emphasis is on having fun!

The music is upbeat and lively, and the most popular ceilidh dances have simple steps that are easy to learn. Our experienced caller will encourage the guests onto the dance floor and teach them the steps. 

Lochnagar plays all your Scottish ceilidh favourites, including:

• The Gay Gordons 

• The Dashing White Sergeant 

• Strip the Willow 

• Military Two-Step 

• Canadian Barn Dance 

• The Eightsome Reel 

• The Virginia Reel 

• And many more... 

We can also play an extensive range of Scottish Country Dances and Reels to suit more accomplished dancers as required.

Lochnagar specialises in Scottish ceilidh. We have an authentic line-up of accordion, fiddle and drums and we play traditional jigs and reels, although if you listen carefully you might hear us sneak in the occasional contemporary tune in our sets!

Our exciting musical arrangements will get everyone up dancing!

We’ve included some detailed practical guidance on how to plan a ceilidh here.

If you book Lochnagar for your ceilidh, we’ll give you a memorable, fun evening that everyone will enjoy!

Watch

This video from Ceilidh Club in Hammersmith shows what we do, and the reaction we get…

And here’s a selection of live footage to give you a sense of the energy and excitement at Lochnagar’s ceilidhs…

The Crown

Lochnagar was thrilled to appear in Netflix’s ‘The Crown’, where we played a 1950s Scottish Dance Band at the Ghillies Ball at Balmoral Castle! You can see us (briefly) in period costume and Brylcreemed hair and hear us on the soundtrack of Season 1 Episode 10. Incredibly, the filming of this brief scene including the soundtrack recording, set-up, choreography, rehearsals, and multiple takes took two long days. As befitted the occasion, we were a little more gentile than our normal ceilidhs, which tend to be a lot more lively and energetic!

LIVE

Lochnagar often plays at the popular Ceilidh Club at Cecil Sharp House in Camden. We’ve been regulars at Ceilidh Club for around twenty years! It’s an opportunity to experience the ceilidh atmosphere first hand alongside around 300 other participants.

Upcoming public ceilidhs: